Abstract
New filler and pigment technologies are needed to improve the optical properties of paper. Filler contents in different paper grades are approaching the maximum levels achievable with current papermaking practices. Much work has been done to maximize the light scattering potential of fillers and pigments by modifying their particle size distribution or specific surface area. The refractive index (RI) is an optical constant of pigment, and less attention has been paid to the possibility of increasing this parameter. In the present study, a novel nanostructured filler-grade precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) pigment was synthesized. Zinc-based nanostructures, physically contacted with the host PCC material, increase the differences in RI between filler-fiber and filler-air interfaces, yielding increased light scattering. The effective RI of the novel filler was measured using a method which combines a multi-function spectrometer with the immersion liquid method. This method enables effective RI measurement from pigment suspensions, irrespective of the shape, size, and nanostructures occurring on the host pigments. When compared to conventional PCC, the results gained with the nanostructured PCCs suggest an increase in the effective RI. When used as filler in paper, nanostructured PCC yields improved light scattering, i.e., better opacity.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Laufmann M (2006) Pigments as fillers. In: Holik H (ed) Handbook of paper and board. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH&Co, Weinheim, p 33
Krogerus B (1998) Fillers and pigments. In: Neimo L (ed) Papermaking chemistry. Fapet Oy, Jyväskylä
Laufmann M, Rapp HU (1995) Wire abrasion and its potential causes. In: 1995 Dyes, fillers & pigments short course, Chicago, 26–28 April 1995. TAPPI Press, Atlanta, p 49
Huuskonen J, Eiroma E (1983) In: Arjas A (ed) Paperin täyttö, Paperin valmistus, 2nd edn. Suomen Paperi-insinöörien yhdistys, Turku, p 271
Gill RA (1992) Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) fillers and the sizing of alkaline papers. In: 1992 Sizing short course, Nashville, 8–10 April 1992, TAPPI Press, Atlanta, p 75
Peiponen K-E, Vartiainen EM, Asakura T (1999) Dispersion, complex analysis and optical spectroscopy. Springer, Heidelberg
Scallan AM, Borch J (1972) An interpretation of paper reflectance based upon morphology, I. Initial considerations. Tappi 55(4):583
Giertz HW (1951) Opaciteten hos pappersmassor. Svensk Papperstidning 54(8):267
Gane PAC, Buri M, Blum R (1999) Pigment co-structuring: new opportunities for higher brightness coverage and print-surface design. In: Proceedings of the international symposium on paper covering coverage, Helsinki, 1999
Lattaud K, Vilminot S, Hirlimann C, Parant H, Schoelkopf J, Gane P (2006) Index of refraction enhancement of calcite particles coated with zinc carbonate. Solid State Sci 8:1222
Penttilä A, Lumme K (2004) The effect of particle shape on scattering—a study with a collection with axisymmetric particles and sphere clusters. J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transf 89:303
Seferis CJ (1999) Refractive indices of polymers. In: Brandrup J (ed) Polymer handbook, 4th edn. Wiley, New York, p 571
Jaffe HW (1996) Crystal chemistry and refractivity, 2nd edn. Dover Publications, Mineola, 335 pp
Merrill L, Bassett WA (1975) The crystal structure of CaCO3 (II), a high-pressure metastable phase of calcium carbonate. Acta Crystallogr B31:343
Brunauer S, Emmet PH, Teller E (1938) J Am Chem Soc 60:309
Niskanen I, Räty J, Peiponen K-E (2006) A multifunction spectrophotometer for measurement of optical properties of transparent and turbid liquids. Meas Sci Technol 17:N87
Niskanen I, Räty J, Peiponen K-E (2008) Estimation of effective refractive index of birefringent particles using a combination of the immersion liquid method and light scattering. Appl Spectrosc 62:399
Palik ED (ed) (1998) Handbook of optical constants of solids II & III. Academic Press, San Diego
Acknowledgements
Financial support from Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), J.M. Huber Finland Oy, M-real Oyj, Omya Oy, and UPM-Kymmene Oyj is gratefully acknowledged.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Koivunen, K., Niskanen, I., Peiponen, KE. et al. Novel nanostructured PCC fillers. J Mater Sci 44, 477–482 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-008-3095-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-008-3095-y