Papermakers are continually searching for ways to improve operating efficiency, productivity, and sheet quality.  However since paper machines are frequently dryer or drainage limited or have sheet strength issues, this can be a significant challenge.  Additionally, the desire to reduce basis weight, substitute fiber, and/or reduce the use of wet end additives further complicates matters.  In today’s competitive environment, papermakers require a comprehensive solution for such problems.

Reently, Hercules introduced Hercobond® 6000 Paper Performance Technology—a series of products that provide a powerful combination of strength, drainage, and retention.  In addition to enhancing sheet strength, increasing speed, and improving retention, this technology makes wet end simplification a reality as it has allowed many papermakers to reduce or eliminate the use of certain wet end additives, including dry strength resins, cationic starch, drainage and retention aids, and coagulants.

Hercobond® 6000 products work over a broad pH range and are tolerant to sulfites, pH, alkalinity, and conductivity swings.  This single component technology is simple to use and apply and is compatible with most system additives.  Hercobond 6000 has demonstrated benefits through ongoing applications in packaging, printing and writing, and tissue/towel grades.

Mode of Action

Hercobond 6000 products are modified polyamines that form both hydrogen and ionic bonds with fibers and fines, providing excellent strength improvements.  The products’ high charge density also increases ionic attraction and delivers dramatic step changes in drainage, retention, and charge control.

Features

12% active solids, cationic liquid
Water soluble / no make-down required
One-year shelf life
FDA approved 176.170 and 176.180
Low (< 1%) VOC content
No components listed on Prop. 65 or Sara 313

Recorded Benefits

The following benefits have been recorded from commercial applications of Hercobond® 6000 Paper Performance Technology.  Not all benefits are realized for all applications.

Improved sheet strength
Increased production
Lower basis weights
Increased recycle fiber utilization
Reduced Kraft utilization
Improved machine runnability
Improved machine retention
Higher sheet ash content and filler cost savings
Improved fiber recovery
Reduced whitewater solids and turbidity
Reduced system deposition
Improved machine drainage
Provides high levels of controllable drainage
Improved formation
Increased machine speed
Reduced dryer energy consumption
Improved wet end operation
Simplified, cleaner wet end resulting from fewer additives
Cost-effective additive scheme
Wet end chemical efficiency gains