Coating color stability, as defined by changes in its solid particle fraction, is important for runnability, quality, and costs of a paper coating operation. This study sought to determine whether the size or density of particles is important in size segregation in a pigment coating process. We used a laboratory coater to study changes in coating color composition during coating operations. The results suggest that size segregation occurs for high and low density particles. Regardless of the particle density, the fine particle size fraction (<0.2 μm) was the most prone for depletion, causing an increase in the average size of the particles. Strong interactions between the fine particles and other components also were associated with a low depletion tendency of fine particles. A stable process and improved efficiency of fine particles and binders can be achieved by controlling the depletion of fine particles.
