ADDITION OF NANOFIBRILLATED CELLULOSE TO THE STONE GROUNDWOOD SUSPENSIONS AND ON SURFACE: A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO CLASSIC BEATING PROCESS

The effect of different application amounts of nanofibrilated cellulose (CNF), from 0 to 6%, on the physico-mechanical properties of the paper obtained from stone ground wood pulp fiber has been studied. The results have been compared with the conventional beating process at different degrees (from 0 to 2500 rpm). Afterwards the effect of the application of CNF on the surface, in papers with and without CNF in bulk, has been studied. The results showed that the paper stiffness and breaking length increased with freeness; however the Schopper-Riegler grade (degrees SR) increased significantly hindering drainage. The contribution of CNF in bulk also increased degrees SR and breaking length, therefore the degrees SR beaten at 1500 rev was equivalent to a content of CNF between 4,5 and 6%, but its breaking length was found to be substantially greater. It can be concluded that the CNF in bulk can be viewed as an alternative to mechanical beating and that the application of CNF at the paper surface allows increasing strength properties without affecting the drainage capacity.