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Journal articles
Effect of xylan on the mechanical performance of softwood kraft pulp 2D papers and 3D foams, TAPPI Journal March 2025
ABSTRACT: Pulp fibers are paramount in paper products and have lately seen emerging use in fiber foams. Xylan, an integral component in pulp fibers, is known to contribute to paper strength, but its effect on the strength of pulp fiber foams remains less explored. In this study, we investigate the role of xylan in both 2D handsheets and 3D foams. For a softwood kraft pulp, we enzymatically removed 1% from pulp fibers and added 3% xylan to them by adsorption, corresponding to approximately a decrease of a tenth and an increase of a third of the total xylan content. The mechanical properties of 2D fiber networks, i.e., handsheets, made using the xylan-enriched pulp improved, particularly regarding tensile strength and Young’s modulus; however, the decrease in mechanical properties of handsheets made from enzymatically- treated xylan-depleted pulp was more pronounced. In 3D networks • pulp fiber foams, much less fiber-fiber contacts formed, and thus the mechanical properties were not as much influenced by removal of xylan. Furthermore, the presence of the required surfactant on the fibers, acting as debonding agent, overshadows any positive effect xylan might have on fiber-fiber bonding. We propose that the improved mechanical properties for the sheets result from a combination of an increased number of fiber-fiber bonds and higher sheet density, while the deterioration in mechanical properties of handsheets comprising enzymatically-treated fibers is caused by the opposite effect.
Journal articles
Improved barrier performance with microfibrillated cellulose, TAPPI Journal March 2025
ABSTRACT: In this work, the impact of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on the properties of water-based barrier coatings intended for food packaging have been explored. Commercially available MFC was used for improving the rheology and water retention of three different commercially available dispersion coatings (acrylic, styrene acrylic, and polylactic acid). Coatings were applied by rod to paper, and barrier properties were tested by measuring air permeability and water barrier properties. Results clearly showed that addition of MFC to water-based dispersion coatings improved the barrier performance of the final coatings.
Journal articles
Using multi-method analysis to identify challenging paper machine deposits and defects, TAPPI Journal March 2025
ABSTRACT: Based on its speed and versatility, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is the industry’s common starting point for analysis of a paper machine deposit or defect sample. However, certain contaminants and papermaking process additives cannot be precisely identified solely by infrared spectral interpretation. This lack of specificity could lead to a misinterpretation of the composition of the deposit or defect. A multi-method analysis uses data from two or more analytical techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, microbiological staining/phase contrast microscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Pyro-GC/MS), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), to produce a more specific assessment of a sample’s composition. This paper discusses the use of a multi-method analysis in deposit and defect analysis and presents several case studies that demonstrate how this comprehensive approach can often produce an interpretation result of greater conviction and value to the papermaker.
Journal articles
Application of AI-based approach to control the papermaking process, TAPPI Journal March 2025
ABSTRACT: This paper explores AI’s role in revolutionizing the pulp and paper industry, and specifically in predicting wet tensile strength (WTS) for specialty-grade papers. Leveraging eLIXA technology, a 90-day study achieved a 15% reduction in chemical dosage and an 80% decrease in wet tensile standard deviation. The real-time dosage prediction led to optimizing the wet strength resin (WSR) consumption and improved process reliability. The self-learning models exhibited adaptability to changing variables, ensuring their robustness. Overall, this study highlights AI’s transformative impact on efficiency, cost savings, and product quality within the dynamic landscape of papermaking. The approach used for wet strength optimization has been used to optimize other aspects of pulp and paper production.
Journal articles
Editor's Notes: Ready for a Test Drive, TAPPI JOURNAL, Novem
Editor's Notes: Ready for a Test Drive, TAPPI JOURNAL, November, 2006
Journal articles
Maximization of profit through optimal selection of inventory levels and production rates in pulp and paper mills, TAPPI JOURNAL, July 2003, Vol. 2(7) (166KB)
Maximization of profit through optimal selection of inventory levels and production rates in pulp and paper mills, Solutions! & TAPPI JOURNAL, July 2003, Vol. 2(7) (166KB)
Journal articles
Influence of fines on sheet delamination in condebelt drying and recyclability of condebelt-dried linerboard, TAPPI JOURNAL, June 2003, Vol. 2(6) (158KB)
Influence of fines on sheet delamination in condebelt drying and recyclability of condebelt-dried linerboard, Solutions! & TAPPI JOURNAL, June 2003, Vol. 2(6) (158KB)
Journal articles
Evaluation of a laser-optical resin particle counter, Solutions! & TAPPI JOURNAL, March 2003, Vol. 2(3) (239KB)
Evaluation of a laser-optical resin particle counter, Solutions! & TAPPI JOURNAL, March 2003, Vol. 2(3) (239KB)
Journal articles
Application of yellowing inhibitors to improve the brightness stability of coated mechanical papers, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 2003, Vol. 2(5) (195KB)
Application of yellowing inhibitors to improve the brightness stability of coated mechanical papers , Solutions! & TAPPI JOURNAL, May 2003, Vol. 2(5) (195KB)
Journal articles
Modeling coating structure development using a monte carlo deposition method part 2: validation of the model and case study, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 2003, Vol. 2(5) (262KB)
Modeling coating structure development using a monte carlo deposition method part 2: validation of the model and case study, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 2003, Vol. 2(5) (262KB)