Process for making paper using cationic amylopectin starch

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of papermaking. More in particular, the invention relates to a method of reducing the phenomenon of vessel picking in papermaking. In accordance with the invention it has surprisingly been found that the problem vessel picking may be significantly reduced by using a cationic amylopectin starch in the paper pulp, i.e. in the wet-end.

1 . A process for making paper, wherein a cationic amylopectin starch is added to an aqueous suspension of cellulose fibers, and forming paper from this suspension in conventional manner, wherein the suspension of cellulose fibers comprises at least 5 wt. %, based on dry substance, of hardwood cellulose fibers. 
   
   
       2 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the cationic amylopectin starch comprises at least 95 wt. %, preferably at least 98 wt. %, based on dry substance, of amylopectin. 
   
   
       3 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the cationic amylopectin starch is a waxy maize starch or an amylopectin root or tuber starch. 
   
   
       4 . A process according to  claim 3 , wherein the starch is a potato or tapioca starch. 
   
   
       5 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the suspension of cellulose fibers comprises at least 10 wt. %, based on dry substance, of hardwood cellulose fibers. 
   
   
       6 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the hardwood cellulose fibers are obtained from oak, elm, eucalyptus, aspan, balsam cottonwood, or acacia. 
   
   
       7 . A process according to  claim 1 , wherein the paper is flat paper. 
   
   
       8 . Paper obtainable by a process according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       9 . Use of a cationic amylopectin starch in the wet-end of papermaking from a pulp comprising at least 5 wt. % of hardwood pulp for reducing vessel picking.