1.

Retention Aid
Posted on November 14, 2012 by admin

Retention Aid is the key to cost savings in paper mill. Retention aids are used wet end of the
paper mill to improve retention of fine particles, fillers, additives & sizing agent during the
formation of paper. Particularly retention aid is need to be added in alkaline paper making
process, but not in acidic paper making process because in this process alum act as a retention
aid. The modern paper making technology is alkaline paper making process. Moreover modern
paper mill operate high speed paper machine and they increased the usage of recycled fibers. In
this case the task of retaining is more challenging and paper machine runnability will be
decreased. As a result the papermaking process becomes less economical. Hence the demand of
retention aid is increased to saving cost.
The chemical most used as retention aids are polyacrylamide, polyethyleneimine.

Troubles of low retention:

Papermaking is in essence a filtration process. The paper machine wire cloth can be considered
as a continuous filter; where a proportion of the solids in the stock is retained and some fine
particles are drain through the wire cloth mesh with water and formed white water. The greater
part of the white water is returned to the stock, with the result that the concentration of fines and
fillers gradually increases. It should be retention otherwise face to following troubles:
 Fine fiber particles and filler drainage
 Higher additives and sizing cost
 Increased deposits
 Decreased runnability
 More downtime for cleaning
 Filling of wet-press felts
 Bad paper sheet formation
 Higher sewer losses

Function of retention aids

The best retention of fine particles and colloids in the papermaking process normally occurs
when the zeta potential is near to zero and retention aid doing that. The main functions of
retention aid are following:-
 Accelerate drainage, hence increased machine speed
 Improved retention of fines and fillers
 Reduced wet-end additives and sizing usage
 Reduced steam usage due to better surface contact
 Reduce deposits
 Reduce sheet breaks
 Improves paper machine runnability
 Improved paper sheet formation
 Increased brightness
 Cleaner white water system
 Reduce downtime for cleaning
Overall, Increase the productivity

Disadvantages of retention aid

If retention aid is used as overdoses than a highly flocked sheet is formed. Moreover increase
paper web break, two sideness and decrease paper machine runnability. Hence to optimize
runnability it is need to be adding only the proper amount of retention aid.

2. Dispersing Agent for Paper Making

Posted on September 21, 2019 by admin

Dispersing agent is used in paper making process as additive to provide uniform stock by
separating fiber or particles and to prevent clumping and setting. It is a polymer compound with
high molecular weight. Normally it is white fine granulated powder. Dispersing agent is water
soluble and has high viscosity in aqueous solution. It is also known as dispersant agent. Very
low dosage (approximately 0.2kg to 5kg/ton) of it works properly for separation. There are
different types of dispersant chemicals (such as sodium salt of polyphosphate, polyacrylate or
silicate) are available in the market but the anionic polyacrylamide is very popular.

Effects of dispersing agent

The paper dispersant has high dispersion efficiency.

1. It improves evenness, softness and viscosity of the pulp.

2. It increases the wet and dry strength and stiffness of the paper.
3. It makes the final paper product more uniform formation, smooth and flexible without
creating any pinholes. It improves the opacity, brightness and printability of paper.
4. The Dispersing agent also improves the machine speed and increase production. It reduces
energy consumption and save pulp beating time.
5. Overall, it has economical benefits.
Usage and preparation

Temperature and stirring time is important for the effectiveness of the dispersant agent. The
longer stirring time will damage the action of this agent. Always use freshly prepared aqueous
dispersant solution; otherwise it will lose its dispersing effect after one or two days. The small
amount of this chemical can works properly. The actual dosing of it can vary depends on the
various paper product (printing paper, writing paper, tissue paper, newsprint paper, paper
board). It may be 0.2kg to 5kg/ton. Use proper amount of the dispersant agent. If you use less
amount then it will not works properly. On the other hand, high dosing will create unnecessary
waste.

Mechanism of Dispersant agent

The dispersing agent should not a barrier for using other paper making aid or it should not be
affected by other agents. It has a surface tension activity. It will wet the solid particles, which is
advantageous for the dispersion of the fibers, fillers and other solid particles. The dispersing
agent creates a negative attraction between particles thus reduces the interaction among the
particles and therefore the fibers, fillers and other solid particles remains separately in
the colloidal system which has a better flow properties. Then the uniform stock remains stable
for longer time. The dispersant agent is widely used in various paper making process like
writing and printing paper tissue paper, news print paper, paper boards etc.

Specification:

The specification of Dispersing agent for paper making may be as follow:

1. Physical Appearance: Powder.

2. PH (1% Dilution): 6- 10.
3. Solubility: readily soluble in cold & warm water.
4. Effectiveness:- Must be effective for dispersing of the pulp fiber bundles in both acid
sizing & alkaline sizing.
5. Self life: To be declared by bidder.
6. Moisture: ≤1.0%
3. Dry strength additives
Posted on November 3, 2012 by admin

We meant by dry strength additives, a number of natural and synthetic polymers that are mixed
in paper mill industry with the stock at the wet end to improve some properties of the dry paper.
Normally dry strength additives are water soluble.

Dry strength additives are used in paper mill to increase the strength of paper. It increases the
strength of paper by increasing internal bond formation. Moreover dry strength additives
improve bust strength, tear strength, wax pick values, folding endurance, stiffness, machine
runability, increase levels of paper filler uses etc. Dry strength additives also reduced linting
and dusting.

The polyelectrolyte’s dry strength additives become part of the existing complex colloid
suspension of wet end side of paper mill industry and can be act as a retention aid. But this
beneficiary is depends on a certain levels of uses. High addition rate can be brings negative
effect, resulting poor retention and poor water removal.

Dry strength additives are used for greatly in printing and converting grades paper than in
packaging grades. Dry strength additives are the highest uses in coating base papers, paper
grades from recycled fiber and mechanical pulp.

Different gums, vegetable extractives and synthetic polymers are used in paper mill as dry
strength additives. Such as cationic and amphoteric starches, natural gums (guar, locust bean or
tamarind), cationic polyacrylamides, cationic glyoxylated resins, modified polyamines,
carboxymethyl cellulose etc. The dry strength additives can be used individually or in
combination.

4. Sizing Agents
Posted on January 30, 2013 by admin

Sizing agents are applied into the paper to impart certain desirable qualities. The main function
of sizing agent is to increase the resistance to penetration of water or other liquids into the paper
so that the paper is suitable for printing, writing and other purpose. It can be achieved either by
using wet-end additives or by applying a suitable coating to the surface of the dried paper.
Sometimes a combination of treatments is required. The wet-end Sizing agents also decrease
dusting, control spreads of inks, improve dewatering, retention of filler and fibers, improve
paper quality, smoothness, dimension stability, abrasion, decrease porosity and improve paper
machine runnability.

Types of Sizing Agent

There are two types of sizing agents; internal sizing agents and surface sizing agents.
Internal--Sizing--Agents
Internal sizing agents are used in papermaking process at the wet end. The most important
internal sizing chemicals are alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), rosin and alkyl succinic anhydride
(ASA). The internal sizing agents should have some basic characteristics such as high
hydrophobicity, good retention on fibers, uniform distribution throughout the fiber surfaces, and
must strongly bonded with fibers.
The internal sizing agents can also be classified into acidic type sizing chemical and basic or
neutral type sizing chemical. Rosin and its derivatives are acidic type sizing agent. On the other
hand AKD and ASA are basic or neutral type sizing agent.

Surface—Sizing--Agents
Surface sizing agents have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends. It is forms a thin film on
paper web, the hydrophilic tail of it joined with the fiber, whereas hydrophobic tail facing
outwards. The thin film reduces paper dust; improve surface strength, printability and water
resistance of the paper. There are different chemicals are used as surface sizing agent such as
modified starches, Styrene Maleic Anhydride (SMA), Styrene Acrylic Emulsion (SAE), Styrene
Acrylic Acid (SAA), Ethylene Acrylic Acid (EAA), gelatin and Polyurethane (PUR). It is
normally applied in a paper mill though the size press at dry end section.

AKD sizing agent

Posted on June 16, 2013 by admin

Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) is most common neutral/ alkaline sizing agent. It is an Internal
sizing agents. Structurally, it is unsaturated lactones and it is synthesized from fatty acids.
Physically it is waxy like milky emulsion chemicals. The waxy solid tiny particles (0.5–2 mm)
are dispersed into water and the emulsification are stabilized by the cationic starch or another
cationic polyelectrolyte stabilizer.

The reactive lactones rings of AKD can easily goes under chemical reaction. It reacts with the
hydroxyl groups of cellulose and forming an ester bond (b-keto esters).

The availability and the reasonably priced of calcium carbonate makes it the popular filler
material. But this filler material is unstable in acidic medium, hence the usage of
neutral/alkaline sizing agent are increased.
Recent years AKD is the most extensively used reactive sizing agent in the high quality printing
papers production.

Alkaline sizing agent improves surface conditions of paper. The Neutral/Alkaline Sizing Agent
(AKD) also reduces paper machine breakdown and water recycling difficulties compare to
Acidic sizing agent.

The function of AKD sizing agent depends on different technological parameters such as ph
value of the fiber suspension, raw materials, method of drying, temperature, time etc. AKD is
much less reactive than ASA; hence it is more flexible for papermakers during usages. It means
that it can be add to the thick or thin stock. However the presence of PCC in the system can
lessen the efficiency of the sizing agent.

It should be followed the manufacturers instruction during storage especially temperature and
time since AKD is slowly hydrolyzed.

ASA sizing agent

Posted on June 25, 2013 by admin

Alkenyl Succinic Anhydride (ASA) is basic or neutral type sizing agent. It is wax like
chemicals. ASA is used as internal sizing chemicals for paper. Structurally, it is unsaturated
linear chain having five-membered anhydride ring and it is synthesized from Alfa-olefins and
maleic anhydride. The anhydride ring has no fixd position in the chain, so it is called that ASA
is a mixture of isomers. Physically it is yellowish oily like emulsion chemicals. The waxy solid
tiny particles (0.5–2 mm) are dispersed into water and the emulsifications are stabilized usually
by the cationic starch or another cationic hydrophilic polyelectrolyte stabilizer. Sometimes
some little amount of surfactant is used in emulsification.
The reactive anhydride rings of ASA can easily goes under chemical reaction. At first it is
hydrolyzed with the water. Then, it is form covalent bond with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose
and forming an ester bond (b-keto esters).

The availability and the reasonably priced of calcium carbonate makes it the popular filler
material. But this filler material is unstable in acidic medium; hence the usage of
neutral/alkaline sizing agent like ASA is increased.

Alkaline sizing agent improve paper machine runnability, preserve paper’s dimensional stability
increase resistance to water penetration, surface conditions of paper and maintain a high
frictional coefficient. The Neutral/Alkaline Sizing Agent (ASA) also reduces paper machine
breakdown, reduce dusting, reduce picking of vessel segments during offset printing and water
recycling difficulties compare to Acidic sizing agent.

It should be followed the manufacturers instruction during storage especially temperature,

humidity, water and time since ASA is hydrolyzed.

Rosin sizing agent

Posted on December 19, 2013 by admin

Rosin is acidic type sizing agent. In paper mill usually it is used as internal sizing agent. Rosin
and its derivatives are cheap to produce and produced from regenerative raw materials. Hence
these sizing agents are still a good number widely used of all wet-end sizing agents. Another
source of “rosin” is ‘tall oil’ that is produced during kraft pulp manufacturing from softwood
species. This rosin is a series of chemicals and one of the most important components of this
type rosin is abietic acid, which is a partially unsaturated compound with one carboxyl group
and three fused six-membered rings.

In the case of these sizing agents the degree of sizing can be controlled very easily. It has
another advantage that the sizing effect is fully cured when the paper leaves the paper machine.
Gum rosin is a natural product of pine trees.

The following rosin derivatives are used as sizing agent:

Fortified rosin size: Fortified rosin sizing agent is produced by the reaction with gum rosin and
fumaric acid or maleic anhydride under suitable conditions. This is Diels-alder adduct which
acts as a very effective sizing agent. The Diels-Alder adduct contains extra carboxyl groups and
produces more proficient sizing response than the unreacted resin acids. It is common that the
rosin which is extract from tall oil is fortified with fumaric acid. In this case some of the abietic
acid and related compounds are converted into tricarboxylic species.

Cationic rosin size: Cationic rosin sizing agent is a effective sizing agent for paper. It decreases
the consumption of additives as like alum, reduce environmental pollution by reducing
discharge of acidic sewage, improve the paper quality as minimal acid is uses. Rosin soap size
is a one kind of cationic rosin sizing agent.

Rosin soap size: It is sodium salts of resin acids. This rosin size is formed by neutralizing
(saponifying) resin acids with NaOH or other sodium base, as like Sodium carbonate. There are
different types rosin soap size are available such as extended size, paste size and dry size.
Free rosin: The carboxyl groups of resin acids are totally protonated form.

Extended size: A 50% neutralize solid product.

Dry size: A 100% neutralized dry rosin size product that dissolves easily in water.

Paste size: A 80% neutralized rosin size product.

Neutral Size Rosin: Neutral Size Rosin can be used in neutral conditions and this type rosin is
suitable for the use of calcium carbonate as filler materials thus improving optical properties.

Function of rosin sizing agent: Aluminium resinate is the active component for rosin sizing
agent. Aluminium sulphate or polyaluminium chloride is used after rosin sizing agent to obtain
this reagent. Aluminium resinate oppose penetration the water into paper. Sizing effect can be
attained by the electrostatic interactions with cellulosic surface.

5. Amphoteric Starch
Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin
Amphoteric starch is a modified starch that contains positively and negatively charged
substituent groups. It is used as wet-end additives, surface sizing agent and coating agent in the
paper mill industries.

In the paper making process several materials are anionic such as wood fibers, titanium dioxide,
clay, expanders, pigment dispersant, black liquor, bleach chemicals etc, whereas some materials
are cationic such as alum, poly aluminium chloride (PAC), cationic resin, some retention aids
etc. So it is very significant to maintain a clean and ionically balance environment to attain
efficient result, which is done by amphoteric starch.

Amphoteric starch at the same time contains cationic group and anionic group. Usually cationic
groups can be amino, ammonium, sulphonium or phosphonium group whereas anionic groups
may be phosphate, phosphonate, sulfate, sulfonate or carboxyl groups. Among these cationic
groups quaternary ammonium group is more preferred by the papermakers. On the other hand
among the anionic groups phosphate group is best choice. The position of the anionic groups
and cationic groups may be at same position or different position in the starch. The effective
raw material for producing amphoteric starch is waxy maize due to highly content amylopectin.

Function of amphoteric starch

The benefits of amphoteric starch are following; especially when alum and PAC are used in
paper making process.
 enhances dry strength properties
 improve drainage which lead to better sheet formation.
 retention of fines and fillers
 Better print quality

Specification of amphoteric starch:

1. Physical appearance: odorless white to off white dry powder
2. Moisture Content % w/w (at 105°C-110°C): 14max
3. pH value: 10% aqueous solution, 5-8
4. Viscosity 2% Solution at 50℃: 60-80 CPS
5. Whiteness: 85%min.
6. Fineness (100mesh): 99% min
7. Nitrogen content: up to 0.3%
8. Ash (dry solid basis): less than 3.0%

6. Maize starch
Posted on February 24, 2013 by admin
Maize starch is also known as corn starch. Maize starch is most popular among the native
starch. It contains low ash and low protein. In paper mill industries maize starch or corn starch
used as wet end additives, tub sizing or surface sizing agent, coating agent and binder. Maize
Starch is changed into a smooth paste during cooking within a short time.

Function of maize starch

In paper mill industries the primary function of corn starch or maize starch is increase dry
strength and surface improvement of paper. As a wet end additives maize starch increase paper
strength, increase paper stiffness and rattle of the paper. As a surface sizing agent it is improve
appearance and erasibility, restrains ink penetration, form firm surface (which is suitable for
better writing and printing) and also prepare the paper sheet for subsequent coating. As a
Coating agent maize starch enhances printability and gives a glossy and a fine surface of the
paper.
Since the pH value of maize starch paste is sustained in neutral range or below the neutral range
so it is unnecessary to add any antifoaming agent into the maize starch systems because
foaming is normally related with high pH. Moreover maize starch does not rupture during
cooking whereas tapioca starches split up.

Specification of Maize starch

1. Appearance: white or light yellow shadow
2. Fineness (100 mesh): 99.5% min
3. Moisture content % w/w (at 105°C-110°C): 14max
4. pH value: 4.5-6.5
5. Whiteness: 90.10 min
6. Protein: 0.50% max.
7. Ash content % w/w (at 550°C): 0.3 max.
8. Cold water solubility: Nil
9. Fat: max. 0.20%
10.Adhesivity: good
11.Shelf Life: 1-2years
12.SO2: max 30mg/kg

7. Calcium Carbonate
Posted on January 1, 2013 by admin

Calcium carbonate is used in paper mill as a filler material in the alkaline papermaking
process. Now a days Calcium carbonate dominant over other papermaking filler materials;
though at the first stage of papermaking kaolin was 1st choice. The main reason behind the
preference of calcium carbonate is the demand for brighter and bulkier paper.
There are significant benefits to the use of calcium carbonate in the al¬kaline papermaking
process. But Calcium Carbonate filler is unsuitable in acid papermaking and wood-containing
paper.

Usually Calcium carbonate occurs in three natural forms such as limestone, chalk and marble.
Naturally it is forms between the reactions of calcium salt and carbon dioxide. This process is
still going on in the Oceans.

There are two types of calcium carbonate used in paper mill – ground calcium carbonate
(GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC).
Ground calcium carbonate (GCC)

Ground calcium carbonate is manufactured by grinding limestone or marble because of their

high brightness and purity. Generally the particle shape of ground calcium carbonate is
rhombohedral. This filler material is used in alkaline wood free papermaking process. The
brightness of GCC is 86-95%.
Advantages of Ground calcium carbonate (GCC)
GCC is cheaper and it has high brightness.
GCC creates a porous surface on the paper sheet due to its rhombohedral particle shape.
GCC is hydrophobic as a result it is liberate water more rapidly.
Improve printability
Lower binder demand

Disadvantages of Ground calcium carbonate (GCC)

The rough particle shape of GCC creates a problem; it is more abrasive and shortens the life of
paper machine clothes.

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)

Precipitated calcium carbonate is the form of CaCO3 which is manufactured by chemical
reactions and the process is known as carbonation process. PCC improve the drawback of GCC,
it is provide better gloss and opacity properties for the paper. Because of the structure of PCC is
different from the structure of GCC. The crystal structure of PCC are needle-shaped,
rhombohedral(cubic), scalenohedral (triangular) and prismatic. The brightness of PCC is 90-
97%.

Advantages Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)

Increase machine speed and productivity.
Improve water drainage
Improve machine runnability
Improve print quality
Cost-effective papermaking process
Increased opacity and brightness
PCC is less abrasive than GCC
Reduce fiber consumption compared with GCC or talc
More retention compare than other paper fillers

Disadvantages Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)

PCC containing paper sheets are poorer formation than GCC containing paper sheets.

8. Talc
Posted on January 17, 2013 by admin

What is Talc
Talc is well-known as talcum powder. It is a natural hydrated magnesium silicate –
H2Mg3(SiO3)4. Talc is a soft, low abrasive, flat-like particle, chemically inert and organophilic
material. These are reason why many paper mill use this filler. commercially talcum powder is a
wide range of mineral mixtures. Hence pure talc is difficult to find. Following parameters are
important for choice of talcum powder brightness, loss on ignation, fineness, moisture, pH
value etc.

Advantages of Talc
 The uses of talc as a paper filler is suitable for rotogravure printing process. Two things are
very important for rotogravure paper; paper smoothness and good spool formation. As talc is
a flat-like particle, it helps improve the paper smoothness. The low coefficient of friction of
talc helps to produce a large spool with constant tension.
 Talc is an organophilic, so absorbs impurities from the process, such as pitch, resin particles.
Hence talc is used as a cleaner of the wet-end system of the paper machine. Talc also
prevents agglomeration. Therefore improve paper machine runnability.
 Low cost hence it is economical.
 Good retention
 Less wire abrasion hence extends life time of the wire cloth in paper machine compare with
the GCC and PCC.
 Improve dewatering.
 Lower effect on the paper strength compare with other fillers.
 As talc is organophilic it is helps to reduce dye consumption and two-sidedness in colored
paper.

Disadvantages of Talc
 Higher dusting tendency during printing and in dryer section during paper production.
 Talc is a hydrophobic, hence it is difficult to preparation water-based dispersion.
 As talc is an organophilic, hence it is not suitable for offset printing. Because in offset
printing process image transfer by using a hydrophilic/hydrophobic action.

9. Paper Filler
Posted on October 5, 2012 by admin

Filler is the most important material of paper mill. It is usually used in paper mill to reduce cost.
Depending upon the performance characteristics of the particular filler as well as the percentage
added these materials can enhance the physical, optical, price-performance & esthetic properties
of the finished paper. Fillers is used in the wet end operation of paper making.
A good paper filler should be exhibit good distribution within the sheet, no dusting, maximize
strength, maximize bulk etc.
One of the survey shows that the filler used in North America PCC 70%, GCC 13%, Kaolin
15%, TiO2 2%, Silica/Silicates 0.3%, talc 0.1% and Aluminium Trihydrate 0.1%. In Europe
used of PCC increased day by day.
Advantages of paper filler
Fillers that are dominantly applied in the paper mill are mostly minerals. There are quite a lot of
reasons why fillers are used in papermaking. The main reasons are their low cost compared to
fiber; since the cost of paper filler is one third or one fourth of fiber. The application of fillers
also increased brightness, opacity, productivity, improve printability (smoothness, ink
absorption, show through), gloss of paper, sheet formation (fill in void), dimensional stability,
paper’s appearance etc. In addition they increased water drainage and drying rate of the formed
sheets.

Problems of using paper filler

There are some negative effects on paper with the use of filler such as reduced paper strength,
increasing the demand for sizing agents, retention, abrasion, dusting, sheet two-sidedness and
reduced bulk. Moreover Calcium Carbonate filler is unsuitable in acid papermaking and wood-
containing paper. A final product of higher density is also a drawback.
The choice of filler material and the loading level are determined according to kind of pulp
furnish, paper grade, process and paper machine configuration.

Important characteristics of paper filler

Particle size, particle shape, specific surface area, light absorption properties, particle charge,
refractive index and abrasion are more important characteristics of filler materials.

Particle size: It is plays an important role on the optical properties of any paper filler. If particle
size of filler is fine, then it scattered good light. Particle size also affect on drain-ability and
resultant reduction in steam consumption.

Particle shape: Particle shape is a significant factor for optical properties. It is also affects
abrasion values. Minor the abrasion value longer the wire-life.

Specific surface area: The specific surface area of paper filler depends on the particle size,
shape & degree of agglomeration. It is helps in light scattering & also influences the strength &
printing characteristics of the paper.

Effect on paper strength: filler material has negative effects on paper strength. If more filler
uses, then it is interfering with fiber to filler bonding within the sheet. Hence the bond
formation is weak, so reduced the paper strength. Moreover weak bond will be increasing the
dusting tendency.
Abrasion: The abrasive characteristics of paper fillers increase wear to wire on the paper
machine and to the printing plates in the printing press. The crystalline nature, hardness,
impurities and large particle of the filler tend to be more abrasive.

Refraction Index: Refraction index is one of the important characteristics of paper filler. Light
scattering is influenced by this property. If refracted index of a filler is higher, then it will be
scattered more light. As a result opacity improves.

Retention: Higher fine material content in the circulating water system reduced retention.
Hence some retention aids have to be used, as a result increased paper production cost.