Distribution of methyl-esterified galacturonan in chemical and mechanical pulp fibers

Abstract

The effects of chemithermomechanical pulping (CTMP), high-temperature (HT)-CTMP pulping, and kraft pulping on the distribution of the pectin polymer, methyl-esterified polygalacturonan have been qualitatively evaluated using immunocytochemistry. Pectin was immunolocalized using an antibody (JIM7) specific for partly methyl-esterified polygalacturonan. A fluorescent antibody was linked to JIM7 and analyzed by epifluorescence microscopy. Pectin was found in both chemithermomechanical pulps in similar uneven patterns: Some fibers showed no labeling, whereas others showed extensive labeling in patches restricted to the fiber surfaces. Pectin labeling of bleached and unbleached kraft pulps did not show any presence of pectin. Labeling was correlated to the presence of compound middle lamella tissue left on the CTMP-treated surfaces. Pectin on pulp-fiber surfaces may affect the interfiber bonds and thereby the pulp properties.