AKD Emulsions Stabilized by Guar Gel: A Highly Efficient Agent to Improve the Hydrophobicity of Cellulose Paper

The aim of the present study was to investigate highly efficient alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) emulsions to improve the hydrophobicity of cellulose paper. AKD emulsions stabilized by guar gel were obtained; the guar gel was prepared by hydrogen bond cross-linking sodium tetraborate and guar gum. The cross-linking was confirmed by combining FTIR and SEM. The effect of guar gel on the performance of the AKD emulsions was also studied by testing AKD emulsions stabilized by different guar gel concentrations. The results showed that with increasing guar gel concentration, the stability of the AKD emulsions improved, the droplet diameter decreased, and the hydrophobicity and water resistance of the sized packaging paper were gradually enhanced. Through SEM, the guar gel film covering the AKD emulsion droplet surface and the three-dimensional structure in the aqueous dispersion phase were assessed. This study constructed a scientific and efficient preparation method for AKD emulsions and provided a new method for the application of carbohydrate polymer gels which may avoid the adverse effect of surfactant on paper sizing and environmental problems caused by surfactant bioaccumulation.