Application and development of wet strength agents in paper industry
Wet strength agent is a chemical additive widely used in the paper industry. It can significantly improve the wet strength and mechanical strength of paper, improve the quality and performance of paper, and is beneficial to the production and use of paper. This article will discuss the application and development of wet strength agents.
1. Application of wet strength agents in paper industry
1. Improve the wet strength of paper: Wet strength agents can adsorb and combine with the fiber surface to form a thin film and increase the connection between fibers. At the same time, the wet strength agent can also improve the acidity and alkalinity of the fiber, enhance the interaction between the fiber and the wet strength agent, and improve the wet strength of the paper.
2. Improve the mechanical strength of paper: Wet strength agents can make the fibers in the paper stronger, reduce the gaps between fibers, increase the density and hardness of the paper, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the paper.
3. Improve the wear resistance and folding resistance of paper: The use of wet strength agent can reduce burrs and pilling on the surface of the paper, make the paper smoother and more delicate, and improve the wear resistance and folding resistance of the paper.
4. Improve the air permeability of paper: Wet strength agents can change the surface structure of paper, making the paper have a certain air permeability, which is beneficial to the use of paper in subsequent processing such as printing and coating.
5. Reduce the moisture content of paper: Wet strength agents play a role in hydrolyzing fibers during the paper production process, which can reduce the moisture content of paper and improve the drying effect of paper.
2. Development of wet strength agents in papermaking industry
1. Development of new wet strength agents: With the development of science and technology and the improvement of paper quality requirements, people have higher and higher demands for the performance and application of wet strength agents. Therefore, scientific researchers are constantly developing new wet strength agents, aiming to improve the strength enhancement effect of wet strength agents, reduce the negative impact on paper properties, and explore more environmentally friendly and efficient wet strength agents.
2. Expansion of the application fields of wet strength agents: In addition to applications in traditional paper production, wet strength agents are also used in non-wood pulping and cellulose nanomaterial processing. For example, the use of wet strength agents in the non-wood pulping process can improve the utilization of waste crops such as straw and wheat straw and reduce resource waste. In the preparation of cellulose nanomaterials, the application of wet strength agents can improve the dispersion and stability of cellulose and increase the strength and plasticity of nanocellulose.
3. Improvement of wet strength agent production technology: Energy consumption and wastewater discharge during the production process of wet strength agent are one of the factors restricting its development. In order to improve the production efficiency of wet strength agent and reduce environmental pollution, scientific researchers are exploring New production technologies and processes, such as microwave-assisted synthesis, solid waste resource utilization, etc., are used to improve the production process of wet strength agents.
In short, wet strength agent, as an important chemical additive, has broad application prospects and development potential in the paper industry. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the increase in demand, the performance and application of wet strength agents will be further improved and expanded, bringing more benefits to paper production and application. At the same time, the development of wet strength agents also needs to focus on its environmental protection, economy and sustainability to promote the sustainable development of the entire papermaking industry.
