A process for flocculating filler particles in water is provided. The process comprises adding a flocculant to a mixture comprising filler particles and water, wherein the flocculant has a reduced specific viscosity (“RSV”) of from about 5 dL/g to about 16 dL/g, a viscosity average molecular weight of from about 1,200,000 to about 7,500,000, and a cationic charge of from about 5 mol % to about 50 mol %. Flocs formed by flocculation of the filler particles and the flocculant have a median particle size of from about 10 um to about 150 um. The filler is not precipitated calcium carbonate alone. The flocs provided by the process are useful in increasing ash content of a paper product.

Methods of reducing paper dusting in a papermaking process, and a low dusting tissue having increased strength are provided. Application of a polymer comprising at least one amine-containing vinylic or allylic monomer to at least one surface of a paper web during the papermaking process reduces the dusting tendency of the paper, and inpcreases both the wet and dry strength of the paper product.

Methods of reducing paper dusting in a papermaking process, and a low dusting tissue having increased strength are provided. Application of a polymer comprising at least one amine-containing vinylic or allylic monomer to at least one surface of a paper web during the papermaking process reduces the dusting tendency of the paper, and inpcreases both the wet and dry strength of the paper product.

Fiberboard sheet materials containing cellulosic fibers ae disclosed in which cellulose nanofibrils are used as a binder for adhering the cellulosic fibers together. The cellulose nanofibrils are present in an amount of 0.5% to 7.5% by weight on a dry weight basis of the fiberboard sheet. The fiberboard sheet materials have strength properties that meet or exceed the requirements in ASTM C208, and are useful for structural sheathing and roofing board applications. A process for manufacturing the fiberboard sheet is also disclosed.

Fiberboard sheet materials containing cellulosic fibers ae disclosed in which cellulose nanofibrils are used as a binder for adhering the cellulosic fibers together. The cellulose nanofibrils are present in an amount of 0.5% to 7.5% by weight on a dry weight basis of the fiberboard sheet. The fiberboard sheet materials have strength properties that meet or exceed the requirements in ASTM C208, and are useful for structural sheathing and roofing board applications. A process for manufacturing the fiberboard sheet is also disclosed.

Provided is a polymer flocculant which is capable of controlling the structure of a polymer that is a copolymerization product of a monomer (a) having a structure derived from formula (I) in each molecule and a water-soluble unsaturated monomer (b) having a polymerizable unsaturated bond in each molecule, and which has a branched or cross-linking structure, and is excellent in water-solubility and water dispersibility, ##STR00001## In formula (I), R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are respectively a linear or branched functional group configured of atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon not having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen; W is a non-metal element of the group 15; X and Y are each a linear or branched functional group configured of atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and each have at least one carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, provided that X and Y have different structures; and Z is a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, or an iodine ion.

Provided is a polymer flocculant which is capable of controlling the structure of a polymer that is a copolymerization product of a monomer (a) having a structure derived from formula (I) in each molecule and a water-soluble unsaturated monomer (b) having a polymerizable unsaturated bond in each molecule, and which has a branched or cross-linking structure, and is excellent in water-solubility and water dispersibility, ##STR00001## In formula (I), R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are respectively a linear or branched functional group configured of atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon not having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen; W is a non-metal element of the group 15; X and Y are each a linear or branched functional group configured of atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and each have at least one carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, provided that X and Y have different structures; and Z is a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, or an iodine ion.

Methods for reducing the effects of wetlapping, drying, and hornification of pulp fibers and consequently increasing the pulp drainage and strength properties in the final product (i.e., paper) are provided. The method which has been developed creates a “value-added” product by the wastepaper supplier or at the pulp and/or deinking (recycled paper) mill—a wastepaper load/bale, wet pulp stock or wet lap, or dried pulp treated with or impregnated with enzymes that enhance the quality of the pulp or paper product when it is repulped and processed at the paper mill.

Methods for reducing the effects of wetlapping, drying, and hornification of pulp fibers and consequently increasing the pulp drainage and strength properties in the final product (i.e., paper) are provided. The method which has been developed creates a “value-added” product by the wastepaper supplier or at the pulp and/or deinking (recycled paper) mill—a wastepaper load/bale, wet pulp stock or wet lap, or dried pulp treated with or impregnated with enzymes that enhance the quality of the pulp or paper product when it is repulped and processed at the paper mill.

Provided is a method of making paper and paperboard. In particular graft copolymers of vinyl monomers and functionalized vinylamine-containing base polymers by Michael addition are added to a paper furnish. The composition can be used alone or in combination with other additives for use in paper making and to improve paper making processes such as paper dry and wet strength properties.