Development of new organic filler for improving paperboard strengths

Abstract

Wood powder is widely used in paperboard mills to increase bulk and reduce drying-energy consumption, but this material also deteriorates paper strength because it interferes with the bonds between fibers. Although there have been many studies done to improve the strength of paperboard containing wood powder, specific applications have not recently been observed in paperboard mills. In this study, we carried out a new approach for improving paperboard strength by developing a new organic filler with the ability to increase the bonds between fibers. The residue of tapioca starch was used as raw material to manufacture an organic filler. The functionalities, including bulk and strength, were evaluated by making handsheets containing either wood powder or tapioca organic filler, or a mixture of the two, and measuring their physical properties. The organic filler showed lower bulk improvement and higher paperboard strength than the wood powder. The mixture of tapioca organic filler and wood powder showed improved paperboard strength compared to wood powder alone. Therefore, tapioca residue can be used as a raw material to manufacture an organic filler for paperboard mills.