Date of Defense

Spring 4-9-1996

First Advisor

Brian Scheller, Paper and Printing Science and Engineering

Second Advisor

Vijay Mehta, Simpson Paper Company

Abstract

Retention aid optimization is very important in order to obtain the greatest benefit from the retention aid. This project optimized the retention aid on a text grade at Simpson Paper Company in Vicksburg, Michigan. The object was to determine the optimum level of retention aid. This level was determined by the highest opacity with an acceptable formation. This leads to an increased opacity and eventually the possibility of reduced titanium dioxide use. The retention aid being used is an anionic polyacrylamide polymer. This, along the alum, work through the use of the patching and bridging mechanism. The polymer was the only chemical varied. The best level was determined through machine trials. The results showed that the best retention aid level for the highest opacity was at the 0.3 lbs/ton range. At this level the formation was still at an acceptable level and the strength and brightness of the sheet were also good. Based on the study it is recommended that the 0.33 and 0.34 lbs/ton retention aid additions be used. It is also recommended to try other retention aid systems, such as microparticle systems that allow for increased retention without hurting the formation.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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