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Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) sized paper reversion due to oxidative photodegradation, TAPPICon24

Compression refining: the future of refining? Application to Nordic Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp, TAPPICon24

Improving Efficiencies with Fouling Prevention, TAPPICon24

Effects of the Flexibility of a Fiber on its Orientation in a Shear Flow at Finite Reynolds Numbers, TAPPICon24

Manufacturing Intelligence: From Historical Data to Digital Transformation, TAPPICon24

Consumer Perception and Behavior toward Hygiene Tissue Products Containing Conventional and Alternative Fibers, TAPPICon24

Paper Machine Optimization Using MIMO MPC Along with The Use of Analyzers Predicting Final Reel Properties, TAPPICon24

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

Permeability simulation for filled paper based on three-dimensional structural model developed by X-ray computed tomography scanning, TAPPI Journal March 2026

ABSTRACT: In this study, an in-depth exploration of filled paper was conducted to understand its structural and permeability characteristics. Cotton linter pulp and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) filler were utilized to prepare pure fiber paper, and PCC1 and PCC2 filled papers with different filler particle sizes. Then, the pore structure parameters of paper samples were characterized by mercury intrusion porosimetry, and the X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) scanning was carried out. Subsequently, the 3D microstructures were established based on the X-CT slice images, and the filler characteristic parameters and filler 3D distribution were quantitatively analyzed. Finally, permeation simulations in the thickness and horizontal directions were performed. The findings indicate that filling changes the paper porosity, and the pore tortuosity varies with direction. The estimated pore•throat radius distribution shows specific patterns for different papers. The fillers have different distribution characteristics in the paper samples. Moreover, the paper permeability differs with direction, with smallsized filler having a significant impact on fluid penetration in the thickness direction. Overall, this study provides an effective method for investigating internal paper filler and its distribution, which contributes to the understanding of paper structure•performance relationships.

Editorial: New research sheds light on critical processes in the recovery cycle, TAPPI Journal July

The chemical recovery cycle has been called the backbone of a kraft pulp mill, making modern paper production both economically and environmentally sustainable. It regenerates pulping chemicals (primarily sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) used to separate wood fibers, allowing them to be reused rather than continuously replaced, while also recovering energy by burning the organic components of black liquor to produce steam and electricity that supply much of the mill’s power needs. In addition, the recovery cycle minimizes waste, reduces emissions, and recovers valuable by-products, creating a highly efficient closedloop system. Without this process, chemical costs, energy consumption, and environmental impacts would increase, making large-scale kraft pulping significantly less economical and sustainable.