Application of Rock Wool Mineral Fibers on Strength and Retention Properties of NSSC Pulp

By Increasing demands on paper products and shortage of fiber resources, various strategies were introduced to meet the requirements. In this context, application of mineral fibers is a novel and growing approach. This study was aimed to Reduce the plant fibers by application of, mineral fiber in the papermaking system. Application of 0, 10, 20, and 30% Loadings of rock wool mineral fibers (RWMF) in incorporation with cationic starch (1%) on handsheet strengths, RWMF retention and total retention of stock were investigated. Results showed that bonding-dependent strengths, e.g. tensile and burst, were reduced by increasing the RWMF loading due to the low bonding ability of RWMF compared to the lignocellulosic fibers, while the tear index was increased up to 20% RWMF and declined then after due to higher intrinsic strength of the mineral fibers. Interwoven network creation of mineral-organic fibers during the sheet forming, enhanced the mineral and total retention value, however, despite priority of 30% over 20% substitution, there was no statistically meaningful differences. Therefore, with respect to severe reductions, the overall optimum substitution level of 20% for RWMF was reported in NSSC pulp production according to the obtained strengths results. In addition to economic and technical benefits derived from the mineral fiber application, the higher retention indirectly affects the environmental aspects such as reduction in suspended organic solids in process water, easier treatment of wastewater and lesser utilization of forest and other lignocellulosic fiber resources, all as the most important issues.