Application of Enzymatic Hydrolysis for the Yield Optimization in Froth-Flotation of ONP

Although cleaner and cheaper deinking of ONP could be performed at the neutral or low alkaline condition excessive loss from froth-flotation is unavoidable and so reduction of alkali or caustic soda dosage sacrifices recycling yield. Now the new trade-off regarding alkali dosage versus flotation yield is urgently required in order to set the optimized neutral or low alkaline deinking process of ONP. Lipase from Thermomyces Lanuginosus has an effect on desizing and deacetylation reaction and it could be applied to the stock of pre flotation secondary stage in order to reduce the flotation reject without the sacrifice of optical properties of flotation accepts. Instead of inorganic base, lipase could be applied as a biochemical catalyst for the selective modification of valuable hydrophobic particles in deinking stock, for example cellulose fines and inorganic fillers covered by hydrophobic additives or contaminants. When the enzymatic hydrolysis of ester bond could be made on the surface of hydrophobic particulates, unwanted float of fine particles could be prevented. Now the enhancement of flotation selectivity or the modification of the hydrophobicity of deinking stock is expected to be promoted by the enzymatic pre treatment. And the reduction of recycling cost with the saves of raw material, recovered paper would be possible as a result.