Low-Density Tissue Web Surface Coating to Preserve Softness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying additives to low-density web tissues struggle to maintain softness while enhancing strength, as conventional approaches often result in penetration, leading to stiff products and reduced mass efficiency, especially in non-creped webs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a high viscosity polyolefin dispersion with specific particle size and solids levels to the surface of a web, preventing penetration and retaining morphological structure, thereby enhancing softness and strength without phase inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dispersion is applied before drying or after drying to a non-creped web, then the web can be processed without creping, but the dispersion penetrates and reduces mass efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the dispersion to a higher range, which prevents penetration into the web structure during application. This allows the dispersion to remain on the surface even when applied to non-creped webs, maintaining mass efficiency while enabling processing flexibility
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 method effectively maintains softness and improves strength of the tissue by keeping the additive composition on the surface, preventing hydrogen bonding and ensuring a hydrophilic coating, resulting in a more effective hand feel and improved tissue properties.
Implementation Method 1
the additive composition has a viscosity of equal or greater than a value calculated by an equation of y=40 e0.07x, wherein y represents viscosity in a unit of centipoise
Implementation Method 2
drying the web after the step of applying the additive composition
Implementation Method 3
the additive composition has a viscosity of equal or greater than a value calculated by an equation of y=40 e0.07x, wherein y represents viscosity in a unit of centipoise, and x is a percentage of the emulsifier content calculated without water
Data Source
AI summary
Sheet-like products, such as tissue products made from a low-density web, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, and an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may be applied to the surface of the web so that it does not thoroughly or even substantially penetrate the web. For instance, the additive may be applied to one or both surfaces of the web by gravure printing, press coating, spraying or the like. The additive composition may improve the strength of the tissue web and/or improve the perceived softness of the web.