At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we believe in understanding the science behind our products to better serve our clients in the paper industry. Today, we explore the chemistry of sizing and the specific role that styrene acrylic polymers play in enhancing paper properties, particularly water resistance.

Sizing in papermaking is a process designed to control the absorption of liquids, preventing inks and water from spreading uncontrollably into the paper fibers. This is achieved by applying sizing agents, which create a barrier or modify the fiber surface. While various agents exist, styrene acrylic copolymers have emerged as highly effective surface sizing agents due to their unique chemical structure and properties.

The 'styrene' component in these copolymers contributes significantly to their hydrophobic nature. Styrene itself is a non-polar molecule, meaning it repels water. When copolymerized with acrylic monomers, the resulting polymer chain exhibits a balance of properties, including excellent film-forming capabilities and good adhesion to cellulose fibers. This amphiphilic nature allows the polymer to spread evenly across the paper surface, creating a continuous, water-repellent film.

The 'acrylic' part of the polymer chain influences factors like flexibility, adhesion, and compatibility with other papermaking chemicals. The specific acrylic monomers used can be tailored to fine-tune the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer, which affects the film's hardness and durability. Our anionic styrene acrylic copolymers are designed to integrate seamlessly with starch and other common additives at the size press, ensuring efficient application and optimal performance.

The anionic nature of these copolymers is also important. It dictates their interaction with other charged species in the papermaking system and contributes to their stability in aqueous formulations. This ensures that the product remains effective and easy to handle throughout the papermaking process. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. leverages this chemical understanding to produce high-quality styrene acrylic surface sizing agents that meet the stringent demands of modern papermaking. By understanding the chemistry, we can better predict and control how these polymers interact with paper fibers to achieve superior water resistance and printability.