Strength additives for tissue products

Abstract

A paper product having improved strength properties as disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the paper product is treated with a strength agent comprising a derivatized polyethylene oxide. The paper product can be, for instance, a facial tissue, a bath tissue, a paper towel or the like.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] In the art of tissue making and papermaking, many additives have been proposed for specific purposes, such as increasing wet strength, improving softness, or controlling wetting properties. For instance, in the past, wet strength agents have been added to paper products in order to increase the strength or otherwise control the properties of the product when contacted with water and / or when used in a wet environment. For example, wet strength agents are added to paper towels so that the paper towel can be used to wipe and scrub surfaces after being wetted without the towel disintegrating. Typical wet strength agents are also added to facial tissues to prevent the tissues from tearing when contacting fluids. In some applications, wet strength agents are also added to bath tissues to provide strength to the tissues during use. When added to bath tissues, however, the wet strength agents should not prevent the bath tissue from disintegrating when drop...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention is generally directed to paper products having improved strength properties due to the presence of a strength agent. The strength agent can increase the tensile strength of the paper product in either the dry state or the wet state. In one embodiment, the strength agent is added to a tissue product, such as a facial tissue, a bath tissue, a paper towel, an industrial wiper, and the like.

[0005] In one embodiment, the paper product of the present invention includes a fibrous web containing cellulosic fibers. The fibrous web is treated with a strength agent comprising a derivatized polyethylene oxide. The strength agent is present in the fibrous web in an amount sufficient to increase the tensile strength of the web.

[0007] An added benefit of the strength agents disclosed in the present invention is that they can enhance the tactile feel of the product when used in the wet stated. Many textile materials have an increased coefficient of friction on their surfaces when wet. For example, clothing such as shirts and other garments are harder to put on or take off when wet or when going on over wet skin. In a like manner, many wiping products, such as facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, and the like, also experience this same phenomenon. For instance, tissue products typically have more drag across the surface when wet than when in the dry state. Increased drag can be noticed even if the tissue product has a smooth surface and / or has been chemically treated so as to have a very low coefficient of friction in the dry state. Thus, a tissue that is used in the wet state may have an actual tactile sensory feel that is quite different than the same tissue used in the dry state. This increased coefficient of friction may not only be less desirable to the user but may also lead to a high level of slough when wet.

Problems solved by technology

For example, clothing such as shirts and other garments are harder to put on or take off when wet or when going on over wet skin.

This increased coefficient of friction may not only be less desirable to the user but may also lead to a high level of slough when wet.

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