Unique Surface Starches Improve Paper Properties, 1991 Papermakers Conference Proceedings

Surface applications of pearl(non-derivatized) starches on paper and board grades have provided increased strength but have substantial deficiencies in stability, film formation and operation cleanliness. Surface sizing operations have been substantially improved with the use of preconverted, derivatized starches. Improved film formation and strength have allowed for reductions in starch pick-up while simultaneously increasing surface strength, reducing opacity loss across the size press, and decreasing the energy required to dry the paper after the surface application.

Starches with a hydrophobic derivatization have been recently developed for surface applications. These starches have provided all the benefits obtained with conventional modified starches, in addition, improvements in water, ink, and solvent hold-out, and reduced porosity(more closed) have been documented. Examples of the benefits obtained with modified starches and the paper properties impacted with hydrophobic derivatized surface starches are presented.