Yes, ATMP (Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid) can be used in papermaking, but its role is often misunderstood due to a common acronym conflict. The answer depends on which “ATMP” you are referring to in the papermaking context.
Here is the distinction:
⚠️ Important: Two Different Meanings of “ATMP” in Papermaking
Before discussing applications, it’s crucial to clarify that “ATMP” has two completely different meanings in the paper industry:
Acronym Full Name Context
ATMP (Chemical) Aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid) A phosphonate scale inhibitor and chelating agent used in water treatment and as a process chemical .
ATMP (Process) Advanced Thermomechanical Pulp A mechanical pulping process developed to produce wood pulp with lower energy consumption and improved fiber properties .
Most academic and industry literature about “ATMP in papermaking” refers to the ATMP pulping process, not the chemical. However, the chemical ATMP does have specific applications in paper production.
🧪 Applications of ATMP (Chemical) in Papermaking
Based on industry sources, the chemical ATMP (and its sodium salt ATMP·Na5) is used in papermaking for:
Application Function Benefit
Pulp Bleaching Stabilizer Prevents pulp from yellowing due to oxidation during bleaching processes . Maintains pulp brightness and quality.
Chelating Agent Binds with metal ions (e.g., iron, manganese, calcium) that can interfere with bleaching and paper formation . Prevents metal ions from catalyzing decomposition of bleaching chemicals or affecting paper color and strength.
The chemical is typically added during the bleaching stage to stabilize hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching agents by chelating transition metals that would otherwise decompose the bleach.
🌲 ATMP as a Pulping Process
The Advanced Thermomechanical Pulp (ATMP) process is a significant innovation in mechanical pulping. Key features include:
Mechanical pretreatment of wood chips using equipment like screw presses
Chemical addition (typically hydrogen peroxide and magnesium hydroxide) in the first-stage refiner
High-intensity refining to develop fiber properties
Benefits of the ATMP pulping process:
Energy reduction: Up to 34-42% lower electrical energy consumption compared to traditional TMP
Improved fiber properties: Better fiber flexibility, splitting, and surface area
Enhanced optical properties: Higher brightness (up to 14 ISO% increase) and better light scattering
Lower shive content: Fewer fiber bundles and impurities
💡 Summary
Aspect ATMP (Chemical) ATMP (Process)
Role Additive/process chemical Pulping technology
Application Bleaching stabilizer, metal chelator Producing mechanical pulp
When used During bleaching stage During fiber refining stage
So if you are asking about the chemical ATMP, yes—it is used as a bleaching stabilizer and chelating agent in papermaking . If you are researching papermaking technology, ATMP more commonly refers to the Advanced Thermomechanical Pulping process—a method to produce higher quality pulp with lower energy consumption