This study focuses on the modification of recycled fiber
surface
through polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) assembly of cationic and
anionic starches using the layer-by layer (LbL) technique. The properties
of handsheets made of those multilayered fibers under various pH values
and salt concentrations of the pulp suspension were evaluated. It
was found that ζ-potential variations had a close correlation
with consecutive multilayer construction, and conductivity shifts
influenced ζ-potential and strength characteristics more than
varying the pH did. Mechanical properties of the handsheets, i.e.,
tensile index and internal bonding (Scott type), showed considerable
improvement ranging from 125 to 365% depending on the pH and conductivity
of the pulp suspension. Moreover, higher pH values between 7.5 and
10 and low electrolyte content around 0.001 M NaCl (140 μS/cm
conductivity) were found to be the best conditions to assemble PEMs
on recycled fibers, possibly as a consequence of the increased degree
of fiber and polyelectrolyte ionization and more efficient conformation
of polyelectrolyte.
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