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A laboratory-scale automated vacuum-assisted device for coating of cellulose nanofibrils onto paper, TAPPI Journal November 2025

ABSTRACT: An automated vacuum-assisted coating system was developed to deposit cellulose nanofibril (CNF) layers onto paper substrates, simulating potential industrial geometries while allowing precise control of web speed (10•20 m/min), vacuum time (up to 30 s), and applicator gap (0.5•0.9 mm). Vacuum assistance makes it possible to obtain coat weights over 5 g/m2 in a single pass and increases solids after coating from less than 10% to over 28%• 30%, reducing drying demand by more than 60%. Coat weights were tuned from 6 to over 11 g/m² by varying suspension solids (0.4•0.6 wt%), line speed, and filtration length (20•40 mm), with strong agreement between experimental data and model predictions. Barrier testing showed Kit test values for double folded samples of 9•12 and Gurley air resistances above 4 × 104 s once coat weights exceeded 7 g/m². Comparable performance was achieved with lower fines content CNF (60%) by increasing coat weight, providing technical flexibility and cost advantages for industrial scale-up.

Qualifying novel bio-based materials for the market: EHS, sustainability and beyond, TAPPICon25

The industry is entering a pivotal moment in which many of us find ourselves engaged in deep soul searching. Since the days of Francis Bacon when the illustrious triumvirate of gunpowder, the compass, and paper were the drivers of civilizations, our commu

The industry is entering a pivotal moment in which many of us find ourselves engaged in deep soul searching. Since the days of Francis Bacon when the illustrious triumvirate of gunpowder, the compass, and paper were the drivers of civilizations, our community has enjoyed a noble place at the table. Indeed, especially over the last 100 years, pulp and paper has quietly powered communication, commerce, and, more than ever today, packaging, thus representing a steady backbone for the continued stability of many global industries.

Paper360°’s 2025 Power List, Paper360º September/October 2025

Advancing Decarbonization in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing: A Cell-Free Enzyme Process for Enhanced Dewatering and Drying, TAPICon25

Evaporator Train Heat and Material Balance Development for Use as a Troubleshooting Tool, TAPPICon25

Effect Of Xylan Deposition Onto Eucalypt Kraft, TAPPICon25

Full-Scale Operation of a Membrane-Based Black Liquor Concentrator, TAPPICon25

Caliper Variation Reduction and Fiber Savings from Improved Calender Roll Tolerances, TAPPICon25

Improving Barrier Performance of Coated Paper and Paperboard Using Multi-Layer Approach, TAPPICon25