Fiber Pulp Bulk Increase via Carbonate-Acid Gas Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper and paperboard products face challenges in increasing bulk while maintaining strength, as they tend to have high density, making them difficult to handle and secure.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the addition of a carbonate compound and an acid to fiber pulp to form salt and carbon dioxide gas, reducing density and increasing bulk, with dehydration and drying steps to enhance the fiber product's structure and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional fiber products are made with higher thickness to increase bulk, then the bulk increases, but the grammage becomes high and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fiber product by introducing gas bubbles into the pulp, transforming it from a dense material to a lightweight porous material. This allows achieving high bulk with low grammage, as the gas bubbles occupy volume without adding significant mass
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a porous structure in the fiber product by incorporating gas bubbles generated from carbonate-acid reactions into the pulp matrix. This porous structure increases bulk while maintaining low grammage, resolving the contradiction between volume and mass
2Volume of moving object
If gas bubbles are added to increase bulk, then the bulk increases, but the strength properties may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating small, uniformly distributed gas bubbles throughout the pulp rather than large irregular bubbles. This uniform distribution ensures that the fiber network maintains its integrity and strength while still achieving increased bulk through the dispersed gas phases
Solution Approach 2:
The gas bubbles are generated in advance during the pulp formation process before the product is finalized. This preliminary action allows the fiber network to adapt to the presence of bubbles during formation, ensuring proper bonding and strength development while maintaining the bulk-enhancing gas structure
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 process results in a fiber product with significantly increased bulk and reduced density, providing improved strength, lightness, and ease of handling, suitable for various applications including insulation and decoration, while being eco-friendly and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
in a second step acid is added to the fiber pulp as an acidic component in order to form salt, and to provide a rapid formation of homogenous, small-bubbled carbon dioxide gas
Implementation Method 2
liquid is removed from the fiber pulp, and the bulk is increased as a result of the small-bubbled gas formation
Implementation Method 3
the fiber pulp is dried, for example by means of vaporizing by heat or vaporizing by electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 4
vaporizing by electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 5
the fiber pulp is briefly heated to the melting point of salt, and then cooled back. During heating, the salts melt, and as the fiber pulp cools down, they resolidify
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for increasing bulk of a fiber product, in which process a fiber pulp, and further a fiber product, is formed. In accordance with the invention, in a first step a carbonate compound is added to the fiber pulp as a basic component, and in a second step acid is added as an acidic component, in order to form salt, to provide the formation of small- bubbled gas, and to increase the bulk, and the fiber pulp is dehydrated. The invention also relates to a corresponding fiber product and to the use thereof.