Paper laminates made from decor paper having improved optical performance comprising treated inorganic particles

A process for making a paper laminate comprising:

• (1) first contacting a treated TiO2 particle having a surface area of at least about 30 m2/g, and a cationic polymer to form a cationized TiO2 particle slurry (a);
• wherein the treatment comprises an oxide of silicon, aluminum, or mixtures thereof;
• and the treatment is present in the amount of at least 15% based on the total weight of the treated titanium dioxide particle;
• and
• (2) subsequently contacting the cationized TiO2 particle slurry with (b) paper pulp;
• and (c) a cationic polymer to make a décor paper dispersion having improved optical performance without negatively impacting mechanical strength;
• (3) forming a décor paper from the décor paper dispersion;
• and
• (4) contacting a décor paper with a resin to form a paper laminate;
• wherein the cationic polymer in the slurry (a) and the cationic polymer in the dispersion (c) are compatible;
• wherein for equal optical performance, the amount of treated TiO2 particle in the dispersion is reduced by about 10% when compared to a dispersion not comprising the treated TiO2 particle of (a).