Modifications of Asclepias syriaca fibers for paper production

The potential use of Asclepias syriaca fibers as raw material for papermaking has been investigated by using of different chemical and biochemical treatments. Fibers were refined and bleached with a total chlorine-free (TCF) sequence. An enzymatic treatment (with xylanases, cellulases or mixture of xylanases and cellulases) was applied before bleaching and carbohydrate solubilization, fiber morphology and handsheets properties were analyzed. Comparison of the effects on the pulp properties showed that xylanases treatment some improved papermaking properties. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.