Journal of Korea TAPPI ISSN:0253-3200(Print) 펄프종이기술

Since cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) has large specific surface area and high water holding capacity, it is very difficult task to remove water from the CNF suspension. However, dewatering of CNF suspension is a prerequisite of following processes such as mat forming and drying for the application of CNF. In this study, we evaluated the drainage of cellulose fibers suspension under vacuum and pressure conditions depending on the number of grinding passes. Also, the effect of the addition of cationic polyelectrolyte on dewatering ability of CNF suspension was investigated. Regardless of dewatering condition, the total drained water amount as well as the drainage rate were decreased with an increase in the number of grinding passes. Pressure dewatering equipment enables us to prepare wet CNF mat with relatively higher grammage. The cationic polyelectrolytes improved the dewatering ability of CNF suspension by controlling the zeta potential of CNF. The fast drainage was obtained when CNF suspension had around neutral zeta potential.