What Role Does Catalysis Play in the Pulping Process?
In the pulping process, catalysts are used to facilitate the breakdown of lignin, a complex polymer that binds cellulose fibers together in wood. The kraft process, one of the most common pulping methods, uses sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide as catalysts to achieve this. More advanced catalytic systems, such as those using enzymes like laccase and xylanase, are becoming popular due to their specificity and eco-friendliness.
