The aim of this study is to make a contribution towards development of formaldehyde-free bonding agents for paper. The basis will be the reaction of paper fibers with polycarboxylic acids which have at least three carboxyl units that are structurally capable of thermal intramolecular cyclic anhydride formation (Blanc' Rule). The detailed curing mechanism will be determined and the effects of processing variables and catalysts will be evaluated. The structure and properties of the resulting paper will be determined and used to develop relationships between chemical, mechanical and moisture properties.
