Study of the interaction between poly ( ethy 1 ene oxide ) and phenol - formaldehyde resin

Interactions between poly(ethy1ene oxide) and phenol-formaldehyde resin play important roles in the mechanism by which the two polvmers improve fibre retention in the papermaking process. These were investigated at the concentration level and shear conditions found in this vrocess. The results indicste that the comvlex formed varies with pH and ionic strength over a very narrow range of conditions, and that the self association of the resin an important part in the quantity of resin io the complex. Because the amount of resin interactine with the ~olvethvlene oxide amears to be . related to the molecular weight, and hence chain length, of the two polymers, cooperative binding of the polymers seems to be involved. A minimum size of the network was found to be necessary for the polymers to improve fibre retention.