Chemicals used in the pulp and paper
Chemicals used in the pulp and paper industry play a significant role in the production of paper products. These chemicals are employed at various stages of the paper-making process to enhance the quality and properties of the final product.
The main producers of these chemicals are major chemical companies that specialize in supplying the paper industry. This essay will provide a comprehensive overview of some of the chemicals used in the paper industry and the key producers associated with them.
Bleaching Agents:
One crucial chemical used in the paper industry is bleach, which is primarily utilized in the bleaching process to improve the brightness of paper. The two main types of bleach used are chlorine-based and alternative environmentally friendly bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone. Chlorine-based bleaches are produced by several companies, including Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. Alternative bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide are manufactured by Solvay S.A., Arkema Group, and Evonik Industries AG.
Sizing Agents:
Another essential chemical in the paper-making process is sizing agents, which are used to control the absorption and ink-holding properties of paper. These agents can be further classified into two types: internal sizing agents and surface sizing agents. Internal sizing agents, such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and rosin acid, are produced by companies like Kemira Oyj, Eka Chemicals AB, and Nalco Company. Surface sizing agents, including starches and modified celluloses, are produced by companies like Cargill, Incorporated, American Maize-Products Company, and Synthomer PLC.
Fillers and pigments also play an essential role in the paper industry, enhancing the paper’s opacity, brightness, and printability. Calcium carbonate, talc, titanium dioxide, and kaolin clay are commonly used fillers and pigments. These chemicals are produced by a wide range of companies, including Omya International AG, Imerys S.A., and Minerals Technologies Inc.
Moreover, various chemicals are used in the pulping process, such as caustic soda, sodium sulfate, and sulfuric acid. These chemicals help break down the raw materials into pulp, making them indispensable in the paper-making process. Caustic soda is produced by companies like The DOW Chemical Company, Solvay S.A., and Olin Corporation. Sodium sulfate is manufactured by Alkim Alkali Kimya A.Ş., Searles Valley Minerals, and NAHSCO. Sulfuric acid is produced by companies such as Chemtrade Logistics Inc., Veolia Environment SA, and Teck Resources Limited.
Conclusion:
the pulp and paper industry relies heavily on various chemicals to enhance the quality and properties of paper products. These chemicals include bleach, sizing agents, fillers, pigments, and pulping chemicals. Many major chemical companies are involved in the production of these chemicals, such as Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Kemira Oyj, and Omya International AG, among others. Their contribution is vital to meeting the industry’s demands for high-quality paper products.
