"SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF ENZYMES ON REFINING"

Abstract

Refining or mechanical treatment is applied to the pulp to obtain better fibre and paper quality in reference of bonding in paper, strength properties. But refining demand very large amount of energy. So to reduce the energy consumption or to get better paper properties on consuming the same amount of energy new technologies are embraced in paper making. In this study the synergistic effect of blend of three enzymes (two fungal based and one bacterial based) "Arnazone A" (Xylanase in nature) from GM microbes was evaluated. The result of this study was compared with that of an enzyme (Xylanase) from single source, at same enzyme dose and same operational conditions. The study was carried out at unbleached mixed hardwood pulp. By application of both enzymes deniability of pulp, strength properties of sheets were increased as compared to untreated pulp. But application of xylanase from single source revealed that blend of enzymes is efficient in enhancing the effect of refining but the synergistic effect of enzymes in blend is not higher than that of effect of xylanase from single source. Drainability of pulp is higher in case blend of enzymes but when strength properties were observed the enzyme from single source showed better results. So the blend of enzyme is effective in enhancing the effect of refining but its effects are not higher that the enzyme from single source. Also the energy consumption was reduced when deniability of pulp was fixed at a particular range. So the intensity of refining can be reduced and hence the problem of fibre cutting and fines generation can be minimised.