Nanotechnology presents new opportunities for differentiation in papermaking and coating. The development of nanoparticulate materials which offer unique or enhanced functionality in filled and coated papers will be reviewed. The impact of particle size on such nanoscale phenomena as crystal edges, polymer interactions and particle self-assembly will be considered for three different shapes of primary particles: spherical, rod and plate-shaped. I will suggest the benefits of controlling such phenomena to present and future paper applications using examples drawn from experience with synthetic inorganic pigments of 5-50 nm size and aspect ratios of 1-50. Finally, the challenges in consistently producing such nanoparticles at the scale needed for paper production will be addressed.
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