Papertreatment

Papertreatment is a term that refers to the process of applying treatments to paper to alter its physical or chemical properties. These treatments can be applied to the paper pulp before it is formed into sheets, or to the finished paper. The purpose of papertreatment varies widely depending on the desired outcome.

Common papertreatments include sizing, which is used to reduce the absorbency of paper. Sizing agents can be added internally to the pulp or applied to the surface of the paper. Another common treatment is coating, where a layer of pigment or binder is applied to the paper surface to improve its smoothness, gloss, and printability. Coatings can be made from materials like clay, calcium carbonate, or titanium dioxide.

Other papertreatments aim to enhance durability, such as the addition of wet-strength resins that prevent paper from disintegrating when wet. Chemical treatments can also be employed to make paper more resistant to tearing, folding, or chemical degradation. For specialized applications, treatments might include flame retardants to reduce flammability or antimicrobial agents to prevent microbial growth. The specific type of papertreatment used is dictated by the intended end-use of the paper product, whether it be for printing, packaging, hygiene, or industrial purposes.