At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we recognize the critical importance of AKD emulsion in modern papermaking. While AKD exists in wax powder form, its direct application presents challenges with dispersibility and sizing efficiency. Therefore, converting AKD wax powder into a stable AKD emulsion is a standard and necessary process. This article provides a detailed look at how AKD emulsion is processed and its significance in paper manufacturing.

The transformation of AKD wax powder into a usable emulsion involves specific equipment and a carefully controlled process flow. Key equipment includes a reactor for melting the AKD wax, an emulsifying kettle for preliminary mixing, and a high-pressure homogenizer to achieve fine particle size. A filter tank removes impurities, and a plate heat exchanger cools the emulsion. Lastly, a preparation kettle is used to dissolve cationic emulsifiers, such as aluminum sulfate or cationic starch, which are vital for stabilizing the emulsion. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. understands that the quality of the final AKD emulsion is directly dependent on the precision of these steps.

The processing flow begins with melting the solid AKD wax powder in a reactor at 65-75°C. This molten AKD is then mixed with an emulsifier solution in an emulsification kettle under high shear to form a coarse emulsion. The subsequent step, crucial for achieving uniform particle size (0.1-1 μm), is processing the crude emulsion through a high-pressure homogenizer at pressures of 20-50 MPa. Rapid cooling to below 30°C using a plate heat exchanger prevents AKD hydrolysis. Finally, the filtered AKD emulsion is mixed with a cationic emulsifier in a finished product kettle, with pH adjusted to 6.5-7.5. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. ensures that each stage is managed to maintain emulsion stability and efficacy.

The benefits of a well-processed AKD emulsion are significant. These stable emulsions offer improved dispersibility, higher sizing efficiency, and better integration into the papermaking furnish. This leads to enhanced water resistance, consistent quality, and smoother operation of paper machines. For paper grades requiring high hygiene standards, such as food packaging paper, the solvent-free production methods used for AKD raw powder, and subsequently its emulsions, are particularly advantageous as they meet non-toxic standards. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides high-quality AKD emulsions that are essential for achieving superior paper properties.

By understanding and implementing the correct AKD emulsion processing techniques, paper manufacturers can significantly improve their product's performance. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is committed to supplying not only the AKD wax powder but also the expertise and auxiliary materials needed to create high-performance AKD emulsions, thereby supporting the drive for better quality and more sustainable paper production.