Abstract
In this work we examine the fractionation of
microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and its effect on the
physical properties of paper. In the first part of this
work, we evaluate the fractionation of commercially
available MFC using multiple stages of traditional
fractionation unit operations, namely a hydrocyclone, a
pressure screen, and a novel technique based upon the
control of the threshold for motion in a weak gel. The
results indicate that a smaller fibre length average
fraction could be obtained using the gel separation
technique than using multiple stages of separation in
both the hydrocyclone and the pressure screen. With the
gel technique we were able to reduce the average fibre
length of the MFC from 221 µm to 100 µm. In the second
part of the work, composite paper samples were formed by
addition of fractionated and non-fractionated MFC to
chemical wood fibres and the strength of the resulting
composites were studied. The results showed 25%
improvement in tensile index by addition of MFC and an
additional 10% improvement in tensile strength by
addition of fractionated MFC using the gel technique
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | PaperCon 2011 |
Publisher | TAPPI Press |
Pages | 371-378 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-161839443-9 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
MoE publication type | A4 Article in a conference publication |
Event | Paper Conference and Trade Show, PaperCon 2011 - Covington, United States Duration: 1 May 2011 → 4 May 2011 |
Conference
Conference | Paper Conference and Trade Show, PaperCon 2011 |
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Abbreviated title | PaperCon 2011 |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Covington |
Period | 1/05/11 → 4/05/11 |