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Application of fuzzy TOPSIS in the Analyze phase of the DMAIC cycle to aid decision-making, TAPPI Journal April 2020
ABSTRACT: This paper reports the use of multicriteria analysis in the Analyze phase of the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) cycle for continuous improvement. The research was carried out in a tissue paper factory located in southern Brazil. A sample of 64 parts of 16 different reels of recycled paper was used. A problem regarding paper quality variability was detected, presenting a scrap index ranging between 9% and 23%, compromising machine productivity and product sales. This motivated the implementation of a structured project supported by the application of the DMAIC cycle. The project team (machine operators, maintenance staff, supervisor, and data analyst) defined the evaluation criteria and determined the control intervals and their equivalence with linguistic variables to support the necessary evaluations for the application of fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). The criteria were C1-Longitudinal Strength (Kgf), C2-Longitudinal Elongation (mm), C3-Cross-strength (kgf), C4-Cross-elongation (mm), C5-Weight (g/m²), and C6-Humidity (%). The results showed that samples with the same ranking had the lowest scrap indexes in the subsequent process. Also, the criterion C5 had a more significant impact on the quality of the product than the other criteria, which was determined from the DMAIC sequence. Improvements related to C5 should be prioritized. The fuzzy TOPSIS method presented is a flexible tool, adapting itself to the solution of the problem and contributing to the decision-making process.
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Guest Editorial: Still working (overtime): Life-saving nonwovens and continued innovation, TAPPI Journal August 2021
ABSTRACT: Recently, the United States federal government has recommended the need for a booster shot to combat COVID-19, highlighting the highly contagious nature of its Delta variant. This variant is surging in countries as far apart as Thailand, Brazil, and the United States. While the availability of the vaccine is not an issue in the United States, African, Latin American, and South Asian countries are in dire need of the vaccine. This scenario necessitates the need for continued safety measures. Among the recommended safety measures, use of face masks has been proven to be effective. Recent analysis showed that two-thirds of the 32 states in the United States with face mask mandates found them helpful for lowering infection rates.
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Multifunctional starch-based barrier materials, TAPPI Journal August 2021
ABSTRACT: Natural and renewable polymer-based barrier materials play an inevitable role in a sustainable economy. Most commercially available barrier materials are either based on multiple layers of synthetic polymers or petroleum-based chemicals. Tremendous amounts of research are being done in academia and industry to replace these synthetic barrier materials with natural and environmentally friendly materials. The current work summarizes the application of starch-based materials for various barrier applications, such as water vapor, oxygen, liquid water, oil, and grease. Also, exotic starch-based barrier materials for the application of sound, ultraviolet, and thermal barrier applications are reviewed. The potential of starch-based materials to offer antimicrobial and antiviral properties is discussed. Finally, commercially available starch-based barrier materials have been summarized.
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Guest Editorial: Terry Bliss: Editorial board member "extrem
Guest Editorial: Terry Bliss: Editorial board member "extreme", TAPPI JOURNAL May 2012
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Editorial: A PaperCon preview of what’s coming in April, TAPPI Journal February 2020
Coming soon is PaperCon—TAPPI’s annual technical conference for paper and pack-aging industry professionals. Held this April 26-29 in Atlanta, GA, the conference features sessions on management, coating and graphic arts, process control, recycled paperboard, and a wide range of papermaking topics. Universities and research organizations from around the world are represented in the conference content, and below is a preliminary sampling of just a few of the many presentations that might interest TAPPI Journal readers.
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The winding mechanics of laminate webs, TAPPI Journal February 2020
ABSTRACT: Models that describe the residual stresses due to winding single-layer webs at the end of roll-to-roll manufacturing machines are mature. These models have been used to reduce or avoid defects that are due to winding. Many laminated products exist where two or more webs have been joined to form a thicker composite web. The properties of the web layers provide a unique functionality to the product being manufactured. No laminate winding models exist in the literature. This paper will focus on the development of a laminate winding model and laboratory test verification of the model.
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A new approach for the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals from bamboo pulp through extremely low acid hydrolysis, TAPPI Journal January 2020
ABSTRACT: As a renewable and biodegradable nanomaterial, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) has a wide range of potential applications, but production of CNC faces significant challenges in capital investment and manufacturing cost. In this work, the one-step preparation of CNC from bleached kraft bamboo pulp by extremely low acid (concen-tration of acid = 0.1 wt%) hydrolysis was demonstrated. The experimental data indicated that the yield of CNC was strongly affected by the operating pressure and concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl), as well as temperature. Rod-like CNC with a mean particle size of 524 nm was obtained through an extremely low acid (ELA) hydrolysis pro-cess. The yield of CNC can reach to 37.1% by an ELA hydrolysis process at 180°C for 60 min with 0.08 wt% HCl and 20 MPa operating pressure. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements show that the as-pre-pared CNC maintained cellulose structure. Compared with a conventional CNC prepared by strong sulfuric acid (H2SO4) hydrolysis, the CNC prepared by ELA hydrolysis process exhibited much higher thermal stability.
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Root cause analysis of cationic polymer additive efficiency decline in virgin and recycle containerboard mills, TAPPI Journal January 2020
ABSTRACT: It is well known that retention, drainage and strength polymers struggle to perform (if at all) in virgin containerboard mills. In-depth studies have been undertaken in this area for more than seven years, investigating the issue from all directions. A key finding of this work is that soluble lignin is detrimental to chemical efficiency. A strong correlation exists between decreased chemical efficiency and high soluble lignin. Both recycled systems and virgin systems have been studied, and this correlation holds true regardless of furnish. The primary area of concern is virgin container-board, because these mills tend to have the highest lignin levels. Some highly closed recycled mills can also build elevated lignin levels that can negatively affect chemical efficiency.
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Equilibrium moisture content in wet pressing of paper, TAPPI Journal July 2020
ABSTRACT: Equilibrium moisture is a limiting factor in achieving high solids in the later stages of pressing or pressing low basis weight grades. We have developed a model that relates equilibrium moisture directly to the pore size distribution of fibers as measured by the solute exclusion technique. The model shows that chemical pulping and refining increase equilibrium moisture by increasing pore volume at given pore sizes in fibers, which leads to lower pressed solids and greater energy expenditure in the dryer section. Means to increase equilibrium moisture without compromising pulp strength are briefly discussed.
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Combatting lime kiln ringing problems at the Arauco Constitución mill, TAPPI Journal July 2020
ABSTRACT: The lime kiln at the Arauco Constitución mill experienced severe ringing problems requiring it to be shut down for ring removal every 3 to 6 months. The mill controlled the problems by blasting ring deposits off during operation with its existing industrial shotgun and a newly installed Cardox liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridge system. Various ring blasting procedures were tested to determine the optimum ring location and thickness to blast; the optimum depth to insert the CO2 cartridge into the kiln; and the most effective blasting frequency and sequence to employ. The best strategy was found to be the weekly blasting operation that alternated between the liquid CO2 cartridge and the industrial shotgun, with the CO2 cartridge inserted into the ring mass, 20 cm (8 in.) away from the refractory brick surface, and the shotgun aimed at rings at about 28 m (92 ft) from the kiln discharge end. With each blasting event removing considerably more rings than before, it takes a longer time for rings to rebuild, allowing the kiln to run continuously between annual maintenance shutdowns with only a few short (< 4 h) downtimes for ring removal. This substantially reduces the costs associated with ring removal and lime replacement during unscheduled shutdowns.