A new use for TCF pulp with a high hexenuronic acid content

Abstract

The importance of HexA groups lies on their influence on the bleaching process and the properties of the resulting pulp. In this work, various aspects of HexA were examined in order to elucidate their role in eucalyptus fibres. Thus, the contribution of HexA to kappa number in eucalyptus pulp was estimated to be 1.05 units per 10 μmol of HexA. Also, HexA changes during an ECF and a TCF sequence were examined in relation to lignin. Interesting results were found by comparing the boosting effect of xylanase and the impact of the alkaline stage in both sequences. The antioxidant activity of eucalyptus pulp with a variable HexA content was also measured. Although the presence of HexA in pulp has so far been deemed detrimental, HexA can have a favourable effect derived from their antioxidant ability. This property of HexA can be useful to obtain TCF paper for use in food packaging for easily oxidized products