A continuous filler treatment process has been developed to enhance the fixation of anionic latex on filler in a short time. In this process anionic
polymer dispersions (latex) are added to common
papermaking filler slurries at ambient temperature and then mixed with water of temperature higher than the
glass transition temperature (Tg) of the latex used. To efficiently fix the latex the temperature of the filler / latex mixture must be 30-60° C. higher than the Tg of the latex used. The
chemical composition of the resin and the type of surfactant used during the
emulsion polymerisation process of the
polymer latex dispersions are important factors for efficiently fixing the latex onto the filler by adding hot water and improving the properties of paper made with the treated filler. The enhanced fixation of anionic latex onto filler using hot water is done in mixing vessels that can control shear and mixing time. The anionic latexes applied by this process are totally and irreversibly fixed or bound onto the filler particles and the aggregated filler
slurry is stable over time. The latex-treated filler
slurry can be added to
papermaking furnishes at any point prior to the headbox of the
paper machine or stored for later use. It can be added to wood-free or wood-containing furnishes commonly used for making fine papers, mechanical pulp papers, and multi-ply paperboards. The latex-treated filler
slurry improves filler retention, only slightly reduces sheet strength and improves
sizing performance. Furthermore, latex-treated
calcium carbonate filler, such as
precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), is more acid-resistant and, when used in manufacturing mechanical
pulp paper under neutral conditions, less acid is needed to control the pH.