The invention relates to a process for preparing self-binding pigment particle suspensions, to a self-binding pigment particle suspension as well as to a paper product comprising self-binding pigment particles and to the use of the self-binding pigment particle suspension in paper applications, such as in paper coating or as filler material.

Methods of re-dispersing and de-agglomerating dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, into liquid compositions comprising same, by applying ultrasonic energy to such liquid compositions of dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose, or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. Methods for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material, with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, suitable for use in methods of making paper or coating paper, and to filled and coated papers made from such aqueous suspensions.

Methods of re-dispersing and de-agglomerating dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, into liquid compositions comprising same, by applying ultrasonic energy to such liquid compositions of dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose, or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. Methods for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material, with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, suitable for use in methods of making paper or coating paper, and to filled and coated papers made from such aqueous suspensions.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing self-binding pigment particles comprising the following steps: a) providing an aqueous mineral pigment material suspension; b) providing at least one polymeric binder, wherein the binder comprises at least one modified polysaccharide having a degree of carboxylation in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 and having an intrinsic viscosity in the range of >300 to 500 ml/g, c) mixing the binder of step b) with the aqueous mineral pigment material suspension of step a) and adjusting the solids content of the obtained suspension so that it is >45 to 95 wt.-%, preferably from 45 to 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the suspension, and d) grinding the aqueous mineral material suspension of step c).

The present invention relates to a process for preparing self-binding pigment particles comprising the following steps: a) providing an aqueous mineral pigment material suspension; b) providing at least one polymeric binder, wherein the binder comprises at least one modified polysaccharide having a degree of carboxylation in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 and having an intrinsic viscosity in the range of >300 to 500 ml/g, c) mixing the binder of step b) with the aqueous mineral pigment material suspension of step a) and adjusting the solids content of the obtained suspension so that it is >45 to 95 wt.-%, preferably from 45 to 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the suspension, and d) grinding the aqueous mineral material suspension of step c).

Compositions suitable for use in the bleaching of pulps may include one or more particulate alkaline earth metal oxides or alkaline earth metal hydroxides or mixtures thereof, and one or more pitch control additives. The compositions may be suitable for use in a pulp preparation or a papermaking process. A method for the bleaching of pulps may include providing the composition.

Compositions suitable for use in the bleaching of pulps may include one or more particulate alkaline earth metal oxides or alkaline earth metal hydroxides or mixtures thereof, and one or more pitch control additives. The compositions may be suitable for use in a pulp preparation or a papermaking process. A method for the bleaching of pulps may include providing the composition.

The invention provides a method for the production of a composite comprising microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and precipitated calcium carbonate. The method is characterized in that MFC is added to a suspension of calcium hydroxide during carbonation, whereby calcium carbonate is precipitated onto fibers or fibrils of the MFC in a controlled manner. By adding microfibrillated cellulose to the calcium suspension during the carbonation, the brightness and the strength of the MFC/PCC-composite is enhanced. Moreover, the inventive method facilitates the distribution of calcium dioxide and MFC in the suspension and thus gives rise to a more homogenous product.

The invention provides a method for the production of a composite comprising microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and precipitated calcium carbonate. The method is characterized in that MFC is added to a suspension of calcium hydroxide during carbonation, whereby calcium carbonate is precipitated onto fibers or fibrils of the MFC in a controlled manner. By adding microfibrillated cellulose to the calcium suspension during the carbonation, the brightness and the strength of the MFC/PCC-composite is enhanced. Moreover, the inventive method facilitates the distribution of calcium dioxide and MFC in the suspension and thus gives rise to a more homogenous product.

Method of papermaking comprises: treating filler with a starch and a flocculant to form a filler floc; combining the filler floc with the cellulose fiber stock; and forming a paper mat from the combination of filler floc and cellulose fiber stock. The method have been found to result in larger particle sizes for the filler flocs, improved shear stability, and improved sheet strength in the paper mat.