Application of response surface methodology and central composite design for the optimization of talc filler and retention aid in papermaking

摘要

Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) has been used as a retention aid with talc (hydrous magnesium silicate) filler to get the variation of ash in paper using response surface methodology based central composite design. The need of CPAM for varying dosage of talc filler is calculated statistically through the data of first pass ash retention (FPAR) using analysis of variance. The design is employed by selecting the dosages of talc filler and CPAM as model factors to get the variation of ash in paper. The dosages of talc and CPAM range from 250 g/t to 750 g/t and from 50 g/t to 400 g/t pulp respectively. The results of first order factorial design show that both independent variables have significant effect on increasing the ash in paper. At any particular filler addition level, the increase in CPAM addition enhances the ash and FPAR. Optimum conditions to get around 55% FPAR and 15% ash in paper are found to be 382 kg/t talc and 230 g/t CPAM. The linear equations obtained from the designed experiments can be used to predict the dosage of inputs (talc and CPAM) on the basis of desired outputs (ash content and FPAR).