Seed storage hemicelluloses as wet-end additives in papermaking

Author(s)

Lima‚ D.U. ; Oliveira‚ R.C. ; Buckeridge‚ M.S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Carbohydrate Polymers; v. 52, n. 4, p. 367-373, 2003.

Abstract

Xyloglucans and galactomannans are examples of hemicelluloses that can be accumulated in seeds of many plants, being extensively studied and used for industrial applications. Guar gum and starch are polysaccharides currently used as wet-end additives in papermaking, whereas xyloglucans have never been reported to improve paper quality. In this work we show that different types of xyloglucans improved the mechanical properties of paper sheets without affecting the optical ones. Addition of 1% (w/w) of hemicelluloses to cellulosic pulp was able to increase by about 30% the mechanical properties such as burst and tear indexes. Seeds of several species could be used as source for the production of wet-end additives, since the results did not vary with the source of polysaccharides. Even if the utilisation of these hemicelluloses will not cost less than starch or guar gum, it might represent an important strategy for sustainable use of rainforest species. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 98/05124-8 - Conservation and sustainable use of the plant biodiversity from the cerrado and Atlantic Forest: the storage of carbohydrates and their role on the adaptation and maintainance of plants in their natural environment
• Grantee: Marcos Silveira Buckeridge
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants