Webinar: Fillers for Paper – Unexpected Consequences
02 November 2011
Fillers are usually viewed as means to improve optical properties and bulk and to reduce furnish costs.
However, they are not inert mineral particles but have significant effects on sheet structure and properties through changes in fibre flow and flocculation.
The surface area, chemistry and morphology of the minerals cause them to interact with other additives - notably water-soluble polymers, suspended particles and charged species. Such interactions determine the behaviour of the fibre. These effects can be overlooked and have unforeseen consequences on sheet structure and properties.
This presentation is based on results from a Smithers Pira multiclient study on the effects on sheet properties of minerals and wet end additives. Fillers and sizing additives may be changed for process reasons or cost, but beware the unanticipated consequences!
The Smithers Pira study focussed on surface-pigmented reprographic grades but the conclusions would hold good for other products, eg coating base, label stock, flexible packaging etc
Nigel is Chief Consultant for paper and board activities at Smithers Pira and has over 20 years' experience in paper product development. He has headed multi and single client research into sheet forming, pressing and drying, surface treatment coating and corrugating. As well as contributing to Smithers Pira Strategic Futures programmes, he has given conference papers on coating and surface treatment on both sides of the Atlantic
Held on 2 November 2011, the webinar reviewed:
- Experimental details
- Results
- Base stock properties
- Surface-treated sheet properties
- Printing properties
- Physical properties
- Conclusions