The understanding of what properties the fibre should have in order to give the right end-product paper properties, along with the type of processing, is a subject for a lot of research and development. Today the ability to measure fibre properties on-line is widely used for pulps. It is often necessary to measure many properties and variables in a process. The data collected is therefore almost always multivariate. It is very hard to analyse process data due to a lot of noises. Correlations between fibre and paper properties are hard to find, but this does not mean that correlations do not exist. Fibre properties, measured by the pulp analyser PulpEye, were investigated and correlations to paper properties were studied. The work was divided into three different studies. Study 1 was an investigation of historical process data, in study 2 pulp samples from the production was analysed and study 3 was a refiner setting trial, were different refiner segments, flows through refiners and intensities were studied. Both the group-plots and MVDA’s based on the historical process data in study 1, showed that the Scott Bond was increased with increased amount of kinks and curl for the unbleached pine pulp (softwood pulp). Coarseness measurements, made in the study of historical data, indicated that the coarseness was varying in such a large extent that it was believable that it had effects in the papermaking process. Another interesting fibre property, investigated in the refiner setting trial, was crill. The amount of crill is said to have strong correlation to paper strength. The analysis showed that the incoming pulp had different amount of crill and that the amount of crill after the refiners also was varying for the different samples. The development of crill at different kappa numbers and for pulps refined with different segments and refiner strategies should be further investigated. In this work it has been difficult to find correlations between fibre properties and paper properties in the refiner setting trial. This could have been due to small variations of the different parameters. This work showed that the normal production can be handled very well and variations are rather small. It can be seen though, that problems do appear when parameters are deviating from the normal case. An efficient way to work is to do measurements when the incoming pulp parameters are deviating. It should also be more investigated how the most common deviating pulp parameters should be handled in the refining process and at the board machine. The communication between the pulp production and the board machines is recommended to be further developed, especially when the pulp production have disturbances that can be affecting the refining and further the board production.

Paper is used in a wide range of applications, each of which has specific requirements on mechanical and surface properties. The role of paper strength on paper performance is still not well understood. This work addresses the mechanical properties of paper by utilizing fiber network simulation and consists of two parts.In the first part, we use a three-dimensional model of a network of fibers to describe the fracture process of paper accounting for nonlinearities at the fiber level (material model and geometry) and bond failures. A stress-strain curve of paper in tensile loading is described with the help of the network of dry fibers; the parameters that dominate the shape of this curve are discussed. The evolution of network damage is simulated, the results of which are compared with digital speckle photography experiments on laboratory sheets. It is concluded that the original strain inhomogeneities due to the structure are transferred to the local bond failure dynamics. The effects of different conventional and unconventional bond parameters are analyzed. It has been shown that the number of bonds in paper is important and that the changes in bond strength influence paper mechanical properties significantly.In the second part, we proposed a constitutive model for a fiber suitable for cyclic loading applications. We based the development of the available literature data and on the detailed finite-element model of pulp fibers. The model provided insights into the effects of various parameters on the mechanical response of the pulp fibers. The study showed that the change in the microfibril orientation upon axial straining is mainly a geometrical effect and is independent of material properties of the fiber as long as the deformations are elastic. Plastic strains accelerate the change in microfibril orientation. The results also showed that the elastic modulus of the fiber has a non-linear dependency on a microfibril angle,with elastic modulus being more sensitive to the change of microfibril angle around small initial values of microfibril angles. These effects were incorporated into a non-linear isotropic hardening plasticity model for beams and tested in a fiber network in cycling loading application model, using the model we estimated the level of strains that fiber segments accumulate at the failure point in a fiber network.The main goal of this work is to create a tool that would act as a bridge between microscopic characterization of fiber and fiber bonds and the mechanical properties that are important in the papermaking industry. The results of this work provide a fundamental insight on mechanics of paper constituents in tensile as well as cyclic loading. This would eventually lead to a rational choice of raw materials in paper manufacturing and thus utilizing the environment in a balanced way. / <p>QC 20130605</p>

The pulp- and paper industry is a key industry globally and stands for a production of 600 million tonnes pulp and paper worldwide with a total revenue of 400 billion dollars. Due to high quality requirements on paper, it is important to use instruments that control that the produced paper fulfill the promised requirements. To control the quality, a sample strip needs to be taken along the full length of each paper reel. The purpose of this master’s thesis project was consequently to develop a unit that will be used when cutting out these samples.  The project started with a pre-study on existing sample cutters to define all integrated subsystems and their functionalities, advantages and drawbacks. The essential subsystems were found to be: (1) paper reel cutting, (2) path movement, (3) motion generation and (4) mechanical transmission. The advantages and drawbacks were found by interviewing people who have used the cutters or in any way have encountered them for opinions, experience and knowledge. Sample winding is an additional subsystem which was found in a few of the existing cutters but was not further studied.  After defining were the problems and development potentials lay, a range of concepts were generated for the subsystems. These concepts were presented to a defined target group to ensure a unit which will create costumer value. By taking their views and ideas into account, further concept development was made. After a few iterations, one concept was chosen for each subsystem in an evaluation with domain experts.  A detail study and design were then made which incorporated all subsystems into one unit. The solution: (1) has two rotating circular blade pushed against sharp guide rails, (2) is hand-held with two pair of wheels on the cutter-head and a digital inclinometer, (3) has a manually generated motion and (4) uses a synchronous belt drive which transfer the manually generated motion to the rotating blades. In addition to this, complete 2D and 3D drawings, along with a bill of materials, were delivered for the future manufacturing of the unit.  Since this thesis presents no solution for the sample winding, the next step is to develop a collector which is easily handled and should be able to co-use the manually generated power with the rotating blades. Further, a design which allows modularization of the unit should be developed. / Pappersindustrin är en nyckelindustri globalt och står för en produktion på 600 miljoner ton pappersmassa och papper över hela världen med en total intäkt på 400 miljarder dollar. På grund av höga kvalitetskrav på papper är det viktigt att använda instrument som kontrollerar att det producerade papperet uppfyller de utlovade kraven. För att kontrollera kvaliteten måste en provremsa tas längs hela pappersrullen. Syftet med denna masteruppsats var följaktligen att utveckla en enhet som kommer att användas vid utskärning av dessa prover.  Projektet startades med en förstudie av befintliga provskärare för att definiera alla integrerade delsystem och deras funktioner, fördelar och nackdelar. De väsentliga delsystemen visade sig vara: (1) skärning av pappersrulle, (2) rörelse av vägar, (3) generering av rörelse och (4) mekanisk kraftöverföring. Fördelarna och nackdelarna hittades genom att intervjua personer som har använt skärarna eller på något sätt har stött på dem för åsikter, erfarenhet och kunskap. Upprullning av proverna är ett ytterligare delsystem som hittades i vissa befintliga skärare men studerades inte vidare.  Efter att ha definierat var problemen och utvecklingspotentialerna låg, genererades ett antal lösningar för delsystemen. Dessa koncept presenterades för en definierad målgrupp för att säkerställa en enhet som skapar kundvärde. Genom att ta hänsyn till deras åsikter och idéer, vidareutvecklades lösningarna. Efter några iterationer valdes ett koncept för varje delsystem i en utvärdering med domänexperter.  En detaljstudie och -design gjordes sedan som inkluderade alla delsystem i en enhet. Lösningen: (1) har två roterande cirkulära knivar tryckta mot vassa styrskenor, (2) är handhållen med två par hjul på skärhuvudet och en digital lutningsmätare, (3) har en manuellt genererad rörelse och (4) använder en synkroniserad remdrivning som överför den manuellt genererade rörelsen till de roterande bladen. Utöver detta levererades kompletta 2D- och 3D-ritningar tillsammans med en stycklista för den framtida tillverkningen av enheten.  Eftersom den här rapporten inte innehåller någon lösning för upprullning är nästa steg att utveckla en provupprullare som är lätt att hantera och bör kunna använda den manuellt genererade effekten. Vidare bör en design som möjliggör modulering av enheten utvecklas.

The current trends in papermaking involve, but are not limited to, maintaining the dry strength of paper material at a reduced cost. Since any small changes in the process affect several factors at once, it is difficult to relate the exact impact of these changes promptly. Hence, the detailed models of the network level of a dry sheet have to be studied extensively in order to attain the infinitesimal changes in the final product. In Paper A, we have investigated a relation between micromechanical processes and the stress–strain curve of a dry fiber network during tensile loading. The impact of “non-traditional” bonding parameters, such as compliance of bonding regions, work of separation and the actual number of effective bonds, is discussed. In Paper B, we studied the impact of the chemical composition of the fiber cell wall, as well as its geometrical properties, on the fiber mechanical properties using the three-dimensional model of a fiber with helical orientation of microfibrils at a range of different microfibril angles (MFA). In order to accurately characterize the fiber and bond properties inside the network, via statistical distributions, microtomography studies on the handsheets have been carried out. This work is divided into two parts: Paper C, which describes the methods of data acquisition and Paper D, where we discuss the extracted data. Here, all measurements were performed at a fiber level, providing data on the fiber width distribution, width-to-height ratio of isotropically oriented fibers and contact density. In the last paper, we utilize data thus obtained in conjunction with fiber morphology data from Papers C and D to update the network generation algorithm in order to produce more realistic fiber networks. We also successfully verified the models with the help of experimental results from dry sheets tested under uniaxial tensile tests. We carry out numerical simulations on these networks to ascertain the influence of fiber and bond parameters on the network strength properties. / <p>QC 20160613</p>

No description available.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Brazil is a major producer of paper, highlighted worldwide for producing and supplying the markets with large volumes of paper packaging, printing and writing paper and cardboard. Although the wood is the main source of raw material used in cellulose industries in Brazil, the use of non-timber fiber may be a satisfactory alternative for manufacturing of papers with different and special properties. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity, morphology, anatomy and chemical composition of the fibers, as well as the properties of the pulps produced papers of Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Soják (popularly known as reed), pure or mixed with eucalyptus pulp. We conducted chemical, morphological and productivity analysis. Thus the kraft pulping process and production roles in different treatments were performed. Through research and analysis, it can be noted that reed had low productivity and short fibers. Chemical analysis showed that the fibers have a high level of the reed extractives and silica, which makes it a favorable raw material for pulp production, on the other hand, the kraft pulping process resulted in reed pulp with low contents of hexenuronic acid suitable for the bleaching of pulp factor. The strength properties of the papers were negatively affected by the addition of reed pulp papers and the highest values of bulk and opacity were achieved with the lowest levels of refining of the pulps. It was concluded that reed did not show satisfactory for the production of papers of high strength characteristics. / O Brasil é um grande produtor de papel, destacando-se mundialmente por produzir e abastecer os mercados com expressivos volumes de papel de embalagem, papéis de imprimir e escrever e papel-cartão. Apesar de a madeira ser a principal fonte de matéria prima utilizada nas indústrias de celulose no Brasil, o emprego de fibras não madeireiras pode ser uma alternativa satisfatória para a fabricação de papéis com propriedades diferenciadas e especiais. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade, morfologia, anatomia e composição química das fibras, assim como as propriedades dos papéis produzidos de polpas celulósicas de Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Soják (popularmente conhecido como junco), puros e misturados com polpa de eucalipto. Realizou-se análise química, morfológica e de produtividade. Desta forma foram realizados cozimentos pelo processo kraft e produção de papéis em diferentes tratamentos. Por meio das pesquisas e análises, pode-se constar que o junco apresentou baixa produtividade e fibras curtas. As análises químicas demostraram que as fibras de junco apresentam alto teor de extrativos e de sílica, o que o torna uma matéria prima desfavorável para a produção de polpa celulósica, por outro lado, o processo de polpação kraft do junco resultou em polpas com baixo teor de ácidos hexenurônicos, fator satisfatório para o branqueamento da polpa. As propriedades de resistência dos papéis foram afetadas negativamente pela adição de polpa de junco nos papéis e os mais altos valores de volume específico aparente e opacidade foram alcançados com os menores níveis de refino das polpas. Foi concluído que o junco não apresentou características satisfatórias para a produção de papéis de alta resistência.

<p>The potential of using acid hydrogen peroxide under Fenton conditions to lower the electrical energy consumed during the production of Black spruce (Picea mariana) thermomechanical pulp (TMP) was investigated. The chemical system, which consisted of ferrous sulphate, hydrogen peroxide and optionally an enhancer (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or oxalic acid/sodium oxalate), was evaluated as an inter-stage treatment where the primary refiner was used as a mixer. The produced TMPs were thoroughly characterised in order to explain the effect of the chemical system on fibre development and to be able to propose a mechanism for the impact on refining energy reduction. The possibility to improve the optical properties by washing, chelating and sodium dithionite or hydrogen peroxide bleaching the treated pulps was evaluated.</p><p> </p><p>The results obtained in a pilot plant trial show that it is possible to significantly reduce the comparative specific energy consumption by approximately 20% and 35% at a freeness value of 100 ml CSF or a tensile index of 45 Nm/g by using 1% and 2% hydrogen peroxide respectively. The energy reduction is obtained without any substantial change in the fractional composition of the pulp, though tear strength is slightly reduced, as are brightness and pulp yield. No major differences between the reference pulp and the chemically treated pulps were found with respect to fibre length, width or cross-sectional dimensions. However, the acid hydrogen peroxide-treated pulps tend to have more collapsed fibres, higher flexibility, a larger specific surface area and a lower coarseness value. The yield loss accompanying the treatment is mainly a consequence of degraded hemicelluloses. It was also found that the total charge of the chemically treated pulps is higher compared to the reference pulps, something that may have influenced the softening behaviour of the fibre wall.</p><p> </p><p>A washing or chelating procedure can reduce the metal ion content of the chemically treated TMPs considerably. The amount of iron can be further reduced to a level similar to that of untreated pulps by performing a reducing agent-assisted chelating stage (QY) with dithionite. The discoloration cannot, however, be completely eliminated. The brightness decrease of the treated pulps is thus not only caused by higher iron content in the pulp, but is also dependent on the type of iron compound and/or other coloured compounds connected with the acid hydrogen peroxide treatment. Oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (P) is more effective than reductive bleaching with sodium dithionite in regaining the brightness lost during the energy reductive treatment. Using a QY P sequence, a hydrogen peroxide charge of 3.8% was needed to reach an ISO brightness of 75% for the chemically treated pulps. The corresponding hydrogen peroxide charge for the untreated TMP reference was 2.5%.</p><p> </p><p>The radicals generated in the Fenton reaction will probably attack and weaken/soften the available outer fibre wall layers. This could facilitate fibre development and consequently lower the electrical energy demand for a certain degree of refinement.</p>

The potential of using acid hydrogen peroxide under Fenton conditions to lower the electrical energy consumed during the production of Black spruce (Picea mariana) thermomechanical pulp (TMP) was investigated. The chemical system, which consisted of ferrous sulphate, hydrogen peroxide and optionally an enhancer (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or oxalic acid/sodium oxalate), was evaluated as an inter-stage treatment where the primary refiner was used as a mixer. The produced TMPs were thoroughly characterised in order to explain the effect of the chemical system on fibre development and to be able to propose a mechanism for the impact on refining energy reduction. The possibility to improve the optical properties by washing, chelating and sodium dithionite or hydrogen peroxide bleaching the treated pulps was evaluated.   The results obtained in a pilot plant trial show that it is possible to significantly reduce the comparative specific energy consumption by approximately 20% and 35% at a freeness value of 100 ml CSF or a tensile index of 45 Nm/g by using 1% and 2% hydrogen peroxide respectively. The energy reduction is obtained without any substantial change in the fractional composition of the pulp, though tear strength is slightly reduced, as are brightness and pulp yield. No major differences between the reference pulp and the chemically treated pulps were found with respect to fibre length, width or cross-sectional dimensions. However, the acid hydrogen peroxide-treated pulps tend to have more collapsed fibres, higher flexibility, a larger specific surface area and a lower coarseness value. The yield loss accompanying the treatment is mainly a consequence of degraded hemicelluloses. It was also found that the total charge of the chemically treated pulps is higher compared to the reference pulps, something that may have influenced the softening behaviour of the fibre wall.   A washing or chelating procedure can reduce the metal ion content of the chemically treated TMPs considerably. The amount of iron can be further reduced to a level similar to that of untreated pulps by performing a reducing agent-assisted chelating stage (QY) with dithionite. The discoloration cannot, however, be completely eliminated. The brightness decrease of the treated pulps is thus not only caused by higher iron content in the pulp, but is also dependent on the type of iron compound and/or other coloured compounds connected with the acid hydrogen peroxide treatment. Oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (P) is more effective than reductive bleaching with sodium dithionite in regaining the brightness lost during the energy reductive treatment. Using a QY P sequence, a hydrogen peroxide charge of 3.8% was needed to reach an ISO brightness of 75% for the chemically treated pulps. The corresponding hydrogen peroxide charge for the untreated TMP reference was 2.5%.   The radicals generated in the Fenton reaction will probably attack and weaken/soften the available outer fibre wall layers. This could facilitate fibre development and consequently lower the electrical energy demand for a certain degree of refinement.