The Influence of Particle Size of Starch-Sodium Stearate Complex Modified GCC Filler on Paper Physical Strength

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) was modified with starch/sodium stearate complexes and used to prepare modified GCC of different size by use of a BSJ-200 oscillating sieving machine. Modified GCC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis. Eight kinds of modified GCC of different size and a kind of modified GCC without screening were used in papermaking and the paper strength properties, especially in tensile, tear, and burst index, were investigated. It was found that the size of modified GCC played an important role in the physical properties of the paper. The best size of modified GCC was within the range 35 to 54 µm.