METHOD FOR ENZYMATIC TREATMENT OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS, IN PARTICULAR CELLULOSE PULPS
The present invention concerns a method for enzymatic treatment of lignocellulosic materials, in particular cellulose pulps. According to a method of this kind, the material is contacted with an enzyme preparation having hemicellulase, cellulase and/or ligninase activity in order to hydrolyse the hemicelluloses, cellulose and/or lignin thereof. According to the invention, the counter-ions of the carboxylic groups of the lignocellulosic material are modified before the enzymatic treatment in order to render the material more suitable for enzymatic treatment. By changing the nature of the counter-ions of the carboxylic acids or by changing their degree or dissociation, it is possible to adjust the enzymatic action on the lignocellulosic material of the enzymes employed. At the same time, it is possible to select which part of the fibres is subjected to the enzymatic action.