lubricants

Lubricants function as process aids in paper manufacturing, reducing friction during production and hence, mitigating wear and tear on the machinery. They ensure smoother operation, leading to increased productivity and decreased downtime for maintenance, an essential factor for manufacturers aiming for optimal efficiency. 

Beyond their role in the production process, lubricants also contribute significantly to the quality of specialty and wood-free papers. In specialty papers, they facilitate the incorporation of various functional additives, ensuring their uniform distribution within the paper matrix. This uniformity is key to delivering consistent performance across the entire span of the paper, a requisite in applications such as labels, packaging, or technical papers where durability and functionality are paramount.

For wood-free papers, known for their superior print quality and longevity, lubricants are equally important. They contribute to the paper's surface smoothness, a vital characteristic impacting the paper's printability. A smoother surface ensures better ink adherence and distribution, leading to crisper, cleaner prints - a quality particularly appreciated in applications such as books, magazines, or official documents.

ingredients to make images pop 

Lubricants can play a role in improving the tactile feel of the paper, enhancing the user experience. This could be particularly beneficial for specialty papers designed for applications where the aesthetic and tactile appeal of the paper matters as much as its performance.

Lubricants are used in the most rigorous coating applications to enhance printing performance and to make images pop. Designed for all types of paper coatings, lubricants improve ink holdout and provide superior print gloss. As the standard for the paper industry, our coating additives create paper grades with durability and the highest print quality. They have wet and dry state functionality while coating the paper and in final use. The non-ionic emulsion, Berchem™ 4000, was designed to impart superior lubricating properties to coating formulations. It has wide compatibility with other materials and works to effectively lower the high shear viscosity of paper coatings. 

Berchem™ 4000
  • low density polyethylene emulsion
  • decreases coefficient friction (provides slip)
  • high temperature capabilities

Designed for all types of paper coatings, lubricants impart superior lubricating properties while working to eliminate problems such as blade scratching, streaks, weeping, and whiskering. Berchem™ 4136, is a 100% active paper coating lubricant that provides excellent rheological coating characteristics.

Berchem™ 4136
  • 100% solid bio-based diglyceride
  • coefficient to friction reducer
  • eliminates blade scratching
  • strong shelf-life, freeze-thaw stable