The influence of various fillers on sizing efficiency, adsorption and hydrolysis of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) has been investigated. Results indicated that the precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) improved AKD retention, both bound and unbound. The sizing efficiency was reduced as PCC contents increased, which might be attributed to the decrease in the relative AKD dosage to fibres and AKD hydrolysis promoted by PCC. Less amount of AKD was adsorbed on PCC, compared with calcined clay and TiO2 fillers under the same conditions. Hydrolysis studies indicated that PCC had a more detrimental effect on AKD hydrolysis than clay and TiO2.