Abstract

The effect of different surface sizing formulations on the chemical features of surfaces of the papers produced from Eucalyptus kraft pulp was studied. The surface analysis techniques, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry were applied. An uncoated base paper, the reference material, was sized with blends of cationic starch with either co-acrylonitrile-acrylate or co-styrene-acrylate. The results of both techniques are in good agreement and complete each other. It was possible not only to detect the presence of the surface sizing agents on the paper surface but also to distinguish them and evaluate their distribution and relative concentration. In addition, it was found that application of higher amounts of the sizing formulations, at a constant ratio of 20% copolymer to starch, did not significantly change the chemical properties of the paper surfaces.