What is Alkyl Ketene Dimers (AKD) Wax ?

Alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax is a fiber-reactive nuclear-sizing agent used in the paper industry as a sizing agent. Sizing papers with alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax emulsions helps in imparting water resistance by simultaneously controlling its printing properties. It is an efficient sizing agent, especially suitable from the environment protection viewpoint. Alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax can cure kinetics. Alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax hydrolysis takes place depending on conversion into the ketone form of the compound, which occurs during drying of paper at a high temperature. Traditionally, application of alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax in the paper industry involves several tedious steps including emulsification and mixing of the emulsified alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax with an aqueous mixture that contains fibers, cellulosic fibers, mineral particles, and other chemical agents. During the manufacture of paper sheets, alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax emulsion particles may adhere either to fibers, cellulosic fibers, or mineral surfaces in the suspension.

Alkyl Ketene Dimers (AKD) Wax : Drivers & Restraints

Alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax is used in the form of emulsion in the sizing of finer qualities of paper. In comparison to other acidic sizing agents, for instance, gum rosin, alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax aid in minimizing the machine breakdown and water recycling difficulties in the standard process of acidic paper manufacture. Alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax also reduces water absorption and enhances surface conditions of paper during a neutral paper manufacturing process. A major factor driving the usage of alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax in the paper industry is its significant role in minimizing the detrimental impact of water contamination on environment, by facilitating the recycling of water during the paper production process.

Alkyl Ketene Dimers (AKD) Wax :  Key Applications

In terms of application, the alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) wax market can be segmented into printing and writing papers, paperboards, newsprint, and paperboard grades. Use of AKD wax in the manufacture of any type of paper optimizes surface hydrophobicity, absorption of liquids, writability and printability, dimensional stability, and runnability of the machine.

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