Process for producing a fade-resistant paper

Abstract

A process for producing a fade-resistant paper in which a cationic charged dye fixative is thoroughly mixed with fibers in a pulper, and a fade resistant pigment is added. To this mixture is added a three component retention system and the paper is formed on a Fourdrinier paper machine. After initial drying, the paper is treated with ethylated starch on a size press, and then finally dried.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A process for producing a fade-resistant paper comprising the steps of: 
 adding to fibers and water in a pulper, a cationic charged dye fixative and thoroughly mixing;    adding to the mixed fibers and fixative, at least one fade resistant pigment;    adding to the mixture of fibers, fixative and pigment a three component retention system;    forming the paper on a Fourdrinier paper machine,    initially drying the formed paper;    treating the initially dried paper with ethylated starch on a size press; and    finally drying the treated paper.    
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers added to the pulper comprise a blend of softwood and hardwood pulp in a ratio of 1:3-4 softwood:hardwood.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers and water in the pulper form a slurry containing 4-12% by weight water.  
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pigment is added in an amount of 15 to 400 pounds per ton of dry fiber.  
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the addition of the three component retention system comprises the sequential addition of a positively charged cationic polymer to neutralize a normally negative charge on the fiber, a long chain cationic flocculant to increase floc size and colloidal silica to promote formation of micro particles.