A MICROBIAL POLYMER THAT CHANGES THE SURFACE PROPERTIES OF LIMESTONE: EFFECT OF BIODISPERSAN IN GRINDING LIMESTONE AND MAKING PAPER

Abstract

Biodispersan is an anionic heteropolysaccharide produced by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus A2, which is effective in dispersing limestone. The results presented in this report indicate that Biodispersan is also effective as a grinding aid. In laboratory ball mill experiments, addition of O·1% Biodispersan decreased by half the time necessary to grind limestone to fine particles. The Biodispersan-ground limestone was successfully used as a filler in paper made in the laboratory. These results indicate potential industrial uses for this new microbially-produced polymer.