Drying Characteristics of Fractionated Fiber Using Thermo-gravimetric Analysis and Paper Drying Simulator, 2006 Engineering, Pulping, & Environmental Conference

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This paper presents a study of the drying of a layered paper structure formed from fractionated fibers. Two different experimental methods were employed-- a thermogravimetric analyzer (Q500 TGA) and a “Paper Drying Simulator” [1], a device that simulates a 2 m commercial drying cylinder. The drying behavior of both fractionated virgin and fractionated recycled fiber was studied. Single layered 60 gsm handsheets were made from fractionated fibers. Sheets with initial moisture content of (5.0 g/g) and (2.5 g/g) (water/dry fiber) were studied. A statistical 3D model for the drying behavior was constructed. Adsorption isotherms of the fractionated fibers were generated. It was found that shorter fibers have less crystalline cellulose; longer fibers need less time and energy to dry. The highest drying value was observed for recycled fiber of 1.7 mm and virgin fibers of 2.3 mm.