Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Feasibility of using tragacanth gum and Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC) for improving the paper recycling process

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 PhD student of Tarbiat Modares University
2 Wood and Paper Science and Technology Dep., TMU
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2047040.1688
Abstract
Problem definition and objectives: In the papermaking industry, the use of various additives can be a main source of pollution. So, using environmentally friendly additives can be a proper solution for reducing the problem of pollutions in papermaking and paper recycling industries. Previous investigations have shown that using natural poly-anions like tragacanth as a hemicellulose source significantly improves the strength properties of recycled printing and writing paper, but due to its high hydrophilicity, it reduces the drainage of pulp suspension. Considering the mentioned problem and the presence of a high amount of filler in the printing and writing paper, implementing a mechanism to enhance process characteristics, especially drainage and retention, is effective.
Methodology: In this regard, poly aluminum chloride (PAC) as an inexpensive mineral poly-cation was used for pulp suspension treatment and neutralizing the negative surface charge of fibers for better tragacanth gum absorption. For analyzing the mentioned system, 2% tragacanth gum (based on dry weight of pulp), the individual poly aluminum chloride system (at levels of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% based on dry weight of pulp), and the combined poly aluminum chloride and tragacanth gum were examined.
Results: The results showed that applying the tragacanth gum alone improved bond strength, tensile strength (about 15 percent), and fine retention (about 27 percent), but decrease the pulp drainage significantly (about 62 ml CSF). In contrast, the addition of poly aluminum chloride alone did not affect tensile strength but increased drainage and fine retention specially at the 0.25% consumption level. Addition of poly aluminum chloride and tragacanth gum increased all mechanical and process properties compared to the mentioned treatments.
Conclusion: It seems that the addition of poly aluminum chloride at the beginning of process can neutralize the anionic trashes of recycled pulp suspension and also will reduce the negative charge of the fibers suspended in the pulp in the next step and will facilitate and increase the absorption of anionic tragacanth gum on the fibers suspended in the pulp. The results of current research can help to future attempts for considering and applying the environmentally friendly additives for clean production in papermaking and paper recycling industries.
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