Bulk and stiffness enhancement in papermaking

Abstract

The present invention provides formulations for papermaking and methods for their use. In embodiments, the formulations include a treatment agent and a fluid carrier, where the treatment agent includes a volatile debonder or a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. Methods for treating a paper product to increase its bulk or its stiffness are also disclosed, in addition to paper products formed from such methods.

1 . A formulation for use in a sizing step for a paper product, comprising:
 a treatment agent, wherein the treatment agent comprises a volatile debonder or a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature; and   a fluid carrier with which the treatment agent forms an emulsion or a solution.   
     
     
         2 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the volatile debonder is evaporable from the paper product during the sizing step. 
     
     
         3 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer composition has a higher affinity for cellulose fibers in the paper product when a temperature of the paper product is above a transition temperature than when the temperature is below the transition temperature. 
     
     
         4 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment agent is formulated in an aqueous solution or emulsion for dispersal by spraying on the paper product. 
     
     
         5 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment agent is dispersible within a sizing solution used during the sizing step. 
     
     
         6 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment agent comprises a polyetheramine. 
     
     
         7 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment agent is a bulking agent. 
     
     
         8 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment agent is a stiffening agent. 
     
     
         9 . A method for treating a paper product to increase its bulk, comprising:
 preparing a bulking formulation as an aqueous solution or emulsion, wherein the bulking formulation comprises a volatile debonder or a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature;   applying the bulking formulation to the paper product during a sizing step of papermaking; and   drying the paper product,   thereby treating the paper product to increase its bulk.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the bulking formulation is applied to the paper product by spraying. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the bulking formulation is blended with a sizing solution, and wherein the sizing solution is applied to the paper product during the sizing step. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising evaporating the volatile debonder from the paper product. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising raising the temperature of the paper product above a transition temperature, wherein the polymer composition has a higher affinity for cellulose fibers above the transition temperature than it does below the transition temperature, and wherein raising the temperature of the paper product above the transition temperature increases the bulk of the paper product. 
     
     
         14 . A method for treating a paper product to increase its stiffness, comprising:
 preparing a stiffening formulation as an aqueous solution or emulsion, wherein the bulking formulation comprises a volatile debonder or a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature;   applying the stiffening formulation to the paper product during a sizing step of papermaking;   applying a starch-containing formulation to the paper product; and   drying the paper product,   thereby treating the paper product to increase its stiffness.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the stiffening formulation is applied to the paper product by spraying. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the stiffening formulation is blended with a sizing solution, and wherein the sizing solution is applied to the paper product during the sizing step. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising evaporating the volatile debonder from the paper product. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising raising the temperature of the paper product above a transition temperature, wherein the polymer composition has a higher affinity for cellulose fibers above the transition temperature than it does below the transition temperature, and wherein raising the temperature of the paper product above the transition temperature increases the bulk of the paper product. 
     
     
         19 . A method for incorporating an advantageous compound into a paper product, comprising:
 preparing a bulking or stiffening formulation as an aqueous solution or emulsion, wherein the bulking formulation comprises a volatile debonder or a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature;   preparing an additive formulation comprising the advantageous compound as an aqueous solution or emulsion;   applying the bulking or stiffening formulation to the paper product during a sizing step of papermaking;   applying the additive formulation to the paper product; and   drying the paper product, wherein the advantageous compound is incorporated into the paper product following the step of drying the paper product.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the advantageous compound comprises starch. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the advantageous compound is selected from the group consisting of an oil/grease resistance agent, an optical brightener, an ink binder, a dust preventer, a water repellent, a stiffener, a biocide, a biomolecule for controlled release, a superabsorbent polymer, a gloss strength builder, a colorant, an adhesion-release agent, a diagnostic sensor agent, a filtration assist agent, a targeted capture/sequestrants agent and a biomedical component. 
     
     
         22 . A paper product formed by the method of  claim 14 .