Paper making processes using enzyme and polymer compositions

Abstract

Methods of making paper or paperboard are described. In one method, at least one cellulytic enzyme composition and at least one cationic polymer composition are introduced to a paper making pulp at about the same time to form a treated pulp. The pulp may also be treated with at least one cationic starch. The resulting pulp is formed into a sheet of pulp. Other paper making processes are also described. A paper making apparatus is also described for carrying out the methods. Paper and paperboard made according to the methods are also described.

Description

field of invention [0001] This invention relates to papermaking processes and the products produced by these processes. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment of papermaking pulp with a cellular enzyme and one or more polymers. Background technique [0002] Specific papermaking processes using enzymes to treat papermaking pulp are described, for example, in the following U.S. patents: US 4,923,565, Fuentes et al., US 5,110,412, Fuentes et al., 5,169,497, Sarkar et al., and US 5,308,449, Fuentes et al. Each is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to these methods, the papermaking pulp is contacted with the enzyme composition for a substantial period of time before the pulp is treated on a conventional paper machine. According to these methods, the pulp must remain in contact with the enzyme composition for at least 20 minutes before the pulp can be treated with conventional synthetic polymer compositions. This contact time ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, this method requires separate addition of synthetic polymer at a location downstream from where the enzyme first contacts the pulp, which is time consuming and complicated

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