The pulp and paper industry relies heavily on chemical aids to optimize production processes and manage environmental impact. Polyacrylamide (PAM), a versatile polymer flocculant, plays a significant role in this sector, offering benefits that range from improving paper quality to enhancing wastewater treatment. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. explores the multifaceted applications of PAM in papermaking.

Within the papermaking process, PAM functions as a retention aid, drainage aid, and leveling agent. As a retention aid, it helps to retain fine fibers, fillers (like clay or calcium carbonate), and sizing agents within the paper web during formation. This improves the yield of valuable materials, reduces losses into the white water system, and enhances the opacity and printability of the final paper product. Its ability to bridge particles and form flocs is key to this function. Similarly, as a drainage aid, PAM promotes the rapid release of water from the pulp slurry, increasing the speed of the paper machine and improving energy efficiency.

PAM also acts as a dry and wet strength agent, improving the physical properties of the paper. By promoting fiber-to-fiber bonding, it increases tensile strength, bursting strength, and resistance to tearing. For papermaking operations, choosing the right type of PAM is important. Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) is often favored due to its affinity for negatively charged cellulose fibers and fillers. However, anionic and non-ionic variants also find specific applications, depending on the particular process chemistry and desired paper characteristics. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers a range of PAM products tailored for these applications, guiding clients on how to buy polyacrylamide for optimal results.

Furthermore, the papermaking industry generates significant volumes of wastewater (white water) containing residual fibers, fillers, and dissolved organic materials. PAM is an essential tool for treating this wastewater. By flocculating suspended solids and dissolved organic matter, it facilitates clarification and solids removal, allowing for water recycling within the mill and reducing the environmental discharge. This not only helps in meeting stringent environmental regulations but also conserves water resources. The efficiency of PAM in these applications makes it a cost-effective solution for improving both the quality of the final paper product and the environmental performance of the papermaking process.