Nihan Arkis: Role of Hemicellulose Solubilization in Fiber Liberation

Retaining hemicelluloses during biomass fractionation is essential for improving pulp yield and papermaking quality. Fiber liberation relies on the softening or removal of middle lamella lignin, a process that requires sufficient cell wall porosity achieved through partial hemicellulose removal.

This project investigates the balance between generating the necessary porosity while minimizing hemicellulose loss. Accordingly, the carbohydrate and lignin composition, total yield, and porosity of softwood (pine & spruce mix) and hardwood (birch) chips treated under varying time, temperature, and pH conditions are analyzed.

These observations offer insights into the relationship between biomass component removal and structural opening, contributing to optimized cell wall accessibility for selective biomass treatments prioritizing hemicellulose retention.