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Journal articles
On the design of corrugated boards: A new FEM modeling and experimental validation, TAPPI Journal August 2025
ABSTRACT: This study presents a simplified finite element modeling (FEM) approach suitable for large structures made of corrugated boards, such as customized packages, based on a homogenization method, which is combined with correction factors for internal mechanisms. The homogenization process reduces computational time by transforming flute geometries into equivalent elastic models. In large deformations and in the presence of contact for a given geometry, the effective elastic modulus in the thickness direction, as well as the effective thickness of the structure, are corrected by two statistical Weibull distributions representing the contact and buckling mechanisms in a corrugated board. The Weibull parameters are obtained via experimental analysis, and such a process is then validated. The results demonstrate that the statistical parameters (â1 = 0.14, â2 = 1.31) can be used for the simplistic representation of corrugated boards, being computationally efficient. This research contributes to the optimization of corrugated packaging design, specifically by simplifying FEM models for faster, yet equally accurate, simulations.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Edge crush testing methods and box compression modeling, TAPPI Journal August 2022
ABSTRACT: While multiple test procedures have been developed to assess the inherent compressive strength of corrugated materials (edge crush test, ECT), limited work has explored the appropriateness of each in the context of box compression modeling. This study incorporates a variety of real-world samples, highlighting the varying challenges different ECT methods face in measuring the intrinsic compressive resistance of combined corrugated board. We examine each of these methods as inputs for different types of models, as well as discuss the propagation of measurement variation through the modeling effort. By highlighting the cases in which a given ECT method no longer proves to be an optimal parameter in box compression strength modeling, we explore how we might better measure this material property.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Influence of pallet pattern on top-to-bottom compression performance of unitized loads, TAPPI Journal
ABSTRACT: Environmental scaling factors estimate a corrugated container’s ability to withstand various conditions it will encounter during the storage and distribution process. In this project, we examined the compressive resistance of unitized loads using differing pallet stacking patterns. To simulate real-world failure scenarios in our laboratory tests, we used two different nominal board grades of single-wall C-flute regular slotted containers loaded with a plywood panel and bagged salt to direct the failure location to the bottom of the stack. Our results showed that the columnar aligned pattern provided the greatest compressive resistance and the interlocked stacking arrangement yielded the lowest of the patterns evaluated. Based on the study results, we calculated box compression retention multipliers for each pattern and compared them to scaling factors published by the Fibre Box Association.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Historical perspectives of corrugated box testing for 2020, TAPPI Journal March 2020
ABSTRACT: In the age of e-commerce, corrugated packaging is experiencing a resurgence; at least, consumers are receiving more corrugated boxes today than ever before. The corrugated box has been the main package for transporting goods for over 100 years, and corrugated board and boxes have been the focus of scientific study for about as long. For the last 50 years, box compressive test strength value (BCT) has been the main focus of research and testing. That was not always the case. In addition, many of today’s boxes experience a different end-use life than their predecessors.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Effects of preincubation on the gelatinization of cassava and corn starch suspensions containing sodium hydroxide as a main component of corrugating adhesives
ABSTRACT: Effects of the preincubation temperature and the caustic-ratio, the molar ratio of sodium hydroxide to starch glucose residue, on the gelatinization of cassava starch and corn starch suspensions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry in view of utilization for corrugating adhesives. The gelatinization temperature and enthalpy change of cassava starch suspensions after the preincubation at 30°C decreased as the caustic-ratio increased, similar to those of corn starch ones: The gelatinization starting temperature (Ts) decreased considerably more than the peak temperature and the conclusion temperature (Tc). Although Ts lowered and the width of gelatinization temperature expanded, compared with those of corn starch suspensions, the two starch suspensions with the same half gelatinization transition temperature showed similar gelatinization characteristics of almost the same Ts and Tc. During 1 h-preincubations at 30°C•50°C, the starch granules with Ts that were lowered considerably below each preincubation temperature by sodium hydroxide showed limited gelatinization. The gelatinization transition did not rapidly spread over the whole suspension, but progressed stepwise in response to the increase of the causticratio and the rise of the preincubation temperature. In a prolonged preincubation at a constant temperature, Ts gradually rose at higher caustic-ratios in which stepwise gelatinization commenced. Although the starch gelatinization was irreversible and not in a stable equilibrium state for a long time, we concluded that such stepwise gelatinization progress controlled the practical preparation and use of corrugating adhesives.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Evaluating hardness and the S-test, TAPPI Journal March 2019
ABSTRACT: The corrugated industry typically quantifies crush resistance using the Concora corrugated medium test (CMT) on fluted medium or flat crush on combined board. These tests compress the materials until the point of complete failure of the flutes. Combined board elastically resists crushing forces until a certain point, the hardness of the structure, while additional load causes permanent damage and deformation. This study investigates how hardness can be measured directly from a load curve collected during CMT (or flat crush) testing and how it varies throughout the North American paper supply. It also explores how hardness corre-lates with the values obtained from the newly developed S-test. This new test method deserves further study as a potentially more appropriate specification for crush resistance of corrugated medium.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Importance of specimen preparation for edgewise compressive strength (ECT) testing, TAPPI JOURNAL April 2018
Importance of specimen preparation for edgewise compressive strength (ECT) testing, TAPPI JOURNAL April 2018
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Prediction of box failure from paper data for asymmetric corrugated board, TAPPI JOURNAL August 2018
Prediction of box failure from paper data for asymmetric corrugated board, TAPPI JOURNAL August 2018
Journal articles
Spraying starch to improve strength of containerboard produced from weak recycled furnish, TAPPI JOURNAL May 2013
Spraying starch to improve strength of containerboard produced from weak recycled furnish, TAPPI JOURNAL May 2013
Journal articles
Application of a Pilot-Scale Pulsed Electrocoagulation system to OCC-Based Paper Mill Effluent, TAPPI JOURNAL March 2009
Application of a Pilot-Scale Pulsed Electrocoagulation system to OCC-Based Paper Mill Effluent, TAPPI JOURNAL March 2009