Planar elements for use in papermaking machines

Abstract

A planar element for use in a papermaking machine comprising a synthetic construction incorporating nanoparticles in a polymeric resin matrix.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 579,413 filed Jun. 14, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to planar elements employed in papermaking machines as doctor blades, creping blades, coater blades, top plates in blade holders, and wear surfaces on foil blades, and is concerned in particular with synthetic composite constructions of such planar elements that incorporate nanoparticles in a polymeric resin matrix. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] Doctor blades contact the surfaces of rolls in papermaking and web converting machines for the purpose of cleaning or sheet removal. Conventional doctor blades have been made from a wide variety of materials including both metals and synthetic polymer composites. [0006] Synthetic doctor blades are traditionally comprised of fabric substrates held together by polymeric resins...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Broadly stated, planar elements in accordance with the present invention comprise synthetic constructions incorporating nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can be as small as 3 atoms thick, typically between 0.1 to 100 nm in size and involve interactions at a molecular or atomic level. These interactions and subsequent resulting properties can differ significantly from those at larger scales and are currently providing superior performance properties in a number of novel applications. For example, nanoparticles have been found to improve the non-stick properties of anti-marine fouling paints and anti-graffiti coatings. They have been found to improve the ultraviolet ray blocking properties of sunscreens, have enabled the production of self-cleaning windows and are being used to produce self-sanitizing tiles for use in clean environments ranging from hospitals to restaurants.

[0024] Nanofilled polymeric resin foil blades have an improved wear resistance surface with increased flexural strength, increased fracture toughness and reduced coefficient of friction. The nanoparticles also impart a more consistent wear surface which provides more uniform dewatering, a more even moisture profile and ultimately a better quality of sheet.

Problems solved by technology

Foil blade profiles have been made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), but this material has insufficient wear resistance to survive for the required periods of time in many of these situations.

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