Paper-based materials are mass-producible from practically any source of fibers. Multidisciplinary technologies (e.g., nanocellulose-enabled processes) hold great promise in driving the paper industry to new heights. Despite the maturity of papermaking, there is still a need to relook at the basic sciences and identify new possibilities of technological innovation. Essentially, the dominating role of colloid science in papermaking processes, as exemplified by wet-end chemistry, is now well known. The concept of colloids dates back to 160 years ago. In certain cases, however, the term “colloids” can have an overlapping meaning with the modern terms “nanomaterials” and “supramolecular assemblies”. The latter terms, and the scientists who have gravitated to those terms, have enriched colloid science, providing new insights into colloidal systems. The scientific field of colloids has been especially concerned with stability of the suspensions, short-range forces of interaction, and conditions leading to precipitation of the suspended matter. The term “nano” is most clearly identified with the size of the material. To qualify for placement in the “nanomaterial” category, at least one of the three dimensions of the material must be in a range between “larger than a typical molecule” and less than about 100 nm. Notably, however, this is the range of distances over which most important colloidal interactions occur. The term “supramolecular” emphasizes processes of coming together of molecules by non-covalent interactions. It is proposed here that reconsidering papermaking in light of multi-disciplinary sciences (colloid science, surface science, supramolecular science, materials design, etc.) has potential to facilitate effective teaching and learning pertaining to universities that have pulp and paper programs. Enhanced integration of basic sciences with papermaking may further our understanding and broaden existing research areas, which is likely to create breakthroughs in basic research, applied research, and product development. It is noted that the use of chemical additives to manipulate the interactions among furnish components represents the typical practices associated with wet-end chemistry. Chemical additives can also be added via surface applications to tailor the characteristics of paper. Our previous works in the area of wet-end chemistry & paper additives include: (1) filler engineering for papermaking, (2) sustainable paper additives derived from renewables, (3) new concepts of papermaking, and (4) paper-based materials with tailorable functionalities (e.g., bioinspired materials) enabled by additives. The huge potential of papermaking indeed remains to be unlocked. The role of papermaking in meeting the ever-increasing global demands for sustainable bioproducts will continue to shine.

Papermaking; Colloid Science; Nano Science; Supramolecular Science; Sustainable Additives