Abstract
Recently the increased concerns about the cost reduction and environmental protection make the paper industry increase the closure level of papermaking system, which results in the buildup of organic and inorganic materials in the papermaking process water. Increase of the system closure causes deterioration of additive performance and provokes diverse problems in papermaking process and product quality. To investigate the effects of process water quality on the physical properties of fine papers handsheets were prepared with process water containing various amounts of inorganic and organic contaminants including calcium or sodium ions and oxidized or cationic starches. Inorgainc and organic materials did not show any significant effect on the physical properties of handsheets. Recycled GCC showed the same trends as inorganic and organic materials. The performance of cationic starch was deteriorated, however, in the recycled white water, which resulted in the reduction of tensile index of handsheets.