Studies on ASA emulsion stabilized with anionic polyvinylamine and its evaluation for sizing of different types of paper furnishes

Low stability of cationic starch (CS) stabilized alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) emulsion is the main drawback of ASA sizing of paper to impart hydrophobicity. Present communication deals with the study of anionic polyvinylamine (APVAm) stabilized ASA emulsion at different process conditions viz. pH, temperature and pulps viz. mixed hardwood (MHW), bagasse (BBS), recycled (RCL) & fillers. APVAm stabilized ASA emulsion was found to be stable at higher pH and temperature. Sizing was better with BBS pulp followed by RCL and MHW pulps. It was evident from the crystallinity ratios and hydrogen bond energy that BBS pulp had the maximum amorphous region that was translated into lesser chemical requirement to attain same sizing followed by RCL and MHW pulps. The better sizing behaviour with lesser dosage of APVAm stabilized ASA emulsion was observed with unfilled and talc filled paper as compared to ground calcium carbonate and precipitated calcium carbonate filled paper.