Abstract: In order to use the resources of the cathay hickory exocarp efficiently, the ectocarp powder was treated by laccase. The chemical compositions of the samples were determined, the microstructures of the lacasse treated and untreated ectocarp were observed by SEM, and the chemical structures of the samples were analyzed by using FT-IR and ¹³C NMR. The results showed that after laccase activation, the contents of lignin and extracts of cathay hickory ectocarps de creased and the powders were dispersed better, moreover, there was more exposed lignin on the surface. And the guaiacyl and syringyl lignin were degraded by β-O-4 fracture, and meanwhile more reactive oxygen species free radicals produced. This made the ectocarp surface to obtain more active groups and had higher reaction activity.

Key words: cathay hickory ectocarp, laccase activation, FT-IR, ¹³C NMR, SEM