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Optimization of optical coverage of board surfaces with assessment of light scattering and absorption using mineral as a coating component, TAPPI Journal June 2026

ABSTRACT: One of the primary functions of mineral inclusion into paper or paperboard is to improve the optical performance of the substrate. A coating may be applied to a sheet in order to cover a dark base, to improve the sheet opacity, to give the correct smoothness and gloss, or to give a suitable surface on which to print. The brightness of a pigment has long been used as a guide for pigment choice in paper and board. However, the measured paper brightness is a function of color and light absorption (K) of the coating and base and the light scattering (S) within the sheet resulting from interfaces with different refractive index. The optical performance can be quantified by measuring the S&K coefficients as described by the Kubelka-Munk model/theory in a filled or coated paper sheet. In coating, this is often assessed as a function of coat weight, and the corresponding physical sheet properties are assessed at the same time; for example, the correct gloss, smoothness, point-to-point uniformity, and printability. The optical performance in the sheet is often not directly related to the pigment brightness, but is largely a function of the particle packing within the sheet and coating layer. In the first and second main sections of this work, respectively, we show how S&K calculations from the Kubelka- Munk equations can be used in coated sheets to determine the optical performance and how this can be used as a predictive tool for the final sheet performance. This is presented for base sheets with different starting brightness. The third section of this work focuses on how mineral combinations in coatings can be used to improve the light scattering and consequently the optical performance of the board. We include theoretical considerations and then finally share a case study for improvement on the optical properties of recycled board.

Aging and degradation of oil and grease barrier papers coate

ABSTRACT: The long-term performance and stability of bio-based barrier coatings are critical for sustainable packaging. In this study, the aging and degradation of a biobased starch•wax emulsion coating were examined on two different base papers. Coated samples were stored for 8 months at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH) in their original reels to minimize external exposure and isolate internal aging effects. Multiple aging intervals were analyzed using advanced methods to assess both chemical composition and physical structure. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of both coated papers increased during the first 15 days, but after eight months, the WVTR dropped below the initial values. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results supported these trends by showing a marked rise in the polarity index (PI), occurring predominantly within the first 15 days. The overall observations, including increases in the PI, carbonyl index (CI), and absolute absorbance in the hydroxyl region, confirm that both hydrolysis and oxidation occurred during aging. The gradual increase in the aliphatic C•H stretching peaks indicated that wax components moved toward the surface over time. The non-uniform surface enrichment of oleophilic wax following migration contributed to the decline in Kit rating upon aging by facilitating oil and grease wetting and penetration. At the same time, increased wax concentration at the surface helped improve the water vapor barrier performance during long-term aging. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed distinct surface cracks over time on the starch-wax emulsion coated papers. The FTIR analysis supported these observations through an increase in the conformational disorder index (CDI) with aging. Physical changes were further reflected in the barrier performance, as the heptane vapor transmission rate (HVTR) increased significantly for both coated papers over the 8-month period.

A novel dimensionless index for optimizing the thermo-hydrau

ABSTRACT: The comprehensive performance of steam condensation in horizontal rotating channels, which involves a trade-off between heat transfer enhancement and flow resistance, lacks a unified evaluation criterion. This deficiency is particularly critical for applications such as a multi-channel cylinder dryer (MCD) in paper machines, where rotational operation enhances drying efficiency. To address this gap, this study introduces a novel dimensionless index, W/Eu, defined as the ratio of the dimensionless heat transfer coefficient (W) to the dimensionless pressure drop (Eu), thereby taking into account both heat transfer and flow resistance characteristics comprehensively. A functional relationship for this index was established with respect to channel spacing (Wr) and steam mass flux (G), followed by a theoretical optimization analysis. The analysis reveals that W/Eu decreases monotonically as Wr increases and increases monotonically as G increases, ultimately diverging as G ™¨ ™‡. Consequently, for any given operational range, the theoretical maximum performance is achieved at the boundary condition of minimum channel spacing (Wr ™¨ 0) and maximum allowable mass flux (G = Gmax). This work provides a clear theoretical directive for the design and optimization of high-efficiency rotating heat exchanger systems, offering valuable insights for enhancing the drying performance of microchannel dryers in paper machines and similar rotary thermal systems.

Closing the Water Cycle of Pulp Mills by Evaporating Bleaching and Debarking Effluents, 1997 Minimum Effluent Mills Symposium Proceedings

Closing the Water Cycle of Pulp Mills by Evaporating Bleaching and Debarking Effluents, 1997 Minimum Effluent Mills Symposium Proceedings

Troubleshooting Rheology and Runnability Problems in Metered Size Press, 2002 Metered Size Press Forum

Troubleshooting Rheology and Runnability Problems in Metered Size Press, 2002 Metered Size Press Forum

Process Stewardship - Beyond Millwide Systems for Survival in the 90's, 1992 TAPPI Conference Proceedings

Process Stewardship - Beyond Millwide Systems for Survival in the 90's, 1992 TAPPI Conference Proceedings

Member Spotlight: Tom Staal

Member Spotlight: Tom Staal Tom Staal Professional Member Holland, MI For Tom Staal, being nominated to appear in TAPPI’s Spotlight came as a surprise. “I’m just a boring part of a box making team,”

ABB’s New R&D Center: Perfect Location for the Transformation of the Pulp and Paper Industry

This multimillion-dollar investment is set to drive technology advances in efficiency, quality, and sustainability with a focus on using the latest in digital technology.

Paperboard Packaging Council Announces New President and Board Chair

Summit Seeks to #Accelerate Action

Much of the following article was first published on the International Women's Day website. It is being shared here with AOTC readers interested in empowering women in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries or in attending the upcoming TAPPI WIN Women's Summit on Monday, October 20.