Effect of different modifying methods of calcium carbonate on paper-process reconstituted tobacco

In order to improve quality, the effect of different modifying methods of Calcium carbonate (PCC) on reconstituted tobaccos in paper-making process was also studied, including direct addition, combining with starch and retention aids, modification with starch, and modification with tobacco stem fiber and starch. The results show that: 1) Direct additon, many calcium carbonate particles are relatively evenly distributed on the surface of base-sheet, but only small amounts of calcium carbonate particles affixing to fibers inside the base sheet. 2）Combining with starch and retention aids, calcium carbonate particles are distributed evenly in the whole base sheet. 3) Modification with starch, form large aggregates between calcium carbonate particles, which lead to a serious imbalance of PCC aggregates distribution in the base sheet. 4) Modification with tobacco stem and fiber starch, small pieces of PCC agglomeration are formed and the distribution of PCC agglomeration is relatively uniform in the base sheet. The retention of tobacco furnish and Calcium carbonate of these base sheets are improved gradually, which are prepared by four methods about mentioned. The pilot experiment results show that compared with old processes (direct addition), the deliveries of tar, CO and TPM in mainstream smoke of the sheets with new processes (modification with tobacco stem fiber and starch) have been brought down. The Calcium carbonate content of these sheets with new processes is improved significantly, from 6.3 % to 10.8 %, the Calcium carbonate retention of these sheets reach up to 72.0 %. Conclusion: The method of modification with tobacco stem and fiber starch can effectively improve the retention and distribution of calcium carbonate.