The Influence of PCC Filler on Near-Infrared Scattering, Absorption and Residual Ink Measurement Error, 2009 TAPPI Engineering, Pulping, Environmental Conference

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In recycled fibre applications the amount of ink is widely measured as its near-infrared reflectance (Residual ink and ERIC). However, the influence of mineral fillers on the measurement has not been thoroughly studied. It has been shown that fillers affect the aforementioned ink measurements when a commonly used constant scattering coefficient is applied. However, it is unclear how fillers affect the scattering coefficient and thereby the calculated amount of ink. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of PCC (precipitated calcium carbonate) on the scattering coefficient and ink analysis that utilises the near-infrared reflectance. To study the effect of filler content on measurement, low grammage sheets (35-40 g/m²) were prepared by adding various amounts of fresh PCC into pulp batches with different ink content levels.