Influence of pigment blends of different shapes and size distributions on coated paper properties

Paper coating pigment plays an essential role in the achievement of the desired end paper qualities. Different pigment varieties are available for paper coating. Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is the major one used frequently in coating formulations. Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is gradually gaining importance in paper coating, as it can be prepared in different shapes and sizes. The present study was carried out to determine the influence of PCC pigments with different shapes and sizes on paper properties, and their limitations and advantages when blended with finer grade GCC. PCC pigments of calcite and aragonite crystalline polymorphs having rhombohedral, orthorhombic, and scalenohedral habits were selected for the study. It was observed that the viscosity and water-holding capacity of the coating color was reduced with the introduction of PCC in the coating formulation. The PCC pigments showed greater light scattering, opacity, and smoothness of the coated paper as compared to the GCC pigment. The clustered (rosette) shape of scalenohedral habit calcite PCC results in the greatest light scattering, opacity, and surface strength amongst all PCCs. The aragonite PCC of orthorhombic habit and calcite PCC of rhombohedral habit show an almost similar trend in coated paper properties with the greatest smoothness and paper gloss.