Mineral/ microfibrillated cellulose composite materials: High performance products, applications and product forms, 18PaperCon

When pulp and minerals are co-processed in aqueous suspension, the mineral acts as a grinding aid facilitating the cost-effective production of fibrils.  Furthermore, this processing allows the utilisation of robust, industrial milling equipment.  Mineral/ microfibrillated cellulose composite materials produced in this manner have been commercialised under the tradename, FiberLean® MFC and there are 40 000 dry tonnes of composite production capacity in operation across 3 continents.  These mineral/ microfibrillated cellulose products have been cleared by the FDA for use as a dry and wet strength agent in coated and uncoated food contact paper and paperboard applications.

We have previously reported that use of these mineral/ microfibrillated cellulose composite materials in fibre-based applications allows generally improved wet and dry mechanical properties with concomitant opportunities for cost savings, property improvements or grade developments and that the materials can be prepared using a range of fibres and minerals.

Here we: (i) report the development of new products that offer improved performance, (ii) compare the performance of these new materials with that of a range of other nanocellulosic material types, (iii) illustrate the performance of these new materials in reinforcement (paper and board) and viscosification applications and (iv) discuss product form requirements for different applications. 

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