Ketene dimer based bulk- or surface size compsn. - for cellulosic fibre articles, giving stable aq dispersions

The size compsn. contains (A) >10% dimer of a ketene of formula R-CH=C=O (where R is (cyclo)alkyl or aralkyl), (B) a natural high mol. polysaccharide, (C) a nonionic or anionic surfactant, (D) polyacrylamide and (E) a halogenated fatty acid. The compsn. may be diluted with water to a 10% dry solids oil-in-water dispersion for sizing untreated waste paper, wood-pulp, cardboard and non-wovens. They may be stored as solids or as stable >10% water-in-oil dispersions, which are resistant to oxidn. redn., acids and bases.