Dried Modified Pulp With Microfibrils for Hornification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) are inefficient in terms of energy use and can lead to hornification during drying, resulting in loss of strength and barrier properties in paper, paperboard, and film products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of a modified pulp by mixing wood pulp furnish with highly refined pulp and/or microfibrillated cellulose, achieving a moisture content of less than 15% through controlled drying, which preserves the beneficial properties of MFC and allows easy transportation and re-suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dewatering and drying microfibrillated cellulose is performed to enable storage and transportation, then the intermediate product can be stored and transported efficiently, but hornification occurs causing loss of strength and barrier properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of drying by controlling temperature, humidity, and drying rate to prevent hornification. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves adequate drying for storage and transport while preserving the strength and barrier properties of MFC
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures before drying by incorporating substances that prevent hornification during the drying process. This preliminary action protects the MFC structure from damage that would otherwise occur during drying
2Strength
If drying intensity is reduced to prevent hornification, then strength and barrier properties are preserved, but drying time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary substances that act as protectants during drying. These intermediaries enable faster drying by preventing hornification, thus resolving the conflict between drying speed and property preservation
3Strength
If drying intensity is reduced to prevent hornification, then strength and barrier properties are preserved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of drying (hornification) into a beneficial process by using controlled drying conditions combined with protective substances. This approach maintains strength properties while enabling efficient drying with reasonable energy consumption
4Strength
If additives such as low molecular carbohydrates are used to reduce hornification, then strength properties are preserved, but microbial growth risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses biodegradable and renewable protective substances that serve their function during drying and then do not persist to cause microbial growth. These substances are effectively disposable, providing protection when needed and eliminating subsequent harmful effects
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modified pulp maintains improved tensile strength, stiffness, and gas barrier properties with minimal bulk loss, and exhibits enhanced stretch properties in paper, paperboard, and film products.
Implementation Method 1
The fibrous suspension has a dewatering resistance measured as Schopper-Riegler (SR) number in the range of 14-20
Implementation Method 2
drying the fibrous suspension to obtain modified pulp having a moisture content of less than 15 wt-%
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modified pulp with a moisture content of less than 15% and a certain content of microfibrils and pre-fibrillated fibres. The modified pulp can, after suspension, be used either directly or be subjected to additional refining. The present invention also relates to a method of producing a fibrous product using the modified pulp.