Understanding Wet-End Polymer Performance through Visualization of Macromolecular Events by Transmission Electron Microscopy

A novel transmission electron microscopy technique for the visualization of polymers adsorbed on secondary fines has been developed. This technique has been utilized in observing the adsorption behavior of various wet-end additives. The technique is sensitive enough not only to allow differentiation between linear and branched polymers, but also to observe differences in the adsorption behavior and conformational characteristics of particular polymeric derivatives. Conformational changes of a cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) were examined in response to variations in wet-end conditions, such as mixing time and system conductivity. The molecular conformations of cationic starch and cationic guar gum were also examined by this technique. The technique has been employed to observe the effects of silica microparticles on the conformational characteristics of CPAM (drainage/retention aid) pre-adsorbed on secondary fines. The transmission electron microscopy method is a viable tool for investigating the macromolecular events that make up a large part of wet end chemistry in papermaking.