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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.
Effects of the Partial Replacement of SB latex with Dextrin Starch on the Thickness Distribution of Coating Layers, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Effects of the Partial Replacement of SB latex with Dextrin Starch on the Thickness Distribution of Coating Layers, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Base Sheet Structures that Control Coating Uniformity: Effects of Length Scale, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Base Sheet Structures that Control Coating Uniformity: Effects of Length Scale, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
PREDICTION OF COATING STRUCTURE CHANGE DURING CALENDERING, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
PREDICTION OF COATING STRUCTURE CHANGE DURING CALENDERING, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
MODELING THE COMPRESSION OF PARTICLE PACKINGS USING THE DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
MODELING THE COMPRESSION OF PARTICLE PACKINGS USING THE DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Measurement and Modelling of Heat Transfer in Paper Coating Structures, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Measurement and Modelling of Heat Transfer in Paper Coating Structures, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Models for the Rheology of Clay-GCC Coating Colors, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Models for the Rheology of Clay-GCC Coating Colors, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
ADVANCES IN PREDICTION OF BLADE FORCES WITH VISCOELASTIC COATINGS, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
ADVANCES IN PREDICTION OF BLADE FORCES WITH VISCOELASTIC COATINGS, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Novel Particle Size Characterization of Coating Pigments: Comparing Acoustic Spectroscopy with Laser Light Scattering and Sedimentation Techniques, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Novel Particle Size Characterization of Coating Pigments: Comparing Acoustic Spectroscopy with Laser Light Scattering and Sedimentation Techniques, 2008 Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium
Journal articles
Water and grease resistance of paperboard coated with long chain cellulose fatty acid esters using electrostatic powder coating, TAPPI Journal April 2026
ABSTRACT: Fiber-based materials used for foodservice, takeaway, and other packaging applications must typically provide water and grease resistance. Simultaneously, there is growing interest towards bio-based and renewable barrier coatings. In this study we applied thermoplastic long chain fatty acid cellulose esters onto paperboard using electrostatic powder coating to create barrier properties of interest. Electrostatic powder coating provides a water-free process to tackle moisture-induced quality issues and to provide an even coating layer. Cellulose octanoate and palmitate esters were produced in pilot scale. These were ground into fine particles using liquid nitrogen and applied onto paperboard sheets using an electrostatic powder gun. The loosely packed coatings were fixed and fused onto the paperboard by hot pressing. We characterized the coated sheets for coating thickness, contact angles with water, water absorption, grease resistance (KIT), and olive oil barrier. Two commercial polyethylene powders were used as references. Our results indicated that the long chain cellulose fatty acid ester coatings were thermoplastic and hydrophobic with contact angles above 100°. Water absorption was similar to the reference coatings. While grease resistance was lower than with the references, the cellulose ester coatings slowed down diffusion of olive oil through the paperboard. Cellulose octanoate ester with a lower melt viscosity already provided smooth coatings after the initial hot pressing step, while in most cases, the second post hot pressing step further improved the barrier properties.