MODIFIED CELLULOSE PULPS, A METHOD OF HIGH PRESSURE PROCESSING FOR PREPARING SAME AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for modifying the properties of cellulose pulps. Said method consists of modifying the properties of cellulose pulps by means of cold/hot processing with the application of high hydrostatic pressure (100-1000 MPa) at temperatures between 0-100°C for a time period of between 1-75 minutes (or possibly longer). Said method can be used for any type of cellulose pulp, preferably in aqueous medium, with a consistency in the range of 0.1-40.0%. In treated pulps, the cellulose undergoes structural changes and amorphous cellulose accessibility increases. Said method improves pulp hydration due to the incorporation of water molecules which bind strongly to the cellulose. When previously dried pulps are processed, the swelling capability of said pulps is restored and problems relating to hornification are reduced. The structural changes that occur to the cellulose increase intrinsic fibre strength, and the hydration that occurs improves fibre flexibility, elasticity and bonding ability. The physical properties of the processed pulps are significantly improved, without decreasing the bulk of same. Consequently, it is possible to produce pulps with modified and improved properties, for various uses, particularly as raw material for the paper industry or as an excipient for the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.