Microfibrillated Cellulose Production via Enzyme Refinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of microfibrillated cellulose from pulp is hindered by clogging issues in high-pressure fluidizers/homogenizers and high energy consumption, necessitating a process that alleviates these problems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hemicellulose-containing pulp refinement with low-dose endoglucanase treatment followed by homogenization, using a range of refining apparatuses and enzyme concentrations to produce microfibrillated cellulose, which reduces energy consumption and prevents clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pulp is pumped through high pressure fluidizers/homogenizers to manufacture microfibrillated cellulose, then microfibrillated cellulose is produced, but clogging occurs in the fluidizers
Solution Approach 1:
The pulp is refined before homogenization to reduce fibril aggregation and improve flow characteristics. This preliminary refining action prevents clogging in the subsequent high-pressure homogenizer by ensuring the pulp slurry has appropriate viscosity and fiber distribution, allowing continuous operation without blockages
2Productivity
If conventional homogenization methods are used to produce microfibrillated cellulose, then cellulose microfibrils are obtained, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophilic polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance during homogenization. This polymer acts as a mediator that facilitates the separation and fibrillation of cellulose fibers at lower energy inputs by reducing fiber-fiber adhesion and improving slurry flow, thereby achieving microfibrillation with reduced energy consumption compared to conventional methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively produces microfibrillated cellulose with a higher specific surface area, enhancing its reactivity and applicability in various products while minimizing energy usage and clogging issues.
Implementation Method 1
treating said pulp with one or more cellulases of endoglucanase type at a relatively low enzyme dosage wherein said enzyme is used at a concentration of from 0.75 to 10 ECU/g fibres
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for treatment of chemical pulp for the manufacturing of microfibrillated cellulose comprising the following steps: a) providing a hemicellulose containing pulp, b) refining said pulp in at least one step and treating said pulp with one or more wood degrading enzymes at a relatively low enzyme dosage, and c) homogenizing said pulp thus providing s aid microfibrillated cellulose. According to a second aspect of the invention a microfibrillated cellulose obtainable by the method according to the first aspect is provided . According to a third aspect of the invention, use of said microfibrillated cellulose according to the second aspect in food products, paper products, composite materials, coatings or in rheology modifiers (e.g. drilling muds) is provided .