Microfibrillated Cellulose and Associative Polymer Drainage Aid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Despite previous improvements, there is a need for further enhancement in the drainage performance of pulp slurries to increase the overall productivity of the papermaking process.
Innovation Solution
Adding microfibrillated cellulose and associative polymers or branched or crosslinked copolymers to the pulp slurry before the dewatering step to improve drainage performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high molecular weight water-soluble polymers are used, then retention is improved, but drainage performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with associative polymers or branched/crosslinked copolymers to create a composite drainage aid system. This composite approach leverages the unique properties of each component: MFC provides a three-dimensional network structure that traps water, while the polymers enhance flocculation and drainage. The synergistic interaction between these materials achieves both improved retention and enhanced drainage performance, resolving the technical contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the drainage aid by using microfibrillated cellulose with specific aspect ratios and surface areas, combined with polymers having particular molecular weights and charge densities. These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve superior drainage performance compared to conventional polymers, while maintaining or improving retention characteristics.
2Productivity
If drainage performance is improved, then productivity increases, but steam consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies drainage aids (MFC combined with associative or branched/crosslinked copolymers) in the wet end of the papermaking process, before the drying section. This preliminary dewatering action removes excess water from the pulp slurry before it reaches the drying section, thereby reducing the steam consumption required for subsequent drying operations while maintaining high productivity through improved drainage performance.
3Productivity
If drainage performance is improved, then paper production speed increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple drainage aids into a single composite system where microfibrillated cellulose works synergistically with associative polymers or branched/crosslinked copolymers. This combined approach achieves superior drainage performance that enables faster paper production speeds, while the standardized formulation and application process helps manage manufacturing complexity by providing a reliable, consistent performance profile.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances drainage performance, allowing for increased productivity by enabling faster paper production and reducing steam consumption, enabling the production of heavier paper products.
Implementation Method 1
adding (a) at least one microfibrillated cellulose and (b) at least one associative polymer or at least one branched or crosslinked copolymer to a pulp slurry increases the drainage performance of the pulp slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A method of increasing the drainage performance of a pulp slurry during the manufacture of paper products by adding (a) at least one microfibrillated cellulose and (b) at least one associative polymer or at least one branched or crosslinked copolymer to the pulp slurry. This addition occurs before the dewatering step where the pulp slurry is formed into a fibrous mat.