Recycling Svetocopy Eco Paper

Abstract

The optical and mechanical properties of secondary fibers of a new type of Russian office paper SvetoCopy Eco were studied after purification by various methods. The studied optical properties were whiteness, brightness, fluorescence, and opacity. Data for entrapment of toner in the samples were also given. The region of toner entrapment was distributed evenly during preliminary two-stage dry dispersion of the fibrous material, which led to a reduction in the whiteness and total removal of toner visible to the naked eye. It was experimentally established that the enzyme α-amylase increased the optical properties of the samples whereas their mechanical properties decreased insignificantly. Domestically manufactured enzymes were used for the first time during flotation of SvetoCopy Eco paper, which increased the practical significance of the results. The effect of two-stage dry dispersion, which practically completely removed entrapped toner, was studied. However, this reduced the whiteness and mechanical properties of the fibrous material. A complex of chemical reagents was used in experimental studies on toner removal.