Posted by Paper auxiliaries, also known as papermaking additives or chemicals, are substances that are added to the pulp or paper during the papermaking process to improve various properties and characteristics of the final paper product. These additives serve specific functions and help optimize the efficiency and quality of paper production.
Paper auxiliaries can be classified into different types based on their intended purpose and the stage at which they are applied in the papermaking process. Some common types of paper auxiliaries include:
- Retention aids: These additives improve the retention of fibers, fillers, fines, and other particles in the paper pulp suspension, reducing the loss of valuable materials and enhancing the formation and uniformity of the paper sheet.
- Sizing agents: Sizing agents are used to control the water absorption properties of paper. Internal sizing agents are added to the pulp to make the paper more resistant to liquid penetration, while surface sizing agents are applied after the paper is formed to enhance its surface properties.
- Wet strength agents: These additives increase the strength of paper when it is wet, making it more durable and resistant to tearing or weakening in moist conditions.
- Dry strength agents: Dry strength agents are used to enhance the strength properties of paper when it is dry, improving its tensile strength, tear resistance, and stiffness.
- Defoamers: Defoamers are introduced to control or eliminate foam formation during various stages of the papermaking process, preventing operational issues and maintaining process efficiency.
- Fillers: Fillers like calcium carbonate, kaolin, or talc are added to the paper pulp to increase opacity, smoothness, and brightness, improving the printability and appearance of the paper.
- Brightening agents: These additives enhance the whiteness and brightness of the paper, making it visually appealing and suitable for high-quality printing.
- Dispersants: Dispersants aid in the dispersion and stability of pigments, dyes, or additives in the pulp suspension, ensuring uniform color distribution and preventing agglomeration.
These are just a few examples of paper auxiliaries used in the papermaking industry. Each type of auxiliary serves specific purposes and is applied at different stages of the process to achieve desired outcomes in terms of paper properties, performance, and aesthetic characteristics.