imPress™ ST surface size agents
Ashland’s imPress ST surface size agents comprise a family of cellulose reactive products that deliver superior sizing performance and excellent runnability compared to traditional surface sizes. The ease of use and high sizing development of these products offer papermakers the opportunity to significantly reduce internal sizing and to move the majority of sizing to the size press. These changes ultimately lead to a cleaner, more flexible wet end. With minimal need to focus on size retention, the papermaker is able to focus on machine performance parameters, such as retention and drainage, while maintaining critical sheet properties, such as sizing and formation.
The imPress ST surface size agents are designed to provide sizing for a variety of paper and board grades, including printing and office papers and packaging. The products are low foaming; compatible with most common size press starches; and can be used in conjunction with optical brightening agents, salts and defoamers typically used in size press applications.
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Product Availability
- Asia Pacific
- Europe, Middle East, Africa, India
- Latin America and South America
- North America
Application InformationWant to know more about how our products are used?
imPress ST surface size agents deliver superior sizing performance and excellent runnability compared to traditional surface sizes. Commercial applications confirm this and typically result in a number of value-added benefits.
● Improved sizing efficiency
● Reduced internal sizing demand
● Improved machine runnability
● Improved system cleanliness
● Improved sheet quality
● Improved wet end flexibility
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ServicesAshland offers a variety of services which complement this product.
Customer Analytical Services
Ashland Water Technologies’ Customer Analytical Services team is dedicated to helping customers address the multitude of contaminants that can negatively impact the efficiency and reliability of their water-based systems. The team is made up of an experienced staff of analytical chemists, microbiologists and technicians and is supported by sophisticated testing equipment that provides rapid analysis and identification of contaminants beyond what may be accomplished with field-based methods. Key services provided by the team include fluid analysis, deposit analysis, microbiological analysis and metallurgical analysis.
Papermaking Services
Continuous pilot papermaking systems are the cornerstones of Ashland Water Technologies’ Papermaking Services group. The primary purpose of our papermaking operations is to provide papermakers with insights and solutions to problems and opportunities related to the effects of additives and system changes on wet-laid products and processes. Our facilities are equipped to conduct trials that predict commercial system performance.
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Mode of Action
Cellulose reactive sizes develop relatively high sizing levels compared to nonreactive sizes. The most common cellulose reactive sizes, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), have sites that form covalent bonds with hydroxyl groups on cellulose. It is generally accepted that the same covalent reaction occurs with the hydroxyl groups on starch molecules. Similarly, imPress ST surface size agents react with hydroxyl groups. These groups are present on the size press starch and the base sheet fiber. This reaction delivers a high level of sizing that is unmatched by traditional surface sizes.