Production and Application of Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose for Paper and Board

A refiner-based technology for the production of Micro-fibrillated Cellulose (MFC) has been developed and is now fully commercialized. This production process combines advanced refiner and plate technology with an innovative control system that maximizes production efficiency and flexibility through either a batch or continuous refining process, utilizing both disk and conical refining technology. It can produce MFC from a wide variety of fiber types including bleached or unbleached hard wood, soft wood kraft, bleached eucalyptus, and OCC.

There are two strategies for applying MFC in paper and board production. First, internal addition to the sheet, primarily for strength, and secondly application to the surface of the paper.

Surface application of MFC can greatly enhance surface properties and provide a superior surface for coating and printability applications, while porosity can be very significantly reduced, providing barrier properties. This gives the papermaker many options to create new grades or enhance existing grades. A new Applicator has been developed that can apply MFC directly on the sheet at the wet end of the machine.

Marc Foulger has 45 years’ experience in the pulp and paper industry, and is currently Technology Manager, Micro-fibrillated Cellulose, for Valmet Inc. Marc previously served as Director of Research for both GL&V and Black Clawson in the USA. Before joining Black Clawson he worked for Simons consulting and for Kimberly-Clark in Canada, and Reed International in the UK. Marc is a TAPPI Fellow, and has published more than 40 technical papers. He specializes in paper machine operations.

Dave is a graduate of Miami University majoring in Paper Science & Engineering.  He has worked for various suppliers and paper mills in a host of positions for over 40+ years.  Now as Global Market Development Manager-Nanotechnologies, Dave works with a team of Valmet professionals in micro-fibrillated cellulose creation and promotion.  Working with our alliance partner, University of Maine and the team of Valmet experts and researchers, he hopes to bring the next great opportunity to the paper industry.