Effect of xylanase pretreatment on the kraft pulping of poplar

This study aimed to determine the influence of prehydrolysis of wood chips on the kraft pulping of Populus x euramericana. Optimum cooking conditions were determined by evaluating different alkali concentrations and cooking periods. Xylanase was used to hydrolyze chips before cooking. Prehydrolysis process increased the yield and viscosity of pulp. Consequently, the mechanical properties of paper changed remarkably. In contrast, the optical properties of the unbleached kraft pulp declined due to lignin content.