PREPARATION OF POLYMERS WITH ISOCYANATE GROUPS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS AS PAPER STRENGTH ADDITIVES

Results are shown on the preparation and characterization of homopolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl isocyanate(MOI) ad copolymers of MOI with styrene synthesized by radical polymerization. The significant effectiveness of the polymers as additives for paper dry and wet strength was found. Dry strength can be increased by 75% and wet strength retention of sheets can reach 30% based on the increased dry strength and about 50% based on the dry strength of untreated sheet. Based on isocyanate group consumption, copolymers containing less isocyanate can give better effect than homopolymer in sheet wet strength improvement. Furthermore, the base paper containing a small amount of polyallylamine hydrochloride was used for polymer treatment and got higher wet strength improvement.