PREFLOCCULTATION OF FILLERS USED IN PAPERMAKING

A method of preparing a stable dispersion of agglomerated filler particles for use in a papermaking process includes the use of microparticles before， simultaneously， and/or after adding the first agglomeration agent to the aqueous dispersion of filler particles， followed by second agglomeration. Formulations are added to the dispersion， and additionally formed filler floes are optionally sheared to the desired particle size to form a shear resistant filler floc with an adjustable size distribution. In addition， a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before adding the microparticles and/or the first flocculating agent. A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises use of microparticle prior to， simultaneous to， and/or after addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles， followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further optional shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition， a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the microparticle and/or the first flocculating agent is added. A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises use of microparticle prior to， simultaneous to， and/or after addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles， followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further optional shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition， a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the microparticle and/or the first flocculating agent is added.