Abstract
Toner used in xerographic printing process is hydrophobic powder with low surface energy. The toner ink film fused on paper surface can be efficiently detached from a fiber surface during pulping, but it does not fragment again into fine toner particles. Ink agglomerates that result have too large particle size to be deinked by flotation. The purpose of this study is to enhance toner agglomeration using 1-octadecanol for improving the toner removal by screening. The effect of pH, pulping temperature, and 1-octadecanol on toner agglomeration and removal by screening was investigated using image analysis methods. Results showed that the size of toner agglomerates increased substantially when pulping was carried out at high temperature under acidic condition. When toner agglomerates showed spherical shape, the particle removal efficiency of screening was improved.