Enzymatic treatments of paper surface using laccase, hydrophobic compounds and lignin

Abstract

This study demonstrates the potential of applying surface enzymatic treatments on finished paper sheets to improve their physical characteristics. Research studies have recently reported that is possible to internally size paper using enzymatic treatments, applied in mass. In the present work an innovative method for achieving enzymatic surface sizing on finished paper sheets is presented. A commercial filter paper and handmade eucalyptus sheets were surface sized with laccase derived from Trametes Villosa, Lauryl Gallate (LG) as hydrophobic compound, and soluble lignin. Moreover, this study shows the positive influence of sulfonated lignin since it acts as a dispersant, improving the homogeneous distribution of the LG along the paper sheet.