Comparison of filler type performance on paper properties in the presence of cationic rosin sizing agent

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using different fillers in the presence of cationic rosin sizing agent on the properties of pulp and paper made from CMP fibers. For this purpose, cationic rosin internal sizing agent at the levels of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 % based on oven dry fibers, and fillers including grounded carbonate calcium (GCC), precipitated carbonate calcium (PCC), Talc and Zeolite in 25 % level based on oven dry paper accompanied with cationic polyacrylamide retention agent at the constant level of 0.3 % based on oven dry fibers were added to the CMP pulp suspension according to the TAPPI standard. In order to examine the effect of different fillers in the presence of cationic rosin, handsheets with basis weight of about 60±3 g/m2 were prepared from each experiment. Then, various pulp and paper characteristics were measured. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that type of filler has dissimilar behavior on the pulp and paper properties in the presence of cationic rosin. Drainage time of pulp suspension was lower when adding Zeolite and GCC fillers. Talc and PCC decreased more the paper strengths properties. Ultimately optical properties of papers improved more when Talc and PCC were added to the CMP pulp. Consequently, with respect to the priority of brightness and opacity for the copy and print papers made from CMP fibers, addition of Talc and PCC in the presence of cationic rosin sizing agent may be meet more the requirements compare to Zeolite and GCC fillers.