| abstract |
The present invention relates to a novel sizing composition in the form of an aqueous emulsion comprising a hydrophobic cellulose reactive sizing agent and a cationic polymer comprising a starch, the novel features of said composition being that the starch possesses a combination of (A) a branched, high molecular weight structure as reflected by an amylopectin content of at least 85% and (B) a degree of substitution of about 0.05 to 0.40. Such sizing compositions can be prepared by dissolving the aforementioned starch in water, adjusting the temperature to above the melting point of the sizing agent and adding the sizing agent to the solution so as to form a coarse emulsion , which is subsequently subjected to shear forces to reduce the particle size of the emulsion. The invention also relates to a method of preparing sized paper or paperboard by using the above-mentioned sizing composition. Also, the invention relates to the sized paper for paperboard prepared by said method. Such paper products show reduction in liquid absorbency as compared to products using conventional sizing agents, reduced consumption of optical highteners, and enhanced development of sizing. |