Method for Dissolving Cellulose and for Producing Cellulose Particles

Method for dissolving cellulose, characterized in that an aqueous suspension is prepared from the cellulose material to be dissolved, the suspension having a cellulose content of at least 0.1% by weight;

• the pH value of the suspension is adjusted to a range from 3 to 7, preferably from 4 to 6;
• an enzyme with endoglucanase activity is added to the suspension in an amount resulting in endoglucanase activity from 20 to 2000*103 IU/kg of dry pulp, preferably from 100 to 600*103 IU/kg of dry pulp;
• the suspension containing the enzyme is heated at a temperature varying between 40 and 65° C., preferably between 45 and 60° C. until the degree of polymerization of the cellulose is lowered not more than to a value of 100;
• followed by the addition of an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in an amount above 15% by weight;
• and then heating at temperatures varying between 15 and 50° C., preferably between 20 and 45° C. until at least 50% of said cellulose is dissolved.