When used in combination with either sizing or retention agent, PNS acts as a flocculant, the opposite of formation aid. We use it with colored pulps to get special effects in decorative papers; it allows one to use different colored pulps in the same vat and have the individual colored fiber remain distinct. This is a polyacrylamide powder (PNS) which will also act as an excellent, viscous formation aid when no additives are present. We use the PNS for Japanese papermaking whenever colorants are not used.