A Surface-Modified Talc for Reduced Linting Propensity, PaperCon 2010 Conference

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The end-use properties of paper and cost dictate the choice of fillers. A good strategy is to exploit the synergy among fillers and whenever feasible, use a filler mix considering that each filler is unique with its own advantages and disadvantages. As an example, scalenohedral precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is excellent for brightness and opacity but makes the resulting paper structure open due to its morphology. Talc, on the other hand, imparts smoothness to the sheet for better printability but may contribute to higher linting propensity due to its hydrophobicity. Blending of these two fillers makes sense where opticals and better printability are desired.

Studies with a cleaner talc top size and with proprietary treatment of talc have shown significant reductions in linting and dusting to desirable levels compared to untreated talc using the IGT Fluff test. Additionally, the laboratory results on supecalendered papers with surface-modified talc used as a blend showed improvements in other properties as well. A side benefit of talc is its pitch/stickies detackifying ability. This paper presents the laboratory results and potential applications particularly in high filler levels where talc can extend the usage of commonly-used fillers.