An Innovative Computational Strategy to Optimize Different Furnish Compositions of Tissue Materials Using...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Forestry Products

Background:

• Effective furnish management is crucial for optimizing tissue paper quality and cost.
• Fiber properties and modification processes significantly impact tissue paper's structural and functional characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a commercial biopolymer additive (CBA) and micro/nanofibrillated cellulose (CMF) as alternatives to traditional cationic starch.
• To evaluate the potential of these additives in reducing softwood fiber content in tissue furnish formulations.
• To assess the impact of CBA and CMF on the mechanical, softness, and absorbency properties of tissue paper.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of diverse tissue furnish formulations using eucalyptus and softwood fibers, subjected to mechanical and enzymatic treatments.
• Incorporation of CBA and CMF, both independently and simultaneously, into fiber pulps.
• Evaluation of additive effects on tensile strength, softness, and water absorbency.
• Utilization of a tissue computational simulator to predict end-use properties.

Main Results:

• Maximum tensile strength was achieved with a combination of CBA and CMF, though this reduced softness and water absorbency.
• Reducing softwood fiber content, while incorporating CBA and CMF, improved tensile strength and water absorbency.
• A slight decrease in high-frequency (HF) softness was observed compared to typical industrial furnishes when softwood fibers were reduced.

Conclusions:

• Both CBA and CMF are effective alternatives for reducing softwood fiber usage in tissue product manufacturing.
• These additives enhance key properties such as softness, strength, and absorption in tissue products.
• The study provides valuable insights for optimizing tissue furnish formulations for improved product performance and sustainability.