Search
Use the search bar or filters below to find any TAPPI product or publication.
Filters
Content Type
Publications
Level of Knowledge
Committees
Event Type
Collections
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Microbial load and proliferation associated with various face mask types and sources during the COVID-19 pandemic, TAPPI Journal January 2022
ABSTRACT: Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, homemade face coverings were recommended as alternatives. However, the capability of alternative face coverings to proliferate microbes have not been fully documented. The current study evaluated bacterial load and proliferation associated with the use of common face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mask type-specific and surface-related bacterial load and pattern were noticeable in the study. Results indicated that roadside masks are among samples that contained relatively higher initial bacterial load. The highest number of bacterial forming colonies were observed in the inner surface of mask samples. Proliferation of microbes over time was also noticeable among the non-certified face coverings included in the study. Sterilization or washing of non-certified fabric face masks before use is recommended.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Rethinking the paper cup — beginning with extrusion process optimizationfor compostability and recyc
ABSTRACT: More than 50 billion disposable paper cups used for cold and hot beverages are sold within the United States each year. Most of the cups are coated with a thin layer of plastic — low density polyethylene (LDPE) — to prevent leaking and staining. While the paper in these cups is both recyclable and compostable, the LDPE coat-ing is neither. In recycling a paper cup, the paper is separated from the plastic lining. The paper is sent to be recycled and the plastic lining is typically sent to landfill. In an industrial composting environment, the paper and lining can be composted together if the lining is made from compostable materials. Coating paper cups with a compostable performance material uniquely allows for used cups to be processed by either recycling or composting, thus creating multiple pathways for these products to flow through a circular economy.A segment of the paper converting industry frequently uses an extrusion grade of polylactic acid (PLA) for zero-waste venues and for municipalities with ordinances for local composting and food service items. The results among these early adopters reveal process inefficiencies that elevate manufacturing costs while increasing scrap and generally lowering output when using PLA for extrusion coating. NatureWorks and Sung An Machinery (SAM) North America researched the extrusion coating process utilizing the incumbent polymer (LDPE) and PLA. The trademarked Ingeo 1102 is a new, compostable, and bio-based PLA grade that is specifically designed for the extrusion coating process. The research team identified the optimum process parameters for new, dedicated PLA extrusion coating lines. The team also identified changes to existing LDPE extrusion lines that processors can make today to improve output.The key finding is that LDPE and PLA are significantly different polymers and that processing them on the same equipment without modification of systems and/or setpoints can be the root cause of inefficiencies. These polymers each have unique processing requirements with inverse responses. Fine tuning existing systems may improve over-all output for the biopolymer without capital investment, and this study showed an increase in line speed of 130% by making these adjustments. However, the researchers found that highest productivity can be achieved by specifying new systems for PLA. A line speed increase to more than 180% and a reduction in coat weight to 8.6 µm (10.6 g/m2 or 6.5 lb/3000 ft2) was achieved in this study. These results show that Ingeo 1102 could be used as a paper coating beyond cups.
A theoretical approach to understanding microstructure-tensile modulus relations in paper coatings , 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
A theoretical approach to understanding microstructure-tensile modulus relations in paper coatings , 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Experimental Study of Dioxin Formation and Emissions from Power Boilers Burning Salt-Laden Wood Waste, 2008 Engineering, Pulping and Environmental Conference
Experimental Study of Dioxin Formation and Emissions from Power Boilers Burning Salt-Laden Wood Waste, 2008 Engineering, Pulping and Environmental Conference
Three-Dimensional Structural Characterization of Hydroentangled Nonwovens, 2011 Innovative Nonwovens Conference
Three-Dimensional Structural Characterization of Hydroentangled Nonwovens, 2011 Innovative Nonwovens Conference
Nonwovens in automotive applications, 2011 Innovative Nonwovens Conference
Nonwovens in automotive applications, 2011 Innovative Nonwovens Conference
Achievements in Industrial Ozone Bleaching, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
Achievements in Industrial Ozone Bleaching, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
On the Role of Copper Ions in Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching of Kraft Pulps, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
On the Role of Copper Ions in Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching of Kraft Pulps, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
Modern Bleach Plant Advanced Process Control utilizing Inline Sensors and Model Predictive Control, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
Modern Bleach Plant Advanced Process Control utilizing Inline Sensors and Model Predictive Control, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
ASSESSMENT OF PULP MACHINE WHITEWATER QUALITY OF MARKET KRAFT PULP MILLS, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference
Assessment of Pulp Machine Whitewater Quality of Market Kraft Pulp Mills, 2011 International Pulp Bleaching Conference