PAPER making! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL ® FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TEC Volume 12, Number 1, 2026
A Review on Current Progress of Nano Additives in Pulp and Paper: Processing, Characterization and Applications MOHAMAD NURUL AZMAN MOHAMMAD TAIB, 1 AREISMAN SALLEH, 2 & ZAYD C. LESEMAN 3,4 The pulp and paper products have issues regarding their physical, mechanical, and barrier properties during processes and prolonged storage before being utilized by consumers. Nano additives are an alternative compared to micro-sized commercial additives used in industry because of their high aspect ratio and available surface area to be bonded with pulp and paper products. The incorporation of nano additives such as nanocellulose, nano-clays, carbon-based nanomaterials, and metal oxide nanoparticles offers tremendous potential to enhance mechanical strength, barrier performance, antimicrobial and other functional properties of paper products while reducing reliance on chemical additives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in the utilization of nano additives in pulp and papermaking, covering processing methods, surface functionalization strategies, integration approaches, and their influence on paper performance. Special attention is given to the interaction between nano additives and fiber matrices, dispersion challenges, and scalable processing techniques. The manuscript also highlights current limitations in nano additives application, including compatibility with industrial systems, cost- effectiveness, and environmental impact. Finally, future recommendations and industrial implementation opportunities are discussed, positioning nanofillers as a pivotal component in the advancement of next- generation paper-based materials. Contact information: 1. Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2. Paper Testing Lab, Forest Product, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia. 3. Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. 4. Mechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS, 2026, VOL. 23, NO. 1, 2622995 https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2026.2622995 This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
The Paper Industry Technical Association (PITA) is an independent organisation which operates for the general benefit of its members – both individual and corporate – dedicated to promoting and improving the technical and scientific knowledge of those working in the UK pulp and paper industry. Formed in 1960, it serves the Industry, both manufacturers and suppliers, by providing a forum for members to meet and network; it organises visits, conferences and training seminars that cover all aspects of papermaking science. It also publishes the prestigious journal Paper Technology International ® and the PITA Annual Review , both sent free to members, and a range of other technical publications which include conference proceedings and the acclaimed Essential Guide to Aqueous Coating .
Article 4 – Nano-additives
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