Study on the enhancement of paper tensile strength and hydrophobicity by adding PEI-KH560 in pulp suspension

Yi Zhao ¹, Shuzhen Ni ¹, Ying Gao ²

⁰Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Science & Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Faculty of Light Industry, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules +

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September 24, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A novel eco-friendly strength agent, polyethyleneimine-KH560 (PEI-KH560), enhances paper performance by improving fiber crosslinking. Optimal results were achieved with a specific PEI molecular weight and PEI:KH560 ratio, boosting paper strength and hydrophobicity.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Pulp and Paper Engineering

Background

Developing eco-friendly strength agents for paper is crucial for sustainable manufacturing.
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and KH560 (γ-glycidyl ether propyl trimethoxysilane) are key components for material modification.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the efficacy of a novel PEI-KH560 composite as an eco-friendly strength agent for paper.
To optimize the PEI:KH560 ratio and PEI molecular weight for enhanced paper properties.

Main Methods

Preparation of PEI-KH560 composite by combining PEI and KH560.
Addition of PEI-KH560 to pulp suspension to enhance paper performance.
Analysis of paper strength (dry and wet tensile index) and hydrophobicity.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to study fiber-fiber crosslinking.

Main Results

The PEI:KH560 ratio and PEI molecular weight significantly influenced paper strength and hydrophobicity.
Optimal strengthening was observed at a PEI molecular weight of 10,000 and a PEI:KH560 ratio of 1:2.
The optimized PEI-KH560 treatment resulted in dry tensile index of 29.9 N·m/g and wet tensile index of 1.37 N·m/g.
SEM analysis confirmed tighter fiber-fiber crosslinking at optimal conditions.

Conclusions

PEI-KH560 is an effective eco-friendly strength agent for improving paper properties.
The study provides insights into the structure-property relationship between PEI-KH560 and paper performance.
Optimized PEI-KH560 offers a promising approach for developing advanced paper materials.

Keywords:

Hydrophobicity KH560 Paper strength Polyethyleneimine Pulp suspension