Effect of Cationic Starch-Nanosilica System on Retention and Drainage of Washed OCC Pulp

Benefitting from emerging technologies in industry is of great importance. New developments in nanotechnology have opened new horizons in pulp processing and development of new products. Cationic Starch-Nanosilica is a new system which has found its way in virgin pulps to some extent، but no attempt has been made on its utilization in recycled pulp systems. In this study، application of Cationic Starch-Nanosilica for improving drainage and retention of Old Corrugated Container (OCC) pulp in making test-liner was investigated. Results indicated that this system increased drainage of OCC pulp. The maximum increase was observed for treatment with 1. 5% cationic starch and 0. 9% Nanosilica. In this treatment، the drainage was increased from 342 ml CSF (control pulp) to about 550 ml CSF. Fines retention was also increased using the Cationic Starch-Nanosilica system. The role of Zeta Potential as an indicator of system interactions was also monitored.