[nanoPost] Nanocoating for Effective Paper Recycling

Research Centre USA

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a nanofabrication technique which has been used to produce multilayer coatings with nanometer precision through alternate adsorption of oppositely charged components.

Using LBL process lignocellulose fibers (e.g., recycled pulp or mill waste “broke”) are coated with a thin layer of strength enhancing material. These nanocomposite wood fibers are then integrated into existing paper making processes to produce paper.

This process can be adapted to produce paper with varying properties.

Advantages
• Process allows for a dramatic increase (2x) in use of recycled paper without a loss in paper tensile strength
• Potential for huge cost savings because process allows for the use of a higher percentage of recycled pulp to virgin pulp 
• Possibility to work with dirty water (mill black water) and re-use of the materials.
• Very simple process that can be easily scaled-up and integrated into existing mills.
• Low materials cost due to very thin polyelectrolyte coating.

Areas of Application
• Treatment of mill broke or recycled pulp for its re-use in paper making.
• Possibility to process existing depots of dry mill broke for its recycling.

Patents
• Regular Patent Pending.