An electrostatically balanced structure is created, comprising all the stock components. Electrostatic attraction ensures that fines and filler are retained. The open nanoflocculation structure ensures that drainage, felt pressing and evaporation will maximize the rate of water removal.

Balancing the zeta potential at zero residual electrostatic charge maximizes the influence of cationic additives used to obtain sizing or strength. Further, it ensures the elimination of residual charge that would act to repel other particles, thereby reducing strength and other physical properties.

These few brief paragraphs explain why both the process parameters and the physical properties are maximized by nanoflocculation. Optimum process efficiency requires on-line, simultaneous closed loop control of feed rates.

The widely used default means is to use a “retention aid” or a “drainage aid” that can also increase retention and drainage in a self-limiting way, by macroflocculation, which degrades both formation and strength.