Miscanthus Tissue Fiber Composition for Strength-Softness Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tissue paper products face challenges in achieving a balance between strength and softness, as improving one property often compromises the other, and existing methods using chemical compositions can irritate skin or have environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of pulp fibers from Miscanthus Gigantheus in tissue paper production, combined with chemical or chemo-mechanical pulping processes, to create a tissue paper web with improved strength and softness, and the process involves forming an aqueous suspension, depositing it onto a wire, dewatering, and drying, which enhances adhesion to the Yankee cylinder during creping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strength is increased by increasing fiber to fiber bonds, then strength is improved, but softness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing Miscanthus fibers with specific physical characteristics (length, diameter, wall thickness) to achieve the desired balance between strength and softness without chemical modifications. The natural fiber parameters provide both adequate bonding strength and soft tactile properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining Miscanthus fibers with traditional wood pulp fibers (hardwood and/or softwood) in specific ratios. This composite approach allows the Miscanthus fibers to contribute to softness while the wood pulp provides structural strength, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Strength
If chemical strengthening compositions are added, then strength is improved, but skin irritation and environmental harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing harmful chemical strengthening compositions from the tissue paper formulation. Instead, it relies on the natural physical properties of Miscanthus fibers and their composite structure with wood pulp to provide strength without skin irritation or environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes naturally degradable Miscanthus fibers as a renewable, biodegradable alternative to synthetic chemical strengtheners. This approach provides temporary strength during use that naturally dissipates, aligning with the disposable nature of tissue products while avoiding harmful chemical residues.
3Ease of operation
If chemical softening compositions are added, then softness is improved, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of chemical softeners (which weaken fiber bonds) into a benefit by using the natural geometry and surface properties of Miscanthus fibers. These fibers provide softness through their physical characteristics rather than chemical modification, thus maintaining strength while achieving softness.
4Ease of operation
If hardwood fibers are used for softness, then softness is improved, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a tri-component system combining Miscanthus fibers (for softness), hardwood fibers (for additional softness and bulk), and softwood fibers (for strength). This composite structure allows each fiber type to contribute its advantageous properties while compensating for the weaknesses of individual components.
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 resulting tissue paper products exhibit excellent strength and softness, with improved adhesion to the Yankee cylinder, reducing the need for chemical additives and enhancing manufacturing efficiency, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
enhances adhesion to the Yankee cylinder during creping
Implementation Method 2
depositing it onto a wire, dewatering, and drying
Implementation Method 3
drying, which enhances adhesion to the Yankee cylinder during creping
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tissue paper web composed of one or more layers wherein at least one layer comprises pulp fibers originating from at least one plant belonging to the genus Miscanthus wherein the pulp fibers are selected from chemical pulp fibers, mechanical pulp fibers subjected to a chemical pretreatment and mixtures thereof. The use of Miscanthus pulp fibers according to the present invention can lead to a major absolute increase in tensile strength along with good softness values.