Making the Most of the New Breed of Fluorochemical Treatments for Paper, PaperCon 2010 Conference

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Since the early part of the decade, fluorochemical treatments for food contact applications have changed substantially, such that new products that are free of PFOA, longer‐length PFCAs and their precursors (at or above detection limits) have supplanted the traditional grades available in the past.   The new fluorochemicals are available in a large range of specific chemistries, and their breadth and depth are often confusing to the paper processor.  However, the manufacturing methodologies have not changed that much, with many of these current products exhibiting the same system compatibility issues as in the past.

In this study we provide a short review of the current available technologies, and also examine three different fluorochemicals as representatives of a number of products available in the current paper market.  Results of ladder experiments and DOEs to measure performance under various chemical regimes are presented here in graphical form.  This permits easy understanding of the underlying challenges faced by papermakers in using the new breed fluorochemicals.

The objective of the study will be to illustrate the role of pH and charge chemistry on the ultimate performance of the new materials, such that paper processors may derive maximum benefits in terms of oil and grease resistance.