Method for Fiber Loading a Chemical Compound

Forest Service

This invention is a method for loading a chemical compound within the fibers of a fibrous material such as wood. More specifically, calcium carbonate is added to paper to increase its brightness and improve other qualities. Calcium carbonate replaces some of the fiber, therefore, an economic benefit is realized as it costs eighty percent less than fiber. However, there are two drawbacks to traditional methods of adding this compound to paper. First, additional wastewater contaminants are washed out in the papermaking process contributing to effluent pollution. Second, there is a decrease in paper strength because the filler which merely coats fibers reduce fiber-to-fiber bonds. The significance of this technology is that existing papermaking machinery can be used to load the hollow fiber interiors with calcium carbonate without the need for subsequent washing and without a reduction in paper strength.

Please refer to Patent Number 0,035,460, which issued February 25, 1997, and is a reissue of parent Patent Number 5,223,090, which issued May 29, 1993.