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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

Fibre Loss in Recycle Paper Mills: A methodology to quantify in main reject streams and overall fibre balance, TAPPICon25

Functional Lignin-Based Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging, 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.

Effects of in-plane straining on the out-of-plane delamination properties of paperboard, TAPPI Journal March 2026

ABSTRACT: Delamination strength is an essential property for the creasing and folding operations of paperboard into boxes. Due to fixation during creasing, the paperboard suffers in-plane straining. In the present study, we aim to increase our understanding of how in-plane straining affects the delamination properties of paperboard. Samples of paperboard were first strained in in-plane tensile loading, both in the machine-direction and in the cross-direction. Afterward, the paperboard is loaded in the out-of-plane (ZD) direction. Three different grades of commercial paperboard from two major manufacturers were tested in a climate-controlled lab. The results showed similar results for all grades of paperboard, with the delamination strength and the out-of-plane stiffness decreasing virtually linearly with pre-straining. With about 5% plastic in-plane straining, the strength was reduced by about 20% and the stiffness decreased by more than 50% for all grades of paperboard. Normalizing the strength and the stiffness with their values without pre-straining reveals virtually the same relation for all grades of paperboard. If proven to be a general result, this will prove valuable in reducing the demand for experiments.

Chemical addition to wet webs using foam application, TAPPI Journal January 2023

ABSTRACT: In papermaking, the conventional way to add chemicals to the web is to dose them into the fiber stock and form the paper afterwards. However, in many cases, adding chemicals directly to the stock is challenging. For example, strength aids tend to increase flocculation in the stock, which limits the addition amounts of those aids. The need for better performance of paper (and paperboard) products has given rise to the need for functionalization of paper. Adding such functional chemicals to the stock is usually rather inefficient. Hence, novel methods are needed to add chemicals to the paper bulk. One such method is dosing chemicals to the wet web via foam application. In this study, we built a laboratory-scale sheetfed dynamic foam application device and utilized it to study addition of starch to wet bleached chemithermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) paper handsheets. The impact of parameters such as vacuum level, the amount of added chemical, and the viscosity of the foaming liquid on the penetration of starch into the wet web was explored. Starch penetration into wet webs was measured via iodine-potassium iodide staining, followed by image analysis. According to our results, controlling the viscosity of the foaming liquid gives the best possibility to control the penetration.

Z-direction chemical analysis for new application methods, TAPPI Journal January 2023

ABSTRACT: In conventional wet-end chemical addition during paper production, chemical distribution through the z-direction of the sheet is usually not considered an important characteristic. With a nontraditional chemical dosing approach, such as foam-assisted additive addition, the chemistry can appear at different concentrations throughout the sheet, typically in a z-direction gradient. To fully understand the strength properties of the sheet, it is helpful to view or quantify the chemical distribution through the sheet in the z-direction. One qualitative method uses a dye technique along with confocal laser scanning microscopy to generate an image where the relative chemical concentration can be observed. A quantitative method involves compiling nitrogen analyses of layered subsections of the sheet into a composite graph of relative chemical concentration vs. the z-direction of the sheet. Chemical distribution analysis can be paired with traditional z-direction strength tests, such as Scott bond and z-direction tensile, to help one understand and improve the chemical addition process and its effects.

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