Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a paper web. The paper web is prepared from a low-grade furnish, which contains low-grade pulps, such as recycled pulp and/or groundwood pulp, and which, in one preferred embodiment, is a newsprint furnish. In accordance with the disclosed process, a pre-flocculated filler is added to the furnish prior to forming the paper web from the furnish. Filler will be retained in the web, and retention of undesired components of the furnish in the web will be reduced as compared with newsprint in which a filler is incorporated via conventional processes. Another embodiment contemplates the incorporation of a pre-flocculated coated broke slurry into a paper furnish prior to paper formation. The paper web formed via the process of the invention will have improved properties as a result of the incorporation of the pre-flocculated filler or treated broke into the web.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a kaolin particulate material suitable for use as an improved super-calendered filler. This method includes: (a) preparing an aqueous feed suspension of kaolin; (b) treating the kaolin of the feed suspension by attrition grinding in a vessel using grinding media granules; (c) delivering an aqueous suspension of the kaolin ground in (b) to a particle size classifier and separating the kaolin of the suspension into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction; (d) returning an aqueous suspension of the coarse fraction produced in (c) to the grinding vessel to be further attrition ground; and (e) extracting an aqueous suspension of the fine fraction produced in (c) as a product suspension. Advantageously, the kaolin of the feed suspension in (a) is such that not more than 30% by weight has a particle size less than 2 &mgr;m and not more than 30% by weight has a particle size greater than 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a procedure for the manufacture of a multi-layer pulp product, preferably paper or cardboard. Said procedure consists of applying a filler between at least two layers of fibre material in motion prior to the final joining together of them. The filler is preferably of inorganic origin, though it can consist of organic components, and calcium sulphate is preferably used.

Abstract: A process of preparing an aqueous composition comprising a polysilicate, wherein the composition is a substantially uniform liquid when measured at 25° C.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a paper stock for use in making paper, paperboard and similar cellulosic products, by adding, at one or more different points of the wet end of the paper-making machine, a secondary retention and drainage agent containing a liquid smectite, and a primary retention and drainage agent comprising a natural or synthetic polymer. The retention and drainage agents can be added in any order, thus improving the retention, drainage, formation and drying, without affecting the whiteness, and enhancing the physical values of the paper, paperboard, cardboard and other similar products. The smectite can be an enhanced, concentrated, liquid smectite that can avoid the need for an on-site preparation unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides kaolin clay pigments having at least the following characteristics: Brightness (GE): at least about 89.0; Shape Factor: at least about 30; Brookfield viscosity, measured at 20 rpm and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 100 to about 700 centipoise; and Hercules viscosity, measured at 18 dynes and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 200 rpm to about 1000 rpm. Preferred kaolin sources include Brazilian kaolins, especially Rio Capim kaolins. The kaolin pigments of the present invention possess a combination of optical and physical properties, such as brightness, printability, and transfer efficiency, not previously seen in existing commercial products. They are useful, e.g., in paper filler and coating compositions, ink compositions, and printing applications, especially rotogravure printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated paper wherein the paper has capabilities and functionalities provided by both the fiber and the active agent ingredients, and a method of immobilizing the active agents within the integrated paper. The tight pore structure of the integrated paper of the present invention, a mean pore diameter of less than about 2 microns, provides short diffusion distances from a fluid to the surface of the paper ingredients by adsorption or diffusive interception making it an excellent medium for fluid filtration. The integrated paper of the present invention can further include a microbiological interception enhancing agent. The integrated paper can be formed using, preferably, wet laid paper-making processes for speed and efficiency. Also disclosed are devices utilizing the integrated paper useful in fluid filtration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber web and a method for preparing it. The fiber web comprises a filler-containing base web, which is possibly coated with a pigment-containing coating layer. According to the invention, 5-100% of the filler in the base web is made up of cellulose fibrils or lignocellulose fibrils with light-scattering material particles deposited thereon. These coated cellulose fibrils or lignocellulose fibrils constitute at maximum approx. 70% of the weight of the base web. The base web according to the invention contains more than 20% less retention agents than does a web which has the same formation but in which more than 95% of the filler is made up of filler particles known per se.

Abstract: Process for making paper or paper board comprising, forming an aqueous cellulosic suspension, adding a retention system to the cellulosic suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and drying the sheet, wherein the retention system comprises a swelling clay which has a TAPPI brightness of at least 70.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a white pigment mixture suitable for coating paper wherein a cationically bulked kaolin clay pigment is dispersed in water in the presence of an anionic dispersant and mixed with a calcium carbonate pigment, the improvement which comprises using an epichlorohydrin amine complex to bulk said kaolin, and employing as the dispersant the combination of at least 0.2% based on the dry weight of said cationically bulked kaolin of a condensed naphthalene sulfonate complex having a molecular weight of 2000 to 10,000 and a sodium polyacrylate salt having a molecular weight of 2000 to 5000, said dispersant being free from lignosulfonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises (i) providing an aqueous cellulosic suspension; (ii) adding to the suspension a clay having 3R2 stacking; and (iii) dewatering the obtained suspension. The invention also relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises (i) providing an aqueous cellulosic suspension; (ii) adding to the suspension a cationic clay; (iii) adding to the suspension one or more drainage and retention aids comprising at least one cationic polymer; and (iv) dewatering the obtained suspension. The invention further relates to a cellulosic product comprising clay having 3R2 stacking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Aluminum trihydrate slurries comprising aluminum trihydrate particles, an acrylic dispersant, citric acid, synthetic hectorite clay, optionally a compound to adjust pH, a biocide and water. These slurries may be mixed with titanium dioxide slurries to produce a stable slurry blends useful in paper and paper-board applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cationised polysaccharide product comprising a polysaccharide having at least one first substituent having an aromatic group and at least one second substituent having no aromatic group. The invention further relates to a cationised polysaccharide product comprising one or more polysaccharides having at least one first substituent having an aromatic group and one or more polysaccharides having at least one second substituent having no aromatic group. The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation of a cationised polysaccharide product comprising reacting one or more polysaccharides with at least one aromatic agent and at least one non-aromatic agent. The invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a cationised polysaccharide product comprising reacting a first polysaccharide with at least one aromatic agent, reacting a second polysaccharide with at least one second non-aromatic agent, and then mixing the polysaccharides obtained.

Abstract: A paper product is described that includes a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a coating layer provided on the first surface of the paper substrate, the coating layer comprising a binder component and a pigment component, wherein the weight ratio the binder component to the pigment component is between about 0.25:1 to about 1:1; and wherein the paper product exhibits a gloss of at least about 20 to 75 according to TAPPI T480 om-92, a Print-surf roughness of at least about 0.5 to 2.5 according to TAPPI T555 pm-94, and a density of at least about 12 to 18 according to TAPPI T410 om-93 and TAPPI T411 om-89. A method for manufacturing a paper product is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of paper or board, wherein retention aids are added to the stream of stock. Improved retention and more effective dewatering are achieved by adding to the stream of stock a cationic polymer solution and a suspension-form microparticle mixture composed of a swellable clay of the smectite group and a colloidal synthetic metal silicate in which the prevalent cation is magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention refers in one embodiment to a method of manufacturing multilayer coated papers and paperboards, but excluding photographic papers and pressure sensitive copying papers, that are especially suitable for printing, packaging and labeling purposes, in which at least two curtain layers selected from aqueous emulsions or suspensions are formed into a composite, free-falling curtain and a continuous web of basepaper or baseboard is coated with the composite curtain, and paper or paperboard thereby obtainable.

Abstract: A process for making paper comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the cellulosic suspension is flocculated by addition of a water soluble polymer which is selected from a) a polysaccharide or b) a synthetic polymer of intrinsic viscosity at least 4 dl/g and then reflocculated by a subsequent addition of a reflocculating system, wherein the reflocculating system comprises i) a siliceous material and ii) a water soluble polymer. In one aspect the siliceous material is added prior to or simultaneous with the water soluble polymer. In an alternative for the water soluble polymer is anionic and added prior to the siliceous material.

Abstract: Aggregated mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay pigments) having a high surface area and useful in coating and filling compositions for ink jet printing media are manufactured by dry grinding an unground mineral composition starting material and then optionally acid treating the ground material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to high molecular weight water-soluble polymers comprised of zwitterionic, nonionic and cationic or anionic monomer units, and to the use of these polymers in papermaking processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved paper production process, according to which a branched polymer prepared in reverse phase emulsion is used as the main retention aid, and then bentonite is used as the secondary retention aid (a dual type system). The two additions are separated by a stage for shearing the fibrous suspension (or mass).

Abstract: A method for increasing filler retention of cellulosic fiber sheets is disclosed. In the method, cellulosic fibers with increased anionic sites are treated with either positively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles or a cationic retention aid and negatively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles. Cellulosic fiber sheets with retained filler particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nanosized kaolin clay particles are prepared by agitating a fine particle size fraction of kaolin clay in a Netzsch mill until the particle size is reduced, aspect ratio is decreased and surface area is increased. The ultrafine kaolin particles are especially useful as a pigment to provide high surface gloss to ink jet printing papers.

Abstract: A method of reducing the burn rate of a smoking article is provided. Specifically, the burn rate is reduced by incorporating into a paper wrapper of the smoking article a filler (e.g., precipitated calcium carbonate) having a median particle size greater than about 2.5 microns. For instance, such paper wrappers formed according to the present invention typically have a Diffusion Conductance Index (DCI) of less than about 15 cm−1 and a Static Burn Rate (SBR) of less than about 5 millimeters per minute.

Abstract: A pigment product suitable for use in a coating composition to provide a gloss coating on paper, the pigment product comprising a processed particulate kaolin produced from a naturally platy kaolin clay having a particle size distribution such that about 50% to 60% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and less than 25% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and a shape factor of at least 15. In processing, the crude kaolin is ground to a shape factor greater than 50 to produce even greater “platy” clay. The pigment product has a particle size distribution such that at least 80% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 2 &mgr;m and greater than 12% and less than 35% by weight of the particles have an esd less than 0.25 &mgr;m and whose surface area is greater than 12 m2/g when measured by the BET method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of paper or board, wherein retention aids are added to the stream of stock. Improved retention and more effective dewatering are achieved by adding to the stream of stock a cationic polymer solution and a suspension-form microparticle mixture composed of a swellable clay of the smectite group and a colloidal synthetic metal silicate in which the prevalent cation is magnesium.

Abstract: A process for the production of paper from an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optional fillers, which comprises draining the suspension to obtain a paper web and subjecting the obtained paper web to impulse pressing by passage through at least one press nip having at least one heated roll which is in contact with the web and heated to a temperature above 100° C., wherein a chemical system comprising a polymer component and micro- or nanoparticles are added to the suspension or the paper web before the paper web passes the press nip of the impulse unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst carrier comprising a fibre paper impregnated with a slurry comprising silica sol, micro fibres and a filler, wherein said micro fibres have an equivalent average particle size, measured with sedigraph method, from about 200 nm to about 30000 nm and said filler has an average equivalent particle size, measured with sedigraph method, from about 300 to about 10000 nm. The invention further concerns a method of its preparation, a slurry useful therefore, a catalyst comprising such a catalyst carrier and use of the catalyst.

Abstract: Electrophotographic paper and a method for its production, according to which method a cellulose pulp is slushed, a filler is mixed with the slush, and the slush is formed in the paper machine into a web, which is dried. According to the invention, bivalent or trivalent cations in an amount of at least 0.1% of the dry weight of the pulp are attached to the acid groups of the cellulose pulp before the forming of the web. Thereby a paper web is obtained the surface charge of which is at least approximately 600 V when relative humidity is 40%. The surface charge of the paper according to the invention remains stable within a wide humidity range. For this reason, when the paper according to the invention is used, the need for drying the paper in the printing press is significantly reduced.

Abstract: Starch compositions, including cationic crosslinked starches, and methods of using those starches in papermaking are disclosed. In particular, a cationized crosslinked starch and use of the starch in the wet end system of a paper machine is disclosed. The starch compositions of the disclosure are particularly adapted for customization for specific wet end systems, and allow for modification to correspond to variations in the wet end of the papermaking machine.

Abstract: According to the present invention a process is provided for making paper or paper board comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, characterised in that the suspension is flocculated using a flocculation system comprising a siliceous material and organic microparticies which have an unswollen particle diameter of less than 750 nanometers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of improving retention and drainage performance in a papermaking process comprising adding to the furnish an effective amount of a low molecular weight water-soluble cationic dispersion polymer prepared by polymerizing one or more cationic monomers and one or more nonionic monomers and one or more chain transfer agents under free radical forming conditions in an aqueous solution of an anionic salt in the presence of a stabilizer polymer, wherein the cationic dispersion has a cationic charge of from about 10 mole percent to about 80 mole percent and an RSV of from about 0.2 dl/g to about 6 dl/g.

Abstract: A process for making paper comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the cellulosic suspension is flocculated by addition of a water soluble polymer which is selected from

Abstract: Described is a micro-structured paper or paper-like material having a self-cleaning and/or non-adhesive effect whereby the paper or paper-like material is hydrophobic across the entire cross-section of the material and which is micro-structured in such a way that the surface is provided with elevations and depressions whereby the distance between the elevations ranges from 0.04 to 100 microns and the height of the elevations ranges from 0.04 to 100 microns, and whereby the paper or paper-like material is characterized in that it contains particles having the size of 0.04 to 50 microns that are bound to the paper or paper-like material by means of a binder, and whereby the paper or paper-like material is hydrophobic across the entire cross section of the material, as well as a method for the production thereof.

Abstract: Paper is made by mixing anionic starch, carboxyl methyl cellulose or other polymeric binder into a cellulosic thin stock together with a cationic inorganic or polymeric coagulant and then flocculating the suspension by means of an anionic swelling clay or other anionic retention aid.

Abstract: The inkjet recording sheet substrate of the present invention comprises a cellulosic sheet support, e.g., paper, having on at least one surface thereof a base coating comprising pigment and binder. The preferred pigment component is a 50/50 mixture of kaolin clay and calcined clay, and the preferred binder component is polyvinyl acetate. This combination of binder and pigment has been found to possess a high absorption capacity for the vehicle of an inkjet ink and good compatibility with ink receptive top coatings applied over the base coat.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the depositions of organic contaminants from pulp in pulp and papermaking systems are disclosed. A combination of a protein and a cationic polymer is added to the pulp or applied to deposition prone surfaces of a papermaking system.

Abstract: A process for making paper comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the cellulosic suspension is flocculated by addition of a water soluble polymer which is selected from a) a polysaccharide or b) a synthetic polymer of intrinsic viscosity at least 4 dl/g and then reflocculated by a subsequent addition of a reflocculating system, wherein the reflocculating system comprises i) a siliceous material and ii) a water soluble polymer. In one aspect the siliceous material is added prior to or simultaneous with the water soluble polymer. In an alternative for the water soluble polymer is anionic and added prior to the siliceous material.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of increasing retention and drainage in a papermaking furnish comprising adding to the furnish an effective amount of a structurally rigid polymeric coagulant and an effective flocculating amount of a flocculant and a microparticle.

Abstract: Starch compositions, including cationic crosslinked starches, and methods of using those starches in papermaking are disclosed. In particular, a cationized crosslinked starch and use of the starch in the wet end system of a paper machine is disclosed. The starch compositions of the disclosure are particularly adapted for customization for specific wet end systems, and allow for modification to correspond to variations in the wet end of the papermaking machine.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of increasing retention and drainage in a papermaking furnish comprising adding to the furnish an effective amount of a structurally rigid nonionic or anionic polymer.

Abstract: A paper-based sheet for wallcoverings that is made in a single pass on a standard paper making machine is described. The sheet has a print side and a barrier side and is made from softwood pulp in an amount of about 15% to about 40% by dry weight; hardwood pulp in an amount of about 30% to about 55% by dry weight; and, mineral filler in an amount of about 15% to about 30% by dry weight. A first coating is applied to the print side of the sheet in an amount of about 5 to about 20 gm/m2 dry weight. A second coating is applied to the barrier side of the sheet in an amount of about 2.5 to about 10 gm/m2 dry weight. The advantage is a strong, durable, alkaline wallcovering that is less expensive to produce, and provides a smooth print surface.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using the loaded cellulose fibers. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulation, method and final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, reduced chemical dissolution and re-deposition, and improved rot and fire resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness.

Abstract: A simplified method for the optical brightening of paper either in the pulp mass, the size or metering press or by coating by the use of a formulation of an optical brightening agent together with a swellable layered silicate.

Abstract: A coated roll printing paper for printing with the cold-set offset-printing process is described, which gives a printing result comparable with that of low-weight coated matte grades. The paper is characterized by a high proportion of a fine calcium carbonate in the coating pigment, and a relatively low proportion of highly active binders.

Abstract: A kaolin clay pigment comprises a coarse kaolin clay or a blend of a coarse kaolin clay with a fine kaolin clay. The coarse kaolin clay is a delaminated and defined pigment product with an overall shape factor greater than about 12. If the coarse kaolin clay is fluid at about 65% to about 75% solids, then it is used by itself as the kaolin pigment. If it is not fluid, it is blended with a fine kaolin clay in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 30.0% by weight of the blend. The coarse kaolin clay fraction has a Hinckley Crystallinity Index greater than about 0.6 and the fine kaolin clay has a Hinckley Crystallinity Index less than about 0.5. The pigment has a G.E. brightness of about 90.5 and a particle size distribution such that at least about 90% by weight of the particles has an e.s.d. less than about 2 &mgr;m and about 30% by weight of the particles has an e.s.d. less than about 0.25 microns.

Abstract: According to the present invention a process is provided for making paper or paper board comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet,

Abstract: A process of making paper or paper board comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, characterized in that the suspension is flocculated using a flocculation system comprising a clay and an anionic branched water soluble polymer that has been formed from water soluble ethylenically unsaturated anionic monomer or monomer blend and branching agent and wherein the polymer has (a) intrinsic viscosity above 1.5 dl/g and/or saline Brookfield viscosity of above about 2.0 mPa.s and (b) rheological oscillation value of tan delta at 0.005 Hz of above 0.7 and/or (c) deionised SLV viscosity number which is at least three times the salted SLV viscosity number of the corresponding unbranched polymer made in the absence of branching agent.

Abstract: A lightweight, coated web printing paper is described which is suitable for use in the cold-set printing process, which has specific values for water penetration and ink absorption and has gloss values of at least 20% for a smoothness in the range of 200 to 600 sec. Bekk.

Abstract: The invention comprises a borosilicate retention aid composition and a method for improving the production of paper by addition of the borosilicate. The borosilicate may be utilized in conjunction with a high molecular weight synthetic flocculant and/or starch, with or without the addition of a cationic coagulant. The borosilicate material is preferably a colloidal borosilicate. Methods for the preparation of the borosilicate material are disclosed.