Functionalized cellulose fibers for dewatering and energy efficiency improvements

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods of improving dewatering in the papermaking process by incorporation of functionalized cellulose fibers in the paper furnish. Additionally, the disclosure provides the means to eliminate process problems mainly plugging problems in a nano/micro-fibrillated cellulose production process by incorporation of functionalized cellulose fibers in a cellulose fiber composition and methods of functionalizing cellulose fibers in a paper making process. The methods according to the present disclosure provide several advantages, such as improving the freeness and dewatering of the paper making process during the paper making process, leading to an increased production rate and reduced energy consumption.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of functionalizing cellulose fibers in a paper making process, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) obtaining a first plurality of cellulose fibers;   (b) functionalizing the first plurality of cellulose fibers by subjecting the cellulose fibers to a process in which all or part of the surface of one or more of the first plurality of cellulose fibers is rendered hydrophobic;   (c) optionally combining the first plurality of cellulose fibers with a second plurality of cellulose fibers, wherein the second plurality of cellulose fibers comprises non-functionalized cellulose fibers; and   (d) utilizing the first plurality of cellulose fibers, and optionally the second plurality of cellulose fibers, in the paper making process.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the combination of step (c) results in a cellulose fiber composition comprising between 5% and 95% of functionalized cellulose fibers and between 5% and 95% of non-functionalized cellulose fibers. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic process is performed according to a process selected from the group consisting of a liquid phase silanization, a gas phase silanization, plasma deposition, and an aqueous phase treatment scheme. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the liquid phase silanization comprises octadecyltrichlorosilane and a hexane. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved drainage. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved dewatering. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved freeness. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved water retention value (WRV). 
     
     
         9 . A method of removing water in a paper making process, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) obtaining a first plurality of cellulose fibers;   (b) functionalizing the first plurality of cellulose fibers by subjecting the cellulose fibers to a process in which all or part of the surface of one or more of the first plurality of cellulose fibers is rendered hydrophobic;   (c) optionally combining the first plurality of cellulose fibers with a second plurality of cellulose fibers, wherein the second plurality of cellulose fibers comprises non-functionalized cellulose fibers; and   (d) utilizing the first plurality of cellulose fibers, and optionally the second plurality of cellulose fibers, in the paper making process, wherein the inclusion of the first plurality of cellulose fibers removes water from the paper making process.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the combination of step (c) results in a cellulose fiber composition comprising between 5% and 95% of functionalized cellulose fibers and between 5% and 95% of non-functionalized cellulose fibers. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the hydrophobic process is performed according to a process selected from the group consisting of a liquid phase silanization, a gas phase silanization, plasma deposition, and an aqueous phase treatment scheme. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the liquid phase silanization comprises octadecyltrichlorosilane and a hexane. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved drainage. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved dewatering. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved freeness. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the paper making process is associated with improved water retention value (WRV).