Abstract: A method of preparing modified cellulose pulp using arabinoxyolans is described. The method involves contacting, (i) an arabinoxylan with (ii) a cellulose pulp. The arabinoxylan of the process is in a form selected from a concentrated solution comprising arabinoxylan or a suspension comprising arabinoxylan. Also described are: a modified cellulose pulp prepared according to the present invention; and a particular arabinoxylan having on its main chain 5 to 20% arabinose substituents, and less than 5% 4-O-methylglucuronic acid substituents, (the percent weights being based on the total weight of the arabinoxylan).

Abstract: A process of recovering hemicellulose from lignocellulosic material (e.g., oat husks) is described. The process involves: (a) contacting lignocellulose with an aqueous alkaline solution, thereby forming an alkaline extract; and (b) contacting the alkaline extract with a precipitation bath that includes water and an organic liquid A which is miscible with water, thereby forming a precipitate comprising hemicellulose. In the method of the present invention: (i) the alkaline extract is not neutralised prior to contact with the precipitation bath; and (ii) after completion of precipitation step-(b) the precipitation bath includes organic liquid A in an amount of from 25 wt. % to 70 wt. %, based on the weight of the precipitation bath.