The effect of selective cellulolytic treatments of softwood kraft pulp on sheet consolidation

Fibre fractionation was evaluated in combination with cellulase treatments to enhance the quality of paper produced from a fully bleached, never-dried softwood kraft furnish. This combined approach facilitated the selective t reatment of longer, coarser fibres, which seem to be less susceptible to re fining, as well as fibre damage, by the application of cellulases. Benefici al improvements in sheet properties, before and after refining, appear to b e the result of increased relative bonded area. Treatment with cellulolytic enzymes enhanced fibre flexibility and collapsibility, consequently improv ing sheet consolidation and network packing.