Effect of calcium on the phase distribution of resin and fatty acids in pitch emulsions

Resin and fatty acids (RFAs) play a key role in deinking processes of recycled fiber after precipitation by calcium. The distribution of RFAs between the lipophilic/colloidal phase and the water phase, here called pK(lw), was determined by gas chromatography for different emulsions of TMP pitch and fatty acid soaps in the presence of calcium ions. Resin acids were at least partially dissolved at alkaline conditions even at high calcium ion concentrations, while fatty acids were only slightly soluble. The structure of the component was an important factor, along with the calcium content present which made fatty acids practically insoluble.