Papermaking Vol5 Nr1 2019 - Complete Issue - LR

PAPERmaking!
The e-magazine for the Fibrous Forest Products Sector
Produced by:
The Paper Industry Technical Association
Volume 5 / Number 1 / 2019

PAPERmaking!
FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY
Volume 5, Number 1, 2019
CONTENTS:
FEATURE ARTICLES:
1. Wastewater: Modelling control of an anaerobic reactor
2. Biobleaching: Enzyme bleaching of wood pulp
3. Novel Coatings: Using solutions of cellulose for coating purposes
4. Warehouse Design: Optimising design by using Augmented Reality technology
5. Analysis: Flow cytometry for analysis of polyelectrolyte complexes
6. Wood Panel: Explosion severity caused by wood dust
7. Agriwaste: Soda-AQ pulping of agriwaste in Sudan
8. New Ideas: 5 tips to help nurture new ideas
9. Driving: Driving in wet weather - problems caused by Spring showers
10. Women and Leadership: Importance of mentoring and sponsoring to leaders
11. Networking: 8 networking skills required by professionals
12. Time Management: 101 tips to boost everyday productivity
13. Report Writing: An introduction to report writing skills
SUPPLIERS NEWS SECTION:

Products & Services: Section 1 – PITA Corporate Members:
ABB / ARCHROMA / JARSHIRE / VALMET
Section 2 – Other Suppliers

Materials Handling / Safety / Testing & Analysis / Miscellaneous
DATA COMPILATION:
Installations: Overview of equipment orders and installations since November 2018
Research Articles: Recent peer-reviewed articles from the technical paper press
Technical Abstracts: Recent peer-reviewed articles from the general scientific press
Events: Information on forthcoming national and international events and courses
The Paper Industry Technical Association (PITA) is an independent organisation which operates for
the general benefit of its members – both individual and corporate – dedicated to promoting and
improving the technical and scientific knowledge of those working in the UK pulp and paper
industry. Formed in 1960, it serves the Industry, both manufacturers and suppliers, by providing a
forum for members to meet and network; it organises visits, conferences and training seminars that
cover all aspects of papermaking science. It also publishes the prestigious journal Paper
Technology International and the PITA Annual Review, both sent free to members, and a range of
other technical publications which include conference proceedings and the acclaimed Essential
Guide to Aqueous Coating.
Page 1 of 1 Contents
PAPERmaking!
Dynamic soft sensing of organic pollutants in

effluent from UMIC anaerobic reactor for
industrial papermaking wastewater
1 2 3
Yajuan Xing , Zhong Cheng ,*, Shengdao Shan .
With the rapid development of paper industry, the pressure of environmental pollution is going more and
more serious. Recently, resource utilization of wastewater by anaerobic digestion has become a feasible
way to solve this problem. In order to maintain the safe and efficient production of the process, a novel
adaptive soft sensor model was developed to infer the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of paper mill effluent
in this paper. First, the principal component analysis technique was performed in this model so as to
eliminate the col-linearity between the process variables and accordingly obtain the low-dimensional feature
principal component. Then, the least square support vector machine method was used to construct a
quantitative regression model between principal component and the effluent COD. Along with it, particle
swarm optimization was implemented to search for the best value of the LSSVM model parameters, namely
the kernel parameters and the regularization factor. Finally, an online calibration strategy was designed to
adapt to the process dynamic changes in an adaptive iterative manner. When the constructed model tested
for performances in a full-scale factory, the average relative deviation and maximum deviation are 1.80%
and 6.26%, respectively. The experimental results show that this proposed soft sensor model is featured with
high accuracy and strong dynamic stability, and it can provide good guidance for COD prediction and optimal
control of paper mill wastewater treatment.
Contact information:
1
Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, School of
Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023
2
School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou
310023
3
Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, School of
Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023
Yajuan Xing et al 2019 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 490 062027.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2019.01.019
Page 1 of 11 Article 1 – Wastewater

SAMSE 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 490 (2019) 062027 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/490/6/062027
Dynamic soft sensing of organic pollutants in effluent from

UMIC anaerobic reactor for industrial papermaking
wastewater
Yajuan Xing1, Zhong Cheng2,*, Shengdao Shan3

1
Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang
Province, School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and
Technology, Hangzhou 310023
2
School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and
3
Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang
Province, School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and
*Corresponding author e-mail: chengzhong@zust.edu.cn
Abstract. With the rapid development of paper industry, the pressure of

environmental pollution is going more and more serious. Recently, resource utilization
of wastewater by anaerobic digestion has become a feasible way to solve this problem.
In order to maintain the safe and efficient production of the process, a novel adaptive
soft sensor model was developed to infer the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of
paper mill effluent in this paper. First, the principal component analysis technique was
performed in this model so as to eliminate the col-linearity between the process
variables and accordingly obtain the low-dimensional feature principal component.
Then, the least square support vector machine method was used to construct a
quantitative regression model between principal component and the effluent COD.
Along with it, particle swarm optimization was implemented to search for the best
value of the LSSVM model parameters, namely the kernel parameters and the
regularization factor. Finally, an online calibration strategy was designed to adapt to
the process dynamic changes in an adaptive iterative manner. When the constructed
model tested for performances in a full-scale factory, the average relative deviation
and maximum deviation are 1.80% and 6.26%, respectively. The experimental results
show that this proposed soft sensor model is featured with high accuracy and strong
dynamic stability, and it can provide good guidance for COD prediction and optimal
control of paper mill wastewate treatment.
1. Introduction
The paper-making industry is a major water consumer and also a major wastewater discharger.
According to the statistics of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, In 2015, the total water
consumption of the paper-making industry and the paper product industry (4,180 enterprises involved
in the statistics) was 11.835 billion tons, and the wastewater discharge was 2.367 billion tons,
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution
of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd 1
accounting for 13.0% of the total industrial wastewater discharge. The chemical oxygen demand
(COD) in the discharged wastewater is 335,000 tons, accounting for 13.1% of the total industrial COD
emission. In recent years, with the increasing shortage of water resources, production water has
become a problem that restricts the development of paper-making enterprises. At present, in order to
solve the environmental pollution due to paper-making wastewater and realize resource utilization,
biogas production through anaerobic digestion has become a main method. The anaerobic digestion
process under the action of microorganisms is featured as multi-factor influence, dynamic variability,
complex nonlinearity (Yang Hao et al., 2016), etc. and the mechanism model thereof is difficult to
construct, so the real-time operation control and optimization and calibration that affect safe
production and effluent water production conditions cannot be realized. The production effectiveness
of the industrialization process of anaerobic digestion for paper-making wastewater is often measured
by the effluent COD. However, the current COD testing of enterprises is mostly realized by timed
manual sampling and laboratory analysis. The test results cannot be obtained till several hours later, so
the real-time performance is poor (Xu Lisha et al., 2012). In case that a COD on-line analyzer is
installed on site, failure often occurs, resulting in loss of data. And also, the maintenance is difficult
and the instrument is expensive(Langergraber et al., 2004; Bourgeois et al., 2010). With the
improvement of enterprise automation as well as the deep integration of informationization and
industrialization, the methods like pivot element regression, partial least squares regression, neural
network, support vector machine and fuzzy logic have been used for the data modeling and operational
control of the performance indicators including COD concentration, volatile fatty acid (VFA),
dissolved oxygen, suspended solids (SS) concentration and gas production in the process of
paper-making wastewater treatment (Bourgeois et al., 2010; Haimi et al., 2013) Choi et al., 2001; Wan
et al., 2011; Huang et al., 2015 Dürenmatt et al., 2012; Zhou Hongbiao et al., 2017; Liu Lin et al.,
2017; Tang Wei et al., 2017). With respect of the method selection, Wan et al. (2011) designed an
adaptive fuzzy inference system integrating fuzzy subtractive clustering and PCA technologies, of
which the fuzzy subtractive clustering is used to identify the model structure, and PCA is used to
reduce the complex collinearity between variables as well as the dimensionality. The model accuracy
with this integrated method is higher than that with the BP neural network method in the performance
test about the COD and SS concentration prediction of paper-making wastewater. Wang Yao et al.
(2017) chose the LSSVM method to predict the COD and SS concentrations. The results show that the
soft-sensor model created by optimizing the LSSVM method parameters via the PSO algorithm has a
higher prediction accuracy. The LSSVM method based on minimum structural risk is widely used in
soft-sensor modeling because of its features of low dependence on sample data, less parameters to be
estimated, and strong generalization ability (Souza et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2015; Fortuna et al., 2007;
Liu Bo et al., 2015; Zheng Rongjian et al., 2017). However, the prediction accuracy of the
soft-sensor model based on the offline sample data architecture, will gradually decline in the face of
dynamic changes in continuous production processes. In order to solve the above problem, this paper
proposes an OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM soft-sensor method integrating data analysis technology and
regression modeling, which can eliminate the complex collinearity between variables and achieve
dimensionality reduction via PCA technology; then, implement the LSSVM method to establish the
nonlinear relationship between input and output variables, and realize the optimization of LSSVM
model parameters by means of PSO; and finally, initiate the online calibration strategy (OCS) in case
the prediction deviation of the new sample individual exceeds the set error limit, iteratively updating
the soft-sensor model in an adaptive manner.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Process and Data Collection

With the wastewater anaerobic treatment system of a papermaking mill as the test object of application,
the production process is shown in Fig. 1, in which the ascending multistage internal circulation
anaerobic reactor UMIC is the main device. The UMIC reactor works based on the principle of
granular sludge (Ruggeri et al., 2015; Zhang Yi et al., 2014), namely, the papermaking wastewater is
thoroughly mixed with anaerobic microbial sludge after being pumped into the reactor by a lift pump,
2
and the organics in the mixture are chemically converted into the gases like methane and carbon
dioxide, as well as microbial bacterial plastids under the action of the microorganisms.
Based on the analysis of production behavior and process mechanism of the UMIC device, with the
combination of experts’ experience and knowledge as well as the sensitivity analysis of field data, 8
process variables that affect the COD of the treatment system were selected as the input variables of
the model, and they are: influent COD/mg•L-1, influent SS/mg•L-1, influent pH, influent flow/m3,
influent temperature/°C, circulating pool level/%, effluent pH and effluent temperature/°C, while the
output variable of the model is effluent COD/mg•L-1. Two sample data collection methods were
adopted, one of which was that the mill’s distributed control system DCS was used to collect 8 process
variables, and the other was that the on-site sampling laboratory obtained effluent COD through
offline test (Sun Jun et al., 2017). After the collection of the mill’s field operation data from July 2016
to February 2017 was completed, the missing data was directly removed, then the abnormal data was
identified and deleted, and finally the initial sample matrix set containing 175 sample individuals was
obtained.
1-Bar screener; 2-Blending pond; 3- Preliminary clarifier; 4-Pump; 5- Regulating container;

6-Anaerobic reactor;
7-Cycling wstandpipe; 8- Anoxic pool; 9- The secondary clarifier; 10-Biogas storage tank;
11-Nutrient auto-count pipette
Fig 1. Flow chart of anaerobic degradation for paper mill wastewater
2.2. OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM Soft-sensor Method

2.2.1. PCA Technology
The independent variable matrix X n p of the obtained initial sample data was recorded, where n is the
number of sample individuals, i.e. the sample size, and p is the number of process variables. PCA
technology (Jolliffe et al., 2002) was namely to project X from the Euclidean space to the latent vector
space of the pivot element.
d
X = TQ T + E =  t k q kT + E (1)
k=1
Where, t k is the k th extracted pivot element, qk is the load vector used to extract the pivot element,
and E is the final residual matrix. In essence, the construction of the PCA latent vector space is to
represent most of the dynamic information in the initial process variables in the sample data by
extracting d pivot elements ( d  p ) (Sun Jun et al., 2017), of which, the information contribution of
the k th pivot element can be calculated according to Formula (2).
p
 k  k /  k (2)
k 1
2.2.2. Soft-sensor Optimization Model PSO-LSSVM

The least square support vector machine (LSSVM) is an extension of the standard SVM method
(Cristianini et al., 2000), and the main ideas of the algorithm are summarized as follows:
3
Suppose the modeling sample data set is {(ti , yi )}in1 , where, ti  R d is the input vector of
the i th-dimension pivot element in the latent vector space expanded by the d th-dimension pivot element,
and yi  R is the target output variable of effluent COD of the papermaking wastewater. In the
high-dimension feature space constructed by the nonlinear mapping function  (t ) , the model
establishment between the output variable and the input variable is to find the best fitting function:
y ( t )  w T ( t )  b (3)
Where, w is the weight coefficient vector to be estimated in the high-dimension feature space, b
is the constant deviation term. For the LSSVM method, the parameter estimate in the above formula
can be transformed to satisfy the constraint of Formula (4):
yi  w T (ti )  b  i , i  1, 2,, n (4)
The minimization optimization problem was solved as below:
1 1 n
min J ( w , b, ξ )  w T w    i2 (5)
w ,b , 2 2 i 1
In the formula,  is a penalty factor, used to balance the complexity and approximation accuracy
of the model, i is the training error of the i th sample point. The Lagrange multiplier  i is now
introduced to transform the above-mentioned constraint optimization problem of the formula into an
unconstrained optimization problem:
L ( w , b, ξ , α )
n (6)
 J ( w , b, ξ )    i ( wT  (ti )  b  i  yi )
i 1
Using the KKT optimization condition to solve the above formula (Zhou Xinran, 2012), that is, to
solve the partial derivatives of w ,b， i and  i , we can obtain:
 L n
 w  0  w    i ( t i )
 i 1
 L n
  0  i  0
 b i 1
 (7)
 L  0     , i  1, 2, , n
 i i i

 L  0  w T (t )  b    y  0, i  1, 2, , n
  i i i
 i
Eliminating the elements from the above equation set, we will obtain the following linear equation
set:
0 1Tv  b  0 
 1   
  (8)
1v K   I  α   y 
Where, 1v  [1,1,,1n ]T , α  [1 ,  2 ,,  n ]T , y  [ y1 , y2 , , yn ]T , Kij (ti , t j )   (ti )T  (t j ) ，
i，j  1, 2, , n ，and I is the unit matrix. After solving the parameters of  i and b in Formula (8) and
via the least square method, the LSSVM model will be obtained as below:
n
yˆ  f (t )    i K (t , ti )  b (9)
i 1
If the LSSVM model uses the RBF kernel function K (t , ti ,  )  exp( t  ti  2 ) , the different
2
values of the kernel function width  and the penalty factor  in Formula (5) will affect the actual
performance of the LSSVM model (Zhao et al., 2000). To this end, this paper completes the
optimization of the two parameters by taking the minimum of the sum of squared error
4
nv
 ( yl  yˆl )2 between the experimental value yl and the predicted value of the model of the effluent
l 1
COD as the objective function, through the particle swarm optimization (PSO) (Kennedy et al., 1995),
based on the validation sample set.
2.2.3.Model Parameter Adaptive Correction
In order to track the dynamic changes of the production process and maintain the prediction
performance of the soft-sensor model in real time, an online calibration strategy (OCS) has been
designed to iteratively update the soft-sensor model parameters in an adaptive manner. The basic idea
of OCS is that if the established soft-sensor model is applied to the prediction of COD for a new
sample individual, when the deviation between the experimental value ynew of the new sample
individual and the predicted value yˆ new of the model exceeds the set error limit maxe , namely:
(10) | ynew  yˆ new | maxe
To Initiate the iterative update of the soft-sensor model parameters. The specific method is as
follows: firstly, the sample individuals with the largest fitting deviation are retrieved from the training
sample set and deleted; then, the sample individuals with the highest ranking in the monitoring sample
set are transferred into the training sample set; next, the vacancy of the validation sample set is filled,
namely, the sampled individuals with the highest ranking among the accumulated predicted sample
individuals are transferred into the validation sample set; and finally, the soft-sensor model is
re-established based on the newly formed training sample set and the validation sample set, which is
namely the OCS - PCA-PSO-LSSVM model.
On-line correction with new data samples
Off-line modeling with historical data
X new
optimize model parameters
ynew
y T Tnew
ynew  yˆ new  maxe {T , y}

{ X , y} { ,  }
ŷ
yˆ new
Fig 2. Structure of the OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM soft sensor model

With this, the implementation flow of the OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM method is shown in Fig. 2.
Firstly, the PCA pre-processing of X n p = [x1 , x2 , , x p ]T was performed and the pivot element matrix
Tnd  [t1 , t 2 , , t d ]T was obtained after the number d of pivot elements had been selected; then, based
on Tnd and the output variable matrix yn1  [ y1 ,y2 , ,yn ]T of the effluent COD, the nonlinear
mapping relationship between them was established with the LSSVM method, while the values of
5
model parameters  and  were determined by PSO optimization; and finally, the OCS would be
initiated to iteratively update the model in case the prediction deviation of the new sample individual
was beyond the set error limit.
3.Results and Discussion
3.1. Model Performance Evaluation Indicator

To objectively and independently evaluate the performance of the OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM
soft-sensor model, the initial sample data set was divided into a training sample set, a validation set,
and a test set in time order, of which the training sample set contained 100 sample individuals, used
for parameter estimation of the model; the validation sample set contained 50 sample individuals, used
for parameter optimization of the model; and the test sample set contained the remaining 25 sample
individuals, used for performance evaluation of the model. The performance evaluation indicators
include: maximum deviation (MAXE)/mg•L-1, maximum relative deviation (MAXRE)/%, mean
absolute deviation (MAE)/mg•L-1, mean relative deviation (MRE)/% ,root mean square error (RMSE)
/ mg • L-1, standard deviation (STD) / mg • L-1, etc., and their respective definition formula are as
follows:
MAXE  max { yi  yî } (11)
i{1,2,, n}
yi  yî
MAXRE  max { }  100% (12)
i{1,2,, n} yi
1 n
MAE   yi  yî
n i 1
(13)
1 n | y  yî |
MRE   i  100% (14)
n i 1 yi
1 n
RMSE   ( yi  yî )2
n i 1
(15)
1 n
STD  
n  1 i 1
(ei  e ) 2 (16)
1 n
Where, ei  yi  yî , e  ei , while yi and ŷi denote the experimental value and predicted
n i 1
value of the model regarding COD of the i th sample individual, respectively. Among the above
statistical performance indicators, MAXE, MRE, RMSE and STD are absolute accuracy indicators, of
which, MAXE measures the limit boundary conditions of the model according to the maximum
predicted deviation of the sample individuals, and MRE and RMSE measure the accuracy of the model
according to the average prediction accuracy of the sample individuals. while STD measures the
stability of the model according to the degree of dispersion of the prediction deviation of the sample
individuals. Considering the objective difference between the magnitudes of different physical
quantities, MAXRE and MRE are relative accuracy indicators. The former measures the deviation of
the prediction results based on a single sample individual, and the latter does the same based on the
average of sample individuals. The smaller the values of these statistics are, the better the performance
of the model will be indicated.
3.2. Experimental Results and Analysis

As described in Section 2.2.1 above, in order to satisfy that the pivot element under the
OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM method contain enough initial variable information, and the cumulative
information contribution rate of the dth extracted pivot element is now required to be above 85%.
Based on the information of the eight latent roots of the correlation matrix for the training sample set
6
of papermaking wastewater, when the 6th pivot element is extracted during calculation, namely, d  6 ,
the cumulative information contribution rate is 92.63%. Thus, the six pivot element are determined as
the input vectors of the subsequent PSO-LSSVM model.
As described in Section 2.2.2 above, the optimization process for the algorithm of parameters
 and  PSO under the LSSVM method is shown in Figs. 3 and 4 after the RBF radial basis kernel
function was selected, and the population particle number was set at 30, the minimum inertia weight
was wmin =0.01, the maximum inertia weight was wmin =0.99, the particle maximum velocity was
vmax  2 , the particle minimum velocity was vmin  -2 , and the learning factor was c1  c2  2 and
the maximum number of iterations was 100. When  =0.3356 and  =2.2026, the RMSE of the
objective function observation sample set reached the minimum, thereby it was determined as the
optimal value of the parameter under the LSSVM method.
Fig 3. Regularization factor optimizing curve using PSO
Fig 4. Kernel parameter optimizing curve using PSO

After the optimization for the input variable and parameter of the model was completed, the
OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM model was applied to the test sample set to detect the model’s generalization
ability. Table 1 shows the test results of different performance indicators for the three models of
OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM, PCA-PSO-LSSVM and SVM. It may be observed from the table that the
values of the maximum deviation, the maximum relative deviation, the average absolute deviation, the
average relative deviation, the root mean square error, and the standard deviation of the
OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM model are significantly lower than the corresponding results of the
PCA-PSO-LSSVM model and the SVM model. Where, compared with the PCA-PSO-LSSVM model,
the MAXE of the OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM model decreased by 39.15%, the MRE decreased by
25.00%, and the STD decreased by 29.89%. The reason for this is that when the PCA-PSO-LSSVM
model predicted the 2nd, 10th, 20th, and 21st sample individuals in the test sample set, their prediction
deviations were greater than their respective maximum fitting deviation the training sample set, so the
OCS strategy was initiated 4 times to perform the iterative update of the model, therefore, from the 2nd
7
sample individual of the test sample set containing 25 sample individuals, and the predicted value of
the model was different from the predicted value of the PCA-PSO-LSSVM model without the OCS
strategy integrated, which was generally reflected as the deviation tends to be small, thus achieving
dynamic adjustment and optimization of the model.
Tab. 1 Model performances comparison on the testing data set
MAXE MAXRE MAE MRE RMSE STD
Methods -1 -1 -1
/mg·L /% /mg·L /% /mg·L /mg·L-1
SVM 54.39 7.82 18.62 2.58 22.96 13.71
PCA-PSO-LSSVM 51.09 7.53 17.37 2.40 21.57 13.05
OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM 31.09 6.26 12.31 1.80 15.23 9.15
To visually compare the prediction performance of the above three model methods, the
experimental values and predicted values of COD of 25 sample individuals in the test sample set are
plotted in Fig.5. Through observation of the figure, it can be seen that compared with the
PCA-PSO-LSSVM and SVM model methods, the COD results on each sample individual predicted
with the OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM model method are more closely to their respective experimental
values, thereby indicating that the OCS- The PCA-PSO-LSSVM model method has better
generalization prediction ability and stronger dynamic stability.
1300
Analysis Value
1200 SVM
PCA-PSO-LSSVM
1100 OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM
COD/mg.L-1
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
0 5 10 15 20 25
Observation Number
Fig 5. Prediction results of COD on the generalization data set
4. Conclusions
Made in China 2025 clearly pointed out "taking the deep integration of informatization and
industrialization as the main line." Based on the safe and healthy management and high-efficiency
production requirements in the anaerobic treatment process of papermaking wastewater, this paper
focuses on the study of the soft-sensor prediction and dynamic optimization of the model based on the
data-driving effluent COD as the water quality indicator, to promote the transformation of the paper
industry from extensive development to sustainable development, from the end treatment to the
resource utilization, promoting the intelligent management and control of the production process, the
main conclusions are as follows:
1) In order to adapt to the structure of anaerobic reactor and the multivariable, nonlinear,
time-varying features of the parameters, as well as the special complexity of papermaking wastewater
process and the uncertainty of production behavior, the soft-sensor method integrating the modern data
analysis technology and intelligent regression model have been developed and designed, which not
8
only effectively reduces the complex collinearity between variables, but also reduces the spatial
dimension of the model, and the prediction accuracy and dynamic stability of the model are
significantly improved, achieving the overall improvement and breakthrough of the model
performance by virtue of the integration advantages.
2) Data-driving soft-sensor model method: As the time series data continues to increase, the
prediction accuracy of the model based on long-term historical data will decrease. Taking the actual
industrial process as the background, combined with the dynamic change characteristics of the process,
the method can adaptively iteratively update the model parameters through deviation feedback, and
maintain the generalization performance of the soft-sensor model in real time, thus ensuring the
continuous efficient and stable operation of the equipment, and monitoring the energy conservation
and emission reduction as well as sustainable development of the enterprise.
Acknowledgements
Financial supports of this work by National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1609214), Major
Projects for Science and Technology Development of Zhejiang Province, China (2015C02037),
Zhejiang Science and Technology Program key projects, China (2017C03010), and Zhejiang Province
Research Project of Public Welfare Technology Application (2016C33105).
References
[1]Bourgeois W, Burgess J E, Stuetz R M. 2010. On‐line monitoring of wastewater quality: a
review[J]. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 76: 337-348
[2]Choi D J, Park H. 2001.A hybrid artificial neural network as a software sensor for optimal control
of a wastewater treatment process[J]. Water Research, 35: 3959-3967
[3]Cristianini N, Shawe T J. 2000. An Introduction to Support Vector Machines and Other
Kernel-based Learning Methods[M], Cambridge University Press, 112-120
[4]Dürenmatt D J, Gujer W. 2012. Data-driven modeling approaches to support wastewater treatment
plant operation. Environmental Modeling & Software. 30: 47-56
[5]Fortuna L, Graziani S, Rizzo A, et al.2007. Soft Sensors for Monitoring and Control of Industrial
Processes[M]. Springer-Verlag: London, 34-45
[6]Haimi H, Mulas M, Corona F, et al. 2013. Data-derived soft-sensors for biological wastewater
treatment plants: An overview[J]. Environmental Modelling & Software, 47: 88-107
[7]Huang Mingzhi, Ma Yongwen, Wan Jinquan, et al. 2015. A sensor-software based on a genetic
algorithm based neural fuzzy system for modeling and simulating a wastewater treatment
process[J]. Applied Soft Computing, 27: 1-10
[8]Jolliffe I T. 2002. Principal Component Analysis (second edition)[M]. Springer-Verlag, 168-176
[9]Kennedy J, Eberhart R C. 1995. Particle swarm optimization[C]. Proceedings of IEEE International
Conference on Neural Networks. Perth, Australia, 1942-1948
[10]Langergraber G, Fleischmann N, Hofstaedter F, et al. 2004. Monitoring of a paper mill wastewater
treatment plant using UV/VIS spectroscopy[J], Water Science and Technology, 49: 9-14
[11]Liu Bo, Wan Jinquan, Huang Mingzhi, et al. 2015. Online Prediction Model for Effluent VFA
from Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment System Based on PCA-LSSVM[J]. Journal of
Environmental Sciences, 35(6): 1768-1778
[12]Liu Lin, Ma Yiwen, Wan Jinquan, et al. 2017. Soft-sensor Model of Anaerobic Treatment Process
of Wastewater Based on Pso-SVM[J], Journal of Environmental Science, 37(6): 2122-2129
[13]Ruggeri B, Tommasi T, Sanfilippo S. 2015.BioH2 & BioCH4 Through Anaerobic Digestion From
Research To Full-Scale Applications[M]. Springer-Verlag, 1-24
[14]Souza F A A, Aráujo R, Mendes J. 2016. Review of soft sensor methods for regression
applications. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems, 152: 69-79
[15]Sun Jun, Cheng Zhong, Yang Ruiqin, et al. 2017. PCA-PSO-LSSVM-based Soft-sensor of
Effluent COD of the Anaerobic Treatment System for Papermaking Wastewater [J].Computer and
Applied Chemistry, 34(9): 706-710
[16]Tang Wei, Bai Zhixiong, Gao Xiang. 2017. Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Control System
Based on Adaptive Mutation Differential Evolution Algorithm[J]. Paper China, 36 (6): 49-54
9
[17]Wan Jinquan, Huang Mingzhi, Ma Yongwen, et al. 2011. Prediction of effluent quality of a paper
mill wastewater treatment using an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system[J]. Applied
Soft Computing, 11: 3238-3246
[18]Wang Wenchuan, Liu Xinggao.2015.Melt index prediction by least squares support vector
machines with an adaptive mutation fruit fly optimization algorithm[J]. Chemometrics and
Intelligent Laboratory Systems, 141: 79-87
[19]Wang Yao, Xu Liang, Yin Wenzhi, et al. 2017. Soft-sensor Modeling of Papermaking Wastewater
Treatment Process Based on ANN and LSSVR[J]. Transactions of China Pulp and Paper, 32(1):
50-54
[20]Xu Lisha, Qian Xiaoshan. 2012. A Study on Soft-sensor of Effluent COD Based on MUTATION
CPSO ALGORITHM[J]. Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering, 6: 1455-1458
[21]Yang Hao, Mo Weilin, Xiong Zhixin, et al. 2016. Soft-sensor Modeling of Papermaking
Wastewater Treatment Process Based on RPLS[J]. Paper China, 35(10): 31-35
[22]Zhang Wei, Liu Min, Chen Wei, et al. 2014. Influence of External Circulation on the Operation
Effect of IC Reactors[J]. Journal of Chemical Industry and Engineering, 65: 2329-2334
[23]Zhao Huiru, Huang Guo, Yan Ning. 2018.Forecasting energy-related CO2 emissions employing a
novel SSA-LSSVM model: considering structural factors in China[J]. Energies, 11: 781-802.
[24]Zheng Rongjian, Pan Feng. 2017. Modeling for Concentration Prediction of Glutamic Acid
Fermentation Products based on PLS-LSSVM[J]. Journal of Chemical Industry and Engineering,
68: 976-983
[25]Zhou Hongbiao, Qiao Junfei. 2017. Application of Hybrid Multi-objective Particle Swarm
Optimization Algorithm in Optimal Control of Wastewater Treatment Process[J]. Journal of
Chemical Industry and Engineering, 68: 3511-3521
[26]Zhou Xinran. 2012. Research on online Modeling and Control Method Based on Least Squares
Support Vector Machine[D]. Changsha: Hunan University, 19-21
10
PAPERmaking!
Biobleaching for pulp and paper industry in

India: Emerging enzyme technology
Gursharan Singh, Satinderpal Kaur, Madhu Khatri, Shailendra Kumar Arya.
Indian pulp and paper industry is one of the fastest emerging business sector of the country which has
shown tremendous growth in last few years. Governments policies are creating sustain pressure on paper
industries to preserve the clean and pollution free environment at any price. As a result industries are
pondering to replace the chemical bleaching processes with facile bio-based cost effective technologies.
Eco-friendly bleaching enzymes like xylanases and laccases have the potential for biobleaching of wood and
agro-based pulps at industrial scale. In India, enzymatic prebleaching of pulp is widely being investigated
and has achieved favourable outcomes but at laboratory scales only and commercial application of enzymes
for the delignification of pulp is still at budding stage. This article tends to draw the attention on significant
efforts which have been continually attributed by indigenous research laboratories and industries to replace
the chemical bleaching with enzymes.
Contact information: Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology, Panjab

University, Chandigarh, India E-mail address: skarya@pu.ac.in
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 17 (2019) 558–565.
Page 1 of 9 Article 2 – Biobleaching

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 17 (2019) 558–565
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/bab
Biobleaching for pulp and paper industry in India: Emerging enzyme T

technology
⁎
Gursharan Singh, Satinderpal Kaur, Madhu Khatri, Shailendra Kumar Arya
Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Indian pulp and paper industry is one of the fastest emerging business sector of the country which has shown
Biobleaching tremendous growth in last few years. Governments policies are creating sustain pressure on paper industries to
Eco-friendly preserve the clean and pollution free environment at any price. As a result industries are pondering to replace the
Laccase chemical bleaching processes with facile bio-based cost effective technologies. Eco-friendly bleaching enzymes
Pulp and paper
like xylanases and laccases have the potential for biobleaching of wood and agro-based pulps at industrial scale.
Xylanase
In India, enzymatic prebleaching of pulp is widely being investigated and has achieved favorable outcomes but
at laboratory scales only and commercial application of enzymes for the delignification of pulp is still at budding
stage. This article tends to draw the attention on significant efforts which have been continually attributed by
indigenous research laboratories and industries to replace the chemical bleaching with enzymes.
1. Introduction Bajpai, 2012). The high organic content (especially in the wood based
pulp), coupled with chlorine dioxide used in the bleaching process,
Currently Indian pulp and paper industrial units account for ~ 3.0% results in the production of organo-chlorine compounds, which are fi-
of the world's production of paper. The estimated turnover of the in- nally discharged as bleach effluents in water bodies. These organo-
dustry is US$ ~ 8.0 billion. The industry provides employment to more chlorine compounds (measured as Adsorbable Organic Halogens, AOX)
than 0.5 million people directly and 1.5 million indirectly. During have been reported to cause genetic and reproductive damages in
2015–16, domestic production of paper was estimated to be 12.2 mil- aquatic as well as terrestrial animals including humans (Sharma et al.,
lion tons (http://ipma.co.in). Paper industry in country is becoming 2014). Although more eco-friendly options for bleaching are open to
more promising as the domestic demand of paper is increasing due to pulp mills in the form of alternatives to ClO2 like extended cooking or
the growing population and literacy rate, growth in gross domestic oxygen, hydrogen peroxide or ozone based delignification, but im-
product (GDP) and lifestyle of the individuals (Sharma et al., 2015a; plementation of these alternates needs process modifications and is
Sharma et al., 2015b; Sharma et al., 2015c). The focus of paper industry considered as cost intensive proposition at large scale. Enzymes provide
is now shifting towards eco-friendly production of paper. The paper is a simpler and cost effective way to reduce the use of ClO2, chlorine
produced from pulps generated from wood, agricultural residues like compounds and other bleaching chemicals. Enzymes also offer the
wheat straw or from waste paper. The use of wood based technology is simple approach that allows for a higher brightness ceiling to be
constantly on the decline because of capital and raw material avail- reached (Abhay et al., 2018). This can all be achieved without major
ability constraints. The production of pulp and paper involves three capital investment. The applications of xylanase enzyme as pre-
important steps viz. pulping, bleaching, and final paper finishing. The bleaching agent has been established in several laboratories and has
removal of recalcitrant lignin from pulp is called bleaching which is also been commercially exploited in Europe, North America and in few
necessary for making the bright and white paper. Till the end of 20th Asian countries (Bajpai, 2012).
century, bleaching of pulps, irrespective of their origin from soft or hard
wood, employed large amounts of chlorine and chlorine based chemi- 2. Structure of the Indian paper industry
cals. But now most of the pulp and paper mills worldwide use chlorine
dioxide (ClO2) as the elemental chlorine free (ECF) bleaching agent for The Indian paper industry recognized as the aggregation of small,
the production of high quality white paper (Dwivedi et al., 2010; medium and large sized paper mills with different paper making
⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: skarya@pu.ac.in (S.K. Arya).
Received 8 November 2018; Received in revised form 9 January 2019; Accepted 10 January 2019
Available online 11 January 2019
1878-8181/ © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
G. Singh et al. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 17 (2019) 558–565
capacities, 10–1150 t per day. Paper production in the country is widely 3.1. Pulping
based on wood and agricultural waste as the major raw materials. The
Indian paper industry prominently produces writing, newsprint and Pulping is the first step of paper making procedure in which se-
commercial grade paper. Newsprint grade paper is produced by mills paration of cellulose fibers from the lignin components. Commonly two
utilizing mainly of recycled waste paper as the raw material. In 2012, different methods of pulping are applying in the Indian pulp and paper
India recorded the paper consumption of 9.3 kg/capita besides global industries, chemical pulping and chemi-mechanical pulping.
average was 58 kg/capita. Presently there are 759 paper mills in the
country and producing ~ 10.9 Mt of paper annually (http://psa.gov.
3.2. Chemical pulping - Kraft sulphate process
in;initiatives-pulp-and-paper-industry-2014). Indian paper manu-
facturers association (IPMA) representing the platform to project paper
In this procedure the wood chips usually cooked at higher tem-
industry's views and articulate its strategies. IPMA promoted the in-
perature, 165–170 °C in the presence of sodium hydroxide (caustic
terests of paper industry in the country and help it achieve global
soda) and sodium sulphide to separate the lignin and wood resins from
competitiveness while striving to be an active participant in the policy
the cellulose. About 92–95% of the chemicals (sodium hydroxide, so-
making process. The important activities of IPMA are following, work
dium sulphide and lime) can be recovered and reuse further.
as the interface with government, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) and industrial associations so as to present the perspective and
interests of Indian paper mills. Promote the excellence in paper man- 3.3. Chemical pulping – soda process
ufacturing through presentation of awards, networking with interna-
tional bodies with a view to gain better visibility for Indian paper in- The soda pulping is used for the conversion of agro residues (like
dustry. IPMA also synchronize the R&D projects in collaboration with wheat and rice straw and bagasse) to pulp. In this case raw materials
academic institutions of India. usually cooked in the presence of caustic soda at a temperature of
150–160 °C to separate lignin from the cellulosic material.
3. Manufacturing process of paper in Indian paper mills
3.4. Chemi-mechanical pulping (CMP)
The manufacturing process of paper industry can be divided in to
three steps, pulping, bleaching and papermaking. Among all of the In the chemi-mechanical pulping the wood chips initially treated
three steps, bleaching is tedious and combination of chemical and with the mild caustic soda based chemicals to extract resin and lignin
physical treatment of lignin contained pulp (Fig. 1). from the cellulose prior to mechanical refining.
Fig. 1. Common manufacturing process of paper in Indian paper mills.
559
3.5. De-inking of RCF of eucalyptus kraft pulp with 31% reduction in chlorine consumption
(Sindhu et al., 2006). Extracellular cellulase free xylanase produced
Recycled fibers (RCF) dispersion or floatation pulping process is from Bacillus subtilis C01 increased the brightness by 19% of banana
applied for the de-inking of the news papers/print papers. For de- pulp Ayyachamy and Vatsala (Ayyachamy and Vatsala, 2007). Purified
inking, chemicals such as detergents, dispersants and foaming agents alkali stable xylanase from Aspergillus fischeri was immobilized on
added and ink is separated from the pulp. polystyrene that reduced the kappa number of paper pulp by 87%
(Senthilkumar et al., 2008). A synergistic action of xylano-pectinolytic
3.6. Pre-bleaching of pulp with enzymes enzymes from Bacillus pumilus was evaluated for the prebleaching of
kraft pulp; as a result 8.5% and 25% reduction was noticed in kappa
The term bleaching is generally referred to the removal of lignin number and chlorine consumption respectively (Kaur et al., 2010).
from any kind of the pulp by use of chemicals/gases/steam etc. but Alkali stable and thermo tolerant xylanase from B. pumilus SV-85S
prebleaching terminology is used for the enzymatic treatment of the showed (at pH 9.0, 55 °C for 2.0 h) the reduction in kappa number by
pulp for removal of lignin. Prebleaching is an eco-friendly and cleaner 1.6 points and increased brightness by 1.9 points. The pretreatment of
process of lignin removal that can save the chlorine based and other pulp with xylanase resulted in 29% reduction in chlorine consumption
chemicals 10–15% (Bajpai, 2004; Camarero et al., 2007; Garg et al., (Nagar et al., 2013). First report on a bacterial system involving direct
2011). Prebleaching of pulp with enzymes is still under trial or at pilot growth of xylanase -producing B. halodurans FNP 135 on kraft (eu-
scale in paper mills of India. calyptus) pulp under submerged fermentation conditions, showed 35%
reduction in kappa number and 5.8% enhancement in brightness with
3.7. Chlorine bleaching of pulp 20% reduction in chlorine consumption (Gupta et al., 2015). Kumar
et al. (2016) emphasized that significant application of thermostable
The process is used to remove the residual lignin in the range xylanases is biobleaching in pulp and paper industry, where these en-
5–10%. This process is followed by several stages of treatment of pulp zymes acted as delignifying agents, showing clear economic and en-
with chlorine dioxide or hypochlorite to whiten the pulp. Bleaching vironmental advantages over chemical alternatives. After xylanases,
process employed in most of the medium and small mills is based on laccases are the next extensively explored enzymes for biobleaching of
elemental chlorine. However, few of the large sized wood based/agro pulp; these are oxidative biocatalysts that have influenced the re-
based mills have introduced elemental chlorine free (ECF) bleaching searchers by their numerous merits over any other bleaching enzyme
process making use of chlorine dioxide ClO2. (Singh et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2010; Singh et al., 2009; Singh et al.,
2015). Laccases, together with mediators are able to delignify the pulp
3.8. Elemental chlorine free (ECF) bleaching by the oxidation chain reaction leading to lignin oxidation without the
degradation of cellulose. In India pioneering work on alkalophilic lac-
ECF bleaching technology is being practiced in few large mills of the cases was started by Bains et al. (Bains et al., 2003), through isolation of
country where it uses oxygen delignification (ODL), followed by ClO2 to a novel strain named as γ-proteobacterium JB. An alkalophilic cellu-
enhance the brightness of the pulp. lase-free laccase from γ-proteobacterium JB was applied to wheat
straw-rich soda pulp to evaluate its bleaching potential by optimizing
4. Eco-friendly bleaching enzymes (xylanases and laccases) the conditions statistically using response surface methodology based
studied by the Indian research laboratories on central composite design in the presence of ABTS at pH 8.0 which
enhanced the brightness by 5.8 and reduced the kappa number by 21%
There are numerous commercially available enzyme cocktails are within 4 h of incubation at 55 °C. It was noticed that pre-bleaching of
available, but due to the differences in paper making process in the eucalyptus kraft pulp with xylanase or laccase individually avoided the
developed countries and in India, it has been felt to characterize en- ClO2 by 15% and 25% respectively. When both enzymes were applied
zymatic pre-bleaching process indigenously with enzymes produced together at pilot scale (50 kg pulp), there was reduced organo-chlorine
from locally isolated cultures or with commercially available enzymes compounds consumption by 34% in bleach effluent (Sharma et al.,
that match with the interests of Indian pulp industries. One of the major 2014). Tables 1, 2 shows the year wise isolation of new laccase and
differences is the use of different sort of raw materials for pulp making xylanase producing organisms and enzyme characterization, but there
in India (Sharma et al., 2015a; Sharma et al., 2015b; Sharma et al., were very few enzymes either xylanase or laccase evaluated for bio-
2015c; Dutt et al., 2009; Bajpai et al., 1994; Singh et al., 2008; Singh leaching of pulps. Recently, also many reports published on xylanases
et al., 2010). Up to the 1980, there was no university or institute was and laccases from Indian laboratories but none of them studied on
associated in research and development (R&D) that can directly in- delignification of biomass (Sharma et al., 2015a; Sharma et al., 2015b;
volved for giving the technical guidelines to Indian paper industry. R&D Sharma et al., 2015c; Desai and Iyer, 2016; Nikam et al., 2017; Afreen
progress on enzymes for paper industry is still in its beginning and only et al., 2017; Dharmesh et al., 2017; Raj et al., 2018; Kumar et al., 2018;
single institute works in a direction to undertake industry related issues Ranimol et al., 2018).
and emphasized on applied research, is Central Pulp and Paper Re-
search Institute (CPPRI). There were only a few reports on xylanases for 5. Commercial use and availability of Indian patents on bleaching
the biobleaching of pulp in country before 2000, e.g. treatment of eu- enzymes
calyptus pulp with commercial xylanases such as Novozyme 473, and
Cartazyme HS-10 reduced the chlorine consumption by 31% and in- R&D work on isolation and screening of microbial cultures, capable
creased the final brightness by 2.1–4.9 points (Bajpai et al., 1994). of producing low molecular weight xylanases was started initially at
Thermostable cellulase-free xylanase from Streptomyces sp. QG-11-3 National Chemical Laboratory Pune in early 1990s. Later, IIT Delhi,
was produced and applied for delignification of eucalyptus kraft pulp at Birla Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research Jaipur and few other
pH 8.5 and 50 °C for 2 h. There was reduction in kappa number and research and academic institutions began working on culture develop-
increase in brightness of pulp by 25% and 20% respectively (Beg et al., ment for the production of alkaline thermo-tolerant xylanase enzymes.
2000). Bajpai, reported, properties of many commercial xylanases make A national research laboratory CPPRI and a premier educational in-
them unsuitable for the real process of pulp bleaching (Bajpai, 2004). stitution in the country, Institute of Paper Technology (IPT) also in-
So industries need xylanases which can function efficiently in their itiated R&D on xylanase enzyme based pre-bleaching of the pulp. The
existing papermaking processes. Xylanase from Bacillus megaterium first ever mill trial of xylanase pre-bleaching in India was conducted in
showed 8.1% decrease in kappa number and 13% increase in brightness a pulp and paper mill of Ballarpur Industries Ltd. (BILT) in 1992 using
560
G. Singh et al.
Table 1
Laccase enzymes from different sources studied by the Indian laboratories.
Laccase producing organisms Optimum conditions for Optimum conditions for enzyme Outcome of the study References
growth catalysis
Temp. °C pH Temp. °C pH
γ-proteobacterium JB* 37 7.2 55 6.0a,6.0b, 6.5c,6.5d,7.0e, Molecular weight of the purified laccase was determined (120 kDa), successfully Singh et al. (2007)
7.2f degradation of indigo carmine to anthranilic acid via isatin.
γ-proteobacterium JB** 37 7.2 55 8.0 Successfully biobleaching of agro-based wheat straw rich soda pulp in presence Singh et al. (2008)
of ABTS as a mediator.
Cladosporium cladosporioides 37 NA 40–70 3.5g Purified the laccase (71 kDa) up to homogeneity and successfully degradation of Halaburgi et al. (2011)
11 structurally different polyaromatic and sulfonated azo dyes.
Pleurotus sp. NA NA 65 4.5g New organism for laccase production was found and purified (40 kDa) More et al. (2011)
Escherichia coli AKL2 37 8.5 50 8.5a Study concluded that Cu2O nanoparticles enhanced the thermostability and Mukhopadhyay et al. (2013)
activity by 36 and 4.0 fold respectively.
Trametes hirsuta (MTCC 11397) 25 5.5–7.5 20–25 2.6g CuSO4 and acetone stimulated the production of laccase up to 2 fold Dhakar and Pandey (2013)
Streptomycetes sp. 30 7.5 35 6.0g Extracellular laccase producing novel bacteria was isolated from soil Demissie and Kumar (2014)
Aspergillus nidulans 30 NA 40 6.0d and 5.0g Molecular weight of the purified laccase was 66 kDa Vivekanandan et al. (2014)
Serrtia marcescens 25 5.0 25 5.0g Psychrotolerant laccase producing bacterium was isolated and characterized Kaira et al. (2015)
Cotylidia pannosa 30 5.0 50 5.0g Laccase was purified (43 kDa), fungal biomass as well as the crude laccase were Sharma et al. (2015a), Sharma et al.
able to decolorized the congo red, bromophenol blue and coomassie brilliant (2015b), Sharma et al. (2015c)
561
blue R-250 to different extent.
Ganoderma lucidum MDU-7 30 5.2 50 4.0d Two laccase isozymes (Glac H1 and Glac L1) were purified from native-PAGE Kumar et al. (2015)
protein purification method and both of the laccase isozymes have same
optimum temperature and pH for catalytic activity
Bacillus subtilis MTCC 2414 30 7.0 70 9.0d First report on the maximum production (270 Uml−1) of bacterial laccase. Muthukumarasamy et al. (2015)
Aspergillus flavus 35 7.0 27 5.0g Optimization of nutritional and cultural paramaters for the laccase production Kumar et al. (2016)
by using statistical method, design of experiment (DOE).
Lysinibacillus and Bacillus 37 7.0 55 7.0a,d,g Observed the impact of phosphate and other medium components like tryptone Kaur et al. (2016)
Bhargavaea and glucose on physiological regulation of laccase production.
*First report from India, alkalophilic bacterial laccase was purified.

**First report on application of alkalophilic bacterial laccase for biobleaching of agro-based pulp.
NA: Not available.
a
Syringaldazine.
b
Catechol.
c
Pyrogallol.
d
Guaiacol.
e
L-Methyl DOPA.
f
p-Phenylenediamine.
g
ABTS.
G. Singh et al.
Table 2
Xylanases enzymes from different sources studied by the Indian laboratories.
Xylanase producing organisms Optimum conditions for Optimum conditions for Outcome of the study References
growth enzyme catalysis
Temp. °C pH Temp. °C pH
Streptomyces sp. QG-11-3 37 8.0 60 8.6 Optimization of production media, contained amino acids like L-leucine, DL-isoleucine, L- Beg et al. (2000)
lysine increased the xylanase production.
Emericella nidulans NK-62 45 6.5 60 6.0 Lignocellulosic material, corn cob was used for increasing the cellulase free xylanase Kango et al. (2003)
production by 318Uml−1
Aspergillus fischeri 30 NA 60 9.0 A cellulase free, alkali tolerant xylanase was produced (1024Ug−1) Senthilkumar et al. (2005)
Bacillus megaterium 40 8.0 40 8.0 The use of cellulase free xylanase for biobleaching of kraft pulp, 8.1% increased in Sindhu et al. (2006)
brightness and 13% decreased in kappa number of pulp
Bacillus subtilis 37 7.0 37 7.0 Biobleaching of kraft pulp by using xylanase, increased the brightness by 4.9% and Sanghi et al. (2009)
reduced the chlorine consumption by 28%
Bacillus pumilus 50 9.0 37 8.5 Biobleaching of kraft pulp with xylanase as a result, reduced the 8.5% in kappa number Kaur et al. (2010)
and 25% reduction in consumption of chlorine without any increase in brightness.
562
Bacillus stearothermophilus 60 9.0 60 9.0 Pretreatment of wheat straw pulp with xylanase, as a result reduction came in kappa Garg et al. (2011)
number by 7.1% and chlorine consumption by 20% and increased in brightness by 1.7%.
Bacillus pumilus SV-85S 37 8.0 50 6.0 Alkali stable xylanase was produced from cost effective and easily available agro- Nagar et al. (2011)
residues.
Bacillus pumilus SV-205 37 7.0 50 7.0 Xylanase was 100% stable at pH 6.0–11 for 24 h. Nagar et al. (2012)
Cellulosi microbium sp. 40 7.0 40 7.0 Production (4962 ± 45Ug−1) of xylanase was observed in large enamel trays Goluguri et al. (2016)
Aspergillus lentus 30 NA 70 9.0 Cellulase free xylanase production was more on wheat bran (158 Ug−1) followed by corn Kamble and Jadhav (2012)
cob (153 Ug−1), sugarcane bagasse (129 Ug−1) and wheat straw (49 Ug−1)
Sporotrichum thermophile 35 7.0 35 9.5 Useful in food industries, xylan hydrolysis to produce xylo-oligosaccharides i.e. 73 Kaushik et al. (2014)
xylotetraose, 15 xylotriose and 10% xylobiose.
Bacillus sp. and B. halodurans (co- 37 10 70 9.0 Xylanase, increased the brightness by 13%, breaking length 49%, viscosity by 11% and Sharma et al. (2015a), Sharma et al.
culture) decreased in kappa number by 15% of kraft pulp. (2015b), Sharma et al. (2015c)
Bacillus halodurans 37 7–12 37 7–12 This study revealed the potential application of B. halodurans for biobleaching of hard Chutani and Sharma (2015)
wood kraft pulp that reduced the cost-intensive steps of enzyme production and
extraction before their use in biobleaching.
Aspergillus oryzae 28 8.0 60 6.0 Xylanase increased the brightness by 57% during the deinking of newspaper pulp Boruah et al. (2016)
Thielaviopsis basicola 60 5.0 30 7.2 Alkali and thermostale xylanase was produced (1360Umg−1) Garg et al. (2012)
Penicillium meleagrinum 30 5.5 30 NA The kappa number was reduced from 13 to 8.5, with increased in brightness by 69% and Goswami et al. (2014)
viscosity 8.9 cP of kraft pulp.
low pH-xylanase, provided by M/s Biocon India Pvt. Ltd. Subsequently,

Publication year of
several other trials were organized in different mills by using different
types of raw materials and practicing different pulping and bleaching
processes, using xylanase enzymes of different qualities (including al-
March 2009
March 2009
Aug., 2010
Dec., 2004
May, 2003
Feb., 2012
Feb., 2012
Sep., 2005
May,2008
kaline and thermo-tolerant) (Singh et al., 2016). According to the news
patent
bulletin on pulp and paper R&D, CPPRI Saharanpur (2011), evaluated

the potential of bleaching enzymes at pilot and mill scale that was
sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, New
Chandralata R and Usha Devi/National Institute
Venkata R Sonti and group/Praj industries Ltd.

Delhi. Aim of the project was to evaluate prebleaching efficiency of
Rita Kumar and Anil Kumar/CSIR-Institute of
Vijay Sonawane/IMTECH, Chandigarh, India

Narayan Baburao Bhosle and Asha Giriyan/
Genomics and Integrative Biology at Delhi.
NationalChemical Laboratory, Pune, India.

xylanase/laccase biocatalysts produced by Department of Micro-
of Oceanography Dona Paula, Goa, India.

Subhabrata Sengupta/Indian Institute of
Narayan B Bhosle/National institute of

Oceanography Dona Paula, Goa, India.
A. Lachke and Chinnathambi Sathivel/
biology, South Campus, Delhi University and Kurukshetra University on
hardwood pulps at both pilot and mill scale. The outcome of this trial
Chemical Biology (CSIR), Calcutta
was quite favorable to commercialize the biobleaching process (http://

Patentee/Institute/Industry
www.cppri.org.in). Through the extensive literature search, there were

several patents found on xylanases and laccases on the name of Indian
Novozymes A/S, India
laboratories and industries up to the extent for the production of

bleaching enzymes but not yet evaluated for their biobleaching po-
tential. Moreover Biocon India, Bangalore alone is, selling its com-
(CSIR), Goa
mercial xyalnase under the name of Bleachzyme F for the delignifica-

tion of pulps (Table 3).
India
6. Heterologous expression of xylanase, laccase and protein

engineering
IN/PCT/2001/615/CHE
PCT/IN2010/000010
Patent/Application
WO2012023021 A1
Garg et al. (2012) reported the cloning and expression of Cyathus

US 11/236,819
225/DEL/2001
389/DEL/2000
491/DEL/1999
US6569646 B2
US6833259 B2
bulleri laccase in Pichia pastoris. In this study, complete cDNA encoding

laccase (Lac) from white rot fungus C. bulleri was amplified by RACE-
number
PCR, cloned and expressed in P. pastoris under the control of alcohol

oxidase (AOX)1 promoter. Later it was also observed, CuSO4 increased
the synthesis of laccase up to 12-fold when added in production media.
Bacterial consortium was capable for biobleaching
alkalophilic extracellular xylanase by Pseudomonas
A process for the production of alkalo philic and

Process for the xylan-degradation was optimized
Goswami et al. (2014) reported cloning and heterologous expression of

Process for the production of thermophilic and
Invention of process for production of enzyme

A process for the production of cellulase free
cellulase free thermostable xylanase from Bacillus brevis. Xylanase gene

Process for the production of xylanase from
was isolated and expressed in E. coli BL21. The recombinant xylanase

was predominantly secreted to culture medium and showed mesophilic
Antimicrobial properties of enzyme
Production of polylactide polymers
nature (optimum working was at 55 °C, pH 7.0). Both rational design

from Arthrographis sp. MTCC5479
and directed evolution has been widely applied for designing of pro-
of kraft pulp up to the 8.0%
teins in technically advanced molecular biology laboratories world-

wide. Generally most of the enzymes are produced by mesophilic or-
Proposed application
Termitomyces clypeatus
thermophilic xylanase
ganisms, like fungi, molds, yeasts and several bacteria. Commonly

enzymes produced by these types of organisms have less thermo-sta-
bility/pH stability and least consistency in the presence of salts and also
xylanase
less specificity of enzymes towards their substrates. Therefore it is ne-

stutzeri
cessary to bring an improvement in the catalytic performance of en-

zymes by applying the protein engineering that is the vital tool of
molecular biology. Verma et al. (2013) reported increased thermo-
three ligninolytic bacteria, Serratia marcescens, MTCC5094, Pseudomonas
Consortium of xylanolytic bacterium, Providencia rettgeri, MTCC 5096 and
stability of xylanase (Mxyl) retrieved from a compost-soil-based meta-

genomic library. After scrutinizing the structure of xylanase by mole-
aeruginosa, MTCC5095 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5098.
cular dynamics simulation exposed more structural fluctuations in β-

sheets. The surface of β-sheets was enriched with arginine residues by
Patents reported from the India on bleaching enzymes.
substituting serine/threonine by site-directed mutagenesis; the enzyme

with four arginine substitutions (MxylM4) exhibited enhanced ther-
mostability at 80 °C. The Half life (t1/2) of MxylM4 at 80 °C, in the
presence of birchwood xylan, increased from 130 to 150 min, without
any alteration in optimum pH and temperature. The Km of MxylM4 was
also, increased from 8.01 ± 0.56 of Mxyl to 12.5 ± 0.32 mg ml−1 but
reduced the affinity as well as specific enzyme activity. Both Mxyl and
MxylM4 xylanases remained effective for delignification of pulp. Lac-
case enzyme is metallic biocatalyst unlikely xylanases, it needs med-
iators (small molecules) for the delignification of pulps. Biobleaching of
Name of the enzyme
pulps by laccases in absence of mediator component is not feasible due

to the less redox potential (E0) of laccases (470 to ~ 800 mV) than non
phenolic structures of lignin (1400 mV) like veratryl alcohol (Camarero
et al., 2007; Singh et al., 2015). In the case of laccases, protein en-
Xylanase
Xylanase
Xylanase
Xylanase
Xylanase
Laccase
Laccase
Laccase
gineering may not consider as worthy if there is only increase in en-

Table 3
zyme activity not E0. Kenzom et al. (2014) have performed the random
mutagenesis to Cyathus bulleri lcc gene (WtLcc) by using an error prone
563
PCR. The 816-bp fragment (toward the C terminus) of the WtLcc was even organic chlorine compounds.
manipulated and enzyme variants (Lcc35, Lcc61, and Lcc62) were
chosen best on the criteria of enhanced enzyme activity against ABTS. Acknowledgments
In this study the mutant laccase variants have the same E0 like the
parent WtLcc. Authors are thankful to the SERB/DST, Delhi, India, for providing
the research funding under Fast Track Young Scientist Program (SB/FT/
7. Environmental regulations for the paper industry and policy LS-315/2012).
measures
References
Pulp and paper industry presently consuming the large quantities of
fresh water, 80–150 m3 t−1 of paper, depends on the type of raw ma- Afreen, S., Bano, F., Ahmad, N., Fatma, T., 2017. Screening and optimization of laccase
terial being used. Commonly agro based paper mills are expending from Cyanobacteria with its potential in decolorization of anthraquinonic dye remazol
brilliant blue R. Biocatal. Agric. Biotechnol. 10, 403–410.
more water than recycled fibre (RCF) mills for removing the chemicals Ayyachamy, M., Vatsala, T.M., 2007. Production and partial characterization of cellulase
from processed pulp. Disposal of waste water contained severely en- free xylanase by Bacillus subtilis C01 using agriresidues and its application in bio-
vironmental toxic compounds (AOX), bleaching (hydrogen peroxide, bleaching of nonwoody plant pulps. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 45, 467–472.
Bains, J., Capalash, N., Sharma, P., 2003. Laccase from a non-melanogenic, alkalotolerant
chlorine dioxide and caustic soda) and whitening agents (kaolin, cal- γ-proteobacterium JB isolated from industrial wastewater drained soil. Biotechnol.
cium carbonate and titanium dioxide). Consequences of growing Lett. 25, 1155–1159.
awareness about healthy and clean environment, paper industries fa- Bajpai, P., 2004. Biological bleaching of chemical pulps. Crit. Rev. Biotechnol. 24, 1–58.
Bajpai, P., 2012. Environmentally Benign Approaches for Pulp Bleaching, 2nd edition.
cing stringent criticisms from Government as well as from general Elsevier, USA.
public due to release of untreated or partially treated effluent (Bajpai, Bajpai, P., Bhardwaj, N.K., Bajpai, P.K., Jauhari, M.B., 1994. The impact of xylanases in
2012). In response to environmental concerns the paper industry has bleaching of eucalyptus kraft pulp. J. Biotechnol. 36, 1–6.
Beg, Q.K., Bhushan, B., Kapoor, M., Hoondal, G.S., 2000. Effect of amino acids on pro-
reacted by making process modifications based on existing and new
duction of xylanase and pectinase from Streptomyces sp. QG-11-3. World J. Microbiol.
proven technologies. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has Biotechnol. 16, 211–213.
taken several initiatives for reducing the pollution caused by paper Boruah, P., Dowarah, P., Hazarika, R., Yadav, A., Barkakati, P., Goswami, T., 2016.
mills, up to 2020. CPCB will make sure that none of the paper industry Xylanase from Penicillium meleagrinum var. virdification – a potential source for
bamboo pulp bleaching. J. Clean. Prod. 116, 259–267.
can discharge untreated industrial effluent to the water bodies like Camarero, S., Ibarra, D., Martinez, A.T., Romero, J., Gutierrez, A., del Rio, J.C., 2007.
rivers and canals. Some of large paper industries recently upgraded Paper pulp delignification using laccase and natural mediators. Enzym. Microb.
their effluent treatment plant (ETP) with installation of tertiary treat- Technol. 40, 1264–1271.
Chutani, P., Sharma, K.K., 2015. Biochemical evaluation of xylanases from various fila-
ment system for better effluent quality, particularly colour and sus- mentous fungi and their application for the deinking of ozone treated newspaper
pended solids. Some of the medium sized agro-based paper mills have pulp. Carbohydr. Polym. 127, 54–63.
installed the non-conventional chemical recovery system, to incinerate Demissie, A.G., Kumar, A., 2014. Isolation of novel bacteria isolate from soil for pro-
duction of extra-cellular laccase enzyme. Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Adv. Eng. 11,
the black liquor, which is one of the major causes of pollution. Effluent 404–407.
from all the operational units is mixed together and collected in effluent Desai, I.D., Iyer, B.D., 2016. Biodeinking of old newspaper pulp using a cellulase-free
treatment plant for a common treatment, this is current practice xylanase preparation of Aspergillus niger DX-23. Biocatal. Agric. Biotechnol. 5, 78–85.
Dhakar, K., Pandey, A., 2013. Laccase production from a temperature and pH tolerant
adopted by most of the small and medium paper industries. This mixing
fungal strain of Trametes hirsuta (MTCC 11397). Enzyme Res. 1–9 (Article ID
up of all types of wastes poses a problem of handling large volumes of 869062).
effluents with a variety of effluent parameters. It is suggested that co- Dharmesh, N., Adhyaru, N.S., Bhatt, H.A., Divecha, M.J., 2017. Cellulase-free-thermo-
alkali-solvent-stable xylanase from Bacillus altitudinis DHN8: over-production through
loured and non-coloured effluents should be segregated and treated
statistical approach, purification and bio-deinking/bio-bleaching potential. Biocatal.
separately thereby reducing the overall chemical load and possibly Agric. Biotechnol. 12, 220–227.
improving the treated wastewater quality. Therefore, mills may initiate Dutt, D., Tyagi, C.H., Upadhyaya, J.S., Mittal, A., 2009. Oxygen delignification: an ef-
actions to reengineer and modernize the existing ETP to phase out fective back-end modification to reduce pollution load and improve mechanical
strength properties prior to bleach. IPPTA 21, 151–153.
unlined lagoons by providing efficient coagulation and flocculation Dwivedi, P., Vivekanand, V., Pareek, N., Sharma, A., Singh, R.P., 2010. Bleach en-
processes and converting the existing anaerobic lagoons into a lined hancement of mixed wood pulp by xylanase–laccase concoction derived through co-
lagoon for active aerobic process, thereby avoiding any groundwater culture strategy. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 160, 255–268.
Garg, G., Dhiman, S.S., Mahajan, R., Kaur, A., Sharma, J., 2011. Bleach-boosting effect of
pollution problem, improving the quality of treated effluent as well as crude xylanase from Bacillus stearothermophilus SDX on wheat straw pulp. New.
reducing the holding time (http://psa.gov.in). Biotechnol. 28, 58–64.
Garg, N., Bieler, N., Kenzom, T., Chhabra, M., Ansorge-Schumacher, M., Mishra, S., 2012.
Cloning, sequence analysis, expression of Cyathus bulleri laccase in Pichia pastoris and
8. Conclusion and future prospects characterization of recombinant laccase. BMC Biotechnol. 12, 75.
Goluguri, B.R., Thulluri, C., Addepally, U., Shetty, P.R., 2016. Novel alkali-thermostable
Irrespective of continuous progress of Indian paper industries, only xylanase from Thielaviopsis basicola (MTCC 1467): Purification and kinetic char-
acterization. Int. J. Biol. Macromolecules 82, 823–829.
few of the large wood based paper mills have made progress by adop-
Goswami, G.K., Krishnamohan, M., Nain, V., Aggarwal, C., Bandarupalli, R., 2014.
tion of new green technologies but fully fledged, total chlorine free Cloning and heterologous expression of cellulose free thermostable xylanase from
(TCF) bleaching of pulp with cocktail of enzymes is still under ob- Bacillus brevis. 〈http://www.springerplus.com/content/3/1/20〉.
Gupta, V., Garg, S., Capalash, N., Gupta, N., Sharma, P., 2015. Production of thermo-
servations. ECF and TCF paper production offers opportunities for
alkali-stable laccase and xylanase by co-culturing of Bacillus sp. and B. halodurans for
emerging enzyme technology which provide a simple and cost-effective biobleaching of kraft pulp and deinking of waste paper. Bioproc. Biosyst. Eng. 38,
way to satisfy the consumers and environmental protection agencies’ 947–956.
concerns. The day may not be far when paper products manufactured Halaburgi, V.M., Sharma, S., Sinha, M., Singh, T.P., Karegoudar, T.B., 2011. Purification
and characterization of a thermostable laccase from the ascomycetes Cladosporium
with chlorine compound-based technology will be prohibited for cladosporioides and its applications. Process. Biochem. 46, 1146–1152.
wrapping of food products and other consumer items. If industry will Kaira, G.S., Dhakar, K., Pandey, A., 2015. A psychrotolerant strain of Serratia marcescens
not implement the international standards, as a result paper export (MTCC 4822) produces laccase at wide temperature and pH range. AMB Express 5, 1.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-014-0092-1.
market may face the undesirable consequences in future. It is also im- Kamble, R.D., Jadhav, A.R., 2012. Optimization and scale up of cellulase-free xylanase
perative to generate new technologies for economical xylanase and production in solid state fermentation on wheat bran by Cellulosi microbium sp. MTCC
laccase production. Realistic cost estimate and improvement in process 10645. Jordan. J. Biol. Sci. 5, 289–294.
Kango, N., Agrawal, S.C., Jain, P.C., 2003. Production of xylanase by Emericella nidulans
economics shall be the key factors for commercial success of any NK-62 on low-value lignocellulosic substrates. World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 19,
technology and therefore it must be clearly understood that enzyme- 691–694.
based process for bleaching must be as inexpensive as using chlorine or Kaur, A., Mahajan, R., Singh, A., Garg, G., Sharma, J., 2010. Application of cellulase-free
564
xylano-pectinolytic enzymes from the same bacterial isolate in biobleaching of kraft cellular-free xylanase by alkalophilic Bacillus subtilis and its application in bio-
pulp. Bioresour. Technol. 101, 9150–9155. bleaching of kraft pulp. Bioresources 4, 1109–1129.
Kaur, K., Singh, G., Gupta, V., Capalash, N., Sharma, P., 2016. Impact of phosphate and Senthilkumar, S.R., Ashokkumar, B., Raj, K.C., Gunasekaran, P., 2005. Optimization of
other medium components on physiological regulation of bacterial laccase produc- medium composition for alkali-stable xylanase production by Aspergillus fischeri Fxn 1
tion. Biotechnol. Prog. https://doi.org/10.1002/btpr.2408. in solid-state fermentataion using central composite rotary design. Bioresour.
Kaushik, P., Mishra, A., Malik, A., 2014. Dual application of agricultural residues for Technol. 96, 1380–1386.
xylanase production and dye removal through solid state fermentation. Int. Senthilkumar, S.R., Dempsey, M., Krishnan, C., Gunasekaran, P., 2008. Optimization of
Biodeteior. Biodegrad. 96, 1–8. biobleaching of paper pulp in an expanded bed bioreactor with immobilized alkali
Kenzom, T., Srivastava, P., Mishra, S., 2014. Structural insights into 2,2-Azino-Bis(3- stable xylanase by using response surface methodology. Bioresour. Technol. 99,
Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS)-mediated degradation of reactive blue 7781–7787.
21 by engineered Cyathus bulleri laccase and characterization of degradation pro- Sharma, A., Thakur, V.V., Shrivastava, A., Jain, R.K., Mathur, R.M., Gupta, R., Kuhad,
ducts. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 80, 7484–7495. R.C., 2014. Xylanase and laccase based enzymatic kraft pulp bleaching reduces ad-
Kumar, A., Sharma, K.K., Kumar, P., Ramchiary, N., 2015. Laccase isozymes from sorbable organic halogen (AOX) in bleach effluents: a pilot scale study. Bioresour.
Ganoderma lucidum MDU-7: isolation, characterization, catalytic properties and dif- Technol. 169, 96–102.
ferential role during oxidative stress. J. Mol. Catal. B: Enzyme 113, 68–75. Sharma, D., Goel, G., Sud, A., Chauhan, R.S., 2015a. A novel laccase from newly isolated
Kumar, P.S., Yaashikaa, P.R., Saravanan, A., 2018. Isolation, characterization and pur- Cotylidia pannosa and its application in decolorization of synthetic dyes. Biocatal.
ification of xylanase producing bacteria from sea sediment. Biocatal. Agric. Agric. Biotechnol. 4, 661–666.
Biotechnol. 13, 299–303. Sharma, D., Goel, G., Sud, A., Chauhan, R.S., 2015cb. A novel laccase from newly isolated
Kumar, R., Kaur, J., Jain, S., Kumar, A., 2016. Optimization of laccase production from Cotylidia pannosa and its application in decolorization of synthetic dyes. Biocatal.
Aspergillus flavus by design of experiment technique: partial purification and char- Agric. Biotechnol. 4, 661–666.
acterization. J. Genet. Eng. Biotechnol. 14, 125–131. Sharma, P., Sood, C., Singh, G., Capalash, N., 2015. An eco-friendly process for bio-
More, S.S., Renuka, P.S., Pruthvi, K., Swetha, M., Malini, S., Veena, S.M., 2011. Isolation, bleaching of eucalyptus kraft pulp with xylanase producing Bacillus halodurans. J.
purification and characterizaion of fungal laccase from Pleurotus sp. Enzyme Res. Clean. Prod. 87, 966–970.
2011 (Article ID248735, 7 Pg). Sindhu, I., Chhibber, S., Caplash, N., Sharma, P., 2006. Production of cellulase-free xy-
Mukhopadhyay, A., Dasgupta, A.K., Chakrabarti, K., 2013. Thermostability, pH stability lanase from Bacillus megaterium by solid state fermentation for biobleaching of pulp.
and dye degrading activity of a bacterial laccase are enhanced in the presence of CuO Curr. Microbiol. 53, 167–172.
nanoparticles. Bioresour. Technol. 127, 25–36. Singh, G., Capalash, N., Sharma, P., 2010. Performance of an alkalophilic and haloto-
Muthukumarasamy, N.P., Jackson, B., Joseph, A., Sevanan, M., 2015. Production of ex- lerant laccase from γ-proteobacterium JB in the presence of industrial pollutants. J.
tracellular laccase from Bacillus subtilis MTCC 2414 using agro residues as a potential Gen. Appl. Microbiol. 55, 283–289.
substrate. Biochem. Res. Int. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/765190.765190. Singh, G., Goel, R., Capalash, N., Sharma, P., 2007. A pH-stable laccase from alkali-tol-
Nagar, S., Mittal, A., Kumar, D., Gupta, V.K., 2012. Production of alkali tolerant cellulase erant γ-proteobacterium JB: purification, characterization and indigo carmine de-
free xylanase in high levels by Bacillus pumilus SV-205. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 50, gradation. Enzyme Microb. Technol. 41, 794–799.
414–420. Singh, G., Ahuja, N., Sharma, P., Capalash, N., 2009. Response surface methodology for
Nagar, S., Jain, R.K., Thakur, V.V., Gupta, V.K., 2013. Biobleaching application of cel- the optimized production of an alkalophilic laccase from γ-proteobacterium. JB Bio
lulase poor and alkali stable xylanase from Bacillus pumilus SV-85S. 3 Biotech 3, Resour. 4, 544–553.
277–285. Singh, G., Kaur, K., Puri, S., Sharma, P., 2015. Critical factors affecting laccase-mediated
Nagar, S., Mittal, A., Kumar, D., Kumar, L., Kuhad, R.C., Gupta, V.K., 2011. Hyper pro- biobleaching of pulp in paper industry. Appl. Microbiol Biotechnol. 99, 155–164.
duction of alkali stable xylanase in lesser duration by Bacillus pumilus SV-85S using Singh, G., Capalash, N., Kaur, K., Sharma, P., 2016. Use of Enzymes in Pulp and Paper
wheat bran under solid state fermentation. New Biotechnol. 28, 581–587. Industry Agro-Industrial Wastes as Feedstock for Enzyme Production, 1st edition.
Nikam, M., Patil, S., Patil, U., Khandare, R., Chaudhari, A., 2017. Biodegradation and Elsevier publishers.
detoxification of azo solvent dye by ethylene glycol tolerant ligninolytic ascomycete Singh, G., Ahuja, N., Batish, M., Capalash, N., Sharma, P., 2008. Biobleaching of wheat
strain of Pseudocochliobolus verruculosus NFCCI 3818. Biocatal. Agric. Biotechnol. 9, straw-rich soda pulp with alkalophilic laccase from γ-proteobacterium JB: optimi-
209–217. zation of process parameters using response surface methodology. Bioresour.
Raj, A., Kumar, S., Singh, S.K., Prakash, J., 2018. Production and purification of xylanase Technol. 99, 7472–7479.
from alkaliphilic Bacillus licheniformis and its pretreatment of eucalyptus kraft pulp. Verma, D., Kawarabayasi, Y., Miyazaki, K., Satyanarayana, T., 2013. Cloning, expression
Biocatal. Agric. Biotechnol. 15, 199–209. and characteristics of a novel alkalistable and thermostable xylanase encoding gene
Ranimol, G., Venugopal, T., Gopalakrishnan, S., Sunkar, S., 2018. Production of laccase (mxyl) retrieved from compost-soil metagenome. PLoS One 8, 1–8.
from Trichoderma harzianum and its application in dye decolourisation. Biocatal. Vivekanandan, K.E., Sivaraj, S., Kumaresan, S., 2014. Characterization and purification of
Agric. Biotechnol. 16, 400–404. laccase enzyme from Aspergillus nidulans CASVK3 from velar estuary south east coast
Sanghi, A., Garg, N., Kuhar, K., Kuhad, R.C., Gupta, V.K., 2009. Enhanced production of of India. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci. 3, 213–227.
565
PAPERmaking!
Regenerated cellulose from N-

methylmorpholine N-oxide solutions as a
coating agent for paper materials
Marta Krysztof. Konrad Olejnik. Piotr Kulpinski. Anna Stanislawska. Svitlana Khadzhynova.
The objective of the presented research was to determine the influence of cellulose coating, obtained from
the cellulose solution in N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), on the structural and mechanical properties
of paper. The effect of heating time of paper samples coated with cellulose dissolved in NMMO was also
investigated. Depending on the heating time of the coating, a continuous or porous layer was obtained.
Coating without any heating stage yielded a continuous cellulose layer of hydrophobic properties (higher
contact angle in comparison to base paper), and paper of higher smoothness and increased tear resistance.
Analysis of the paper samples showed that cellulose coating not only changed the surface properties of
paper, but also significantly improved paper strength properties, such as the tensile index, elongation,
bursting strength index and double folds number. Despite the process’ limitations (e.g. necessity of removing
the NMMO), this method can be considered as a novel approach for paper property modification.
Contact information: M. Krysztof, K. Olejnik, A. Stanislawska & S. Khadzhynova, Institute of Papermaking

and Printing, Faculty of Management and Production Engineering, Lodz, University of Technology,
Wolczanska 223, 90-924 Lodz, Poland e-mail: konrad.olejnik@p.lodz.pl
P. Kulpinski, Department of Man-Made Fibers, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924
Lodz, Poland
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1799-y
Page 1 of 14 Article 3 – Novel Coatings

Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1799-y
ORIGINAL PAPER
Regenerated cellulose from N-methylmorpholine N-oxide

solutions as a coating agent for paper materials
Marta Krysztof . Konrad Olejnik . Piotr Kulpinski . Anna Stanislawska .
Svitlana Khadzhynova
Received: 11 November 2017 / Accepted: 17 April 2018 / Published online: 21 April 2018
The Author(s) 2018
Abstract The objective of the presented research paper), and paper of higher smoothness and increased
was to determine the influence of cellulose coating, tear resistance. Analysis of the paper samples showed
obtained from the cellulose solution in N-Methylmor- that cellulose coating not only changed the surface
pholine N-oxide (NMMO), on the structural and properties of paper, but also significantly improved
mechanical properties of paper. The effect of heating paper strength properties, such as the tensile index,
time of paper samples coated with cellulose dissolved elongation, bursting strength index and double folds
in NMMO was also investigated. Depending on the number. Despite the process’ limitations (e.g. neces-
heating time of the coating, a continuous or porous sity of removing the NMMO), this method can be
layer was obtained. Coating without any heating stage considered as a novel approach for paper property
yielded a continuous cellulose layer of hydrophobic modification.
properties (higher contact angle in comparison to base
M. Krysztof K. Olejnik (&) A. Stanislawska

S. Khadzhynova
Institute of Papermaking and Printing, Faculty of
Management and Production Engineering, Lodz
University of Technology, Wolczanska 223, 90-924 Lodz,
Poland
e-mail: konrad.olejnik@p.lodz.pl
P. Kulpinski
Department of Man-Made Fibers, Lodz University of
Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
123
3596 Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
Graphical Abstract
Keywords Paper coating Regenerated cellulose material properties, while at the same time developing
N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide NMMO Cellulosic novel composite or hybrid biomaterials (Salas et al.
coating Mechanical properties Surface modification 2014; Hubbe et al. 2017). Different forms of cellulose,
in particular, microfibrillated, microcrystalline cellu-
lose and nanocellulose, are currently among the
substances widely studied to meet these objectives
Introduction (Lavoine et al. 2014; Nakagaito and Yano 2005).
Numerous scientific publications (Zimmermann et al.
The coating of paper materials is one of the most 2005, 2010; Henriksson et al. 2008; Hansen and
commonly applied methods for altering their surface Plackett 2008; Fukuzumi et al. 2009; Tingaut et al.
properties. Depending on the coating suspension 2011; Lavoine et al. 2012; Dufresne 2012, 2013; Siró
composition, it is possible to improve paper strength, and Plackett 2010; Savadekar et al. 2015; Spence et al.
adhesive, printing, barrier and antibacterial properties, 2010; Kangas et al. 2014; Mngomezulu and John
control the coefficient of friction and fire retardancy, 2017) indicate the possible application of these forms
modify thermal and electrical conductivity, and also to of cellulose in the production of new, environmentally
enhance the many different properties of other end- friendly materials. Those researchers determined,
products (Choi et al. 2002; Tracton 2007; Andersson among other things, that the addition of micro- and
2008; Gardner et al. 2008; Liu et al. 2011; Salas et al. nanocellulose significantly influenced the material
2014; Mngomezulu and John 2017). A lot of sub- structure. Therefore, it is possible to modify the
stances used for coating purposes are of synthetic mechanical and barrier properties of fibrous materials.
origin (e.g. PET, PVC, PP, waxes, latexes). Such For example, Ferrer et al. (2012) and Fall et al. (2014)
compounds—apart from their advantages, i.e. good reported that nanocellulose-based materials had the
barrier properties, high strength, low price, easy following major features: high specific surface area,
application—have many drawbacks, especially with high density (1100–1560 kg/m3) and high strain at
regard to their negative environmental impact and break (up to 10%). Additionally, the elastic modulus
recycling difficulties (Andersson 2008). This is one of of cellulose nanocrystals could be as high as 143 GPa
the reasons for research aiming at reducing the content (Šturcová et al. 2005). From a practical viewpoint, the
of synthetic polymers or replacing them by natural hydrophilicity of microcrystalline cellulose and
polymers (Khwaldia et al. 2010). Nowadays, such nanocellulose is a significant advantage, as it enables
reports and their results can be found in the literature them to be applied in water-based systems and/or in
discussing the possible application of more environ- mixtures with other hydrophilic substances. The
mentally friendly biopolymers, such as whey proteins, presence of the –OH groups in the cellulose macro-
chitosan (Gällstedt et al. 2005), starch (Garcia et al. molecule may contribute to the ordered structures of
1999) and alginates (Rhim et al. 2006). Another, but the cellulose chains. As a result, these structures
equally important, reason to conduct such research is possess hydrogen bonding potential and, thus, they
to seek out truly environmentally friendly substances, may be combined with other polymer materials
which would make it possible to obtain new paper (Gardner et al. 2008; Erdman et al. 2016). This makes
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607 3597
it possible to produce new, biodegradable composites cellulose insolubility with its crystallinity (Cao et al.
of exclusive characteristics, e.g. barrier properties 1994; Medronho et al. 2012). The chemical structure
(Hubbe et al. 2017) or even substrates for printed and properties of cellulose may suggest that amphi-
electronic products (Lee et al. 2009; Peresin and Rojas philic solvents would be the most suitable for cellulose
2014). Moreover, using the same polymer for the dissolution. Ionic liquids (Kosan et al. 2008) and some
surface modification as that present in the natural organic solvents exhibit such properties (Kalash-
fibers may result in strong adhesion between the nikova et al. 2012; Lindman et al. 2010; Medronho
coating layer and the base paper. Despite being a and Lindman 2014). It should be emphasised that,
hydrophilic and hydrogen-bonded substance, cellulose even though many different systems that dissolve
neither dissolves in water nor in many popular volatile cellulose are described in the scientific papers, not all
polar and non-polar organic solvents (e.g. ethanol, of them are amphiphilic (Alves et al. 2016). N-
methanol). The lack of simple dissolving systems is a Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) is an example of
direct outcome of the complex chemical structure of such a system. The mechanism of cellulose dissolution
cellulose. The cellulose macromolecule contains a in NMMO systems has been described in the literature
high number of hydroxyl groups prone to the forma- (Medronho and Lindman 2014). The proposed mech-
tion of a strong and highly structured intra- and anism, however, does not fully explain the occurring
intermolecular hydrogen-bonding network, which changes. For instance, it does not include the impact of
resists water and most organic solvents. Therefore, water molecules, which are crucial for the NMMO
cellulose solubility depends on the ability of the cellulose dissolving system. Experimental practice
solvent to break these interactions (Yamane et al. indicates (Lindman et al. 2010) that lack of water
2006; Lindman et al. 2010; Medronho and Lindman results in cellulose insolubility in NMMO. Con-
2014, 2015). Cellulose contains multiple hydroxyl versely, at too high water content, cellulose would
groups on the glucopyranose ring and, therefore, its not dissolve either. This emphasises the water-sensi-
insolubility in water is rather unexpected. It might be tivity of the process. Nonetheless, among different
explained—according to recent investigations—by its cellulose solvents, NMMO seems to be the most
amphiphilic nature. This means that the glucopyranose interesting and promising from the viewpoint of paper
ring exhibits both a hydrophobic and hydrophilic material modifications. This solvent has been the
character. The axial direction of the ring is hydropho- subject matter of research for many years (Kulpinski
bic as a result of the location of C–H bonds along the 2007; Kulpinski et al. 2011; Erdman et al. 2016).
axial position. Hydrogen atoms connected directly to Nowadays, it is applied on an industrial scale for the
the carbons do not contribute to the hydrogen bonding. production of cellulose fibers, known under the brand
According to simulations carried out by Mazeau name of Lyocell or Tencel. Low toxicity is one of the
(2011), the surface energy of the layer of C–H most important advantages of this solvent. The
moieties is the lowest and, as a consequence, the possibility to obtain cellulose solutions in a wide
attachment energy, which is mainly of van der Waals range of concentrations, from less than 1% to approx-
type, is less favourable than that of other surfaces of imately 28% by weight, is another advantage. No less
the cellulose. Hydrophobic interactions obviously important is the fact that—in the case of NMMO—the
limit cellulose solubility in polar solvents. The equa- cellulose solidification process is carried out in water
torial direction of the ring is hydrophilic since the baths. So far, methods for modifying paper with the
hydroxyl groups—responsible for hydrogen bond- application of NMMO have been scarcely studied.
ing—are located along this direction. Hence, cellulose Johnson (1969) patented a method in which only
macromolecules exhibit differences in polarity (Ya- NMMO (without cellulose) was used for paper
mane et al. 2006; Medronho et al. 2012). The situation mechanical property improvement. In another patent,
is more complex due to the presence of various Melville et al. (2014) applied a mixture of NMMO,
crystalline phases in native cellulose. There are three water and fluorinated polymer particle suspension to
principal phases: type Ia (triclinic), Ib (monoclinic) modify paper surface so that its abrasion resistance
and type II (Biermann et al. 2001). Affinity of all these would be increased and, simultaneously, its friction
phases to water and to many organic solvents has not coefficient decreased. Paper with an applied wet layer
yet been fully investigated. Some authors also link was heated at a temperature of 100 C to ensure good
123
3598 Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
adhesion to paper fibers. Afterwards, NMMO was coating solutions used here, cellulose content of 3%
washed out from the paper with water. The NMMO was selected as the most effective from a practical
cellulose solution, containing dispersed kaolinite, was point of view. The cellulose solutions were obtained in
applied in research conducted by Se Young Yoon a high efficiency laboratory-scale IKAVISC kneader
(2007). Such a system was used to form paper-based type MKD 0.6-H60. The mixture of 50/50 water and
composite materials of improved strength properties. NMMO with an addition of 3% of cellulosic material
In the literature, one may find information into the (based on NMMO weight) was heated at a temperature
properties of membranes, made of cellulose dissolved of 95 C and under low pressure (of about 6.7 kPa),
in NMMO, which afterwards were used to filtrate, e.g. and the excess of water was removed from the system.
gases (Jie et al. 2005). The above-mentioned patents The process was continued until a homogeneous and
and scientific articles did not include the experiments transparent cellulose solution in NMMO was
presented in this publication, i.e. in neither was the obtained.
cellulose solution in NMMO used to coat the surface
of paper. The method applied in this research is safe Base paper preparation
because the solvent is both non-toxic and non-
flammable. Furthermore, NMMO is considered envi- Commercial, bleached softwood pine kraft pulp
ronmentally friendly. It can be reused with a percent (BSK) was used to prepare laboratory handsheets.
recovery of 98% or even higher (Rosenau et al. 2001; Pulp parameters were as follows: initial moisture
Chen et al. 2015). This technology also significantly content 93.78%; a-cellulose content 86.6%; DP 1081;
reduces problems related to post-consumer material Schopper-Riegler value SR-12. Pulp samples were
recycling. prepared according to standard ISO 5263-1:2004.
The objective of the research was to determine the Unbeaten pulp was examined and laboratory sheets of
interactions between the NMMO cellulose solution 70 g/m2 were formed in Rapid-Köthen apparatus
and paper, whose surface had been coated by that according to standard ISO 5259-2:2001. The obtained
solution. In particular, the impact on the structural and laboratory sheets were used as base paper for a
strength properties of paper was investigated. This subsequent coating.
study is part of a larger research project on fibrous Unbeaten pulp was used in order to eliminate the
material modification by means of a surface treatment influence of the beating process on the paper mechan-
operation, namely by coating the substrate with the ical properties. Consequently, it was possible to
solution containing cellulose dissolved in NMMO. evaluate the full development of strength properties,
resulting only from the applied modifications.
Materials and methods Coating
Cellulose solution preparation The application of cellulose-NMMO solution on the

paper surface was conducted using the standard
Bleached beech kraft pulp of Degree of Polymerisa- coating process. This operation was carried out with
tion (DP) of 655 and a-cellulose content of 92.3% was the use of an automatic coater (‘Control Coater’) of
used for the cellulose solution preparation. This type IPP/TUL, Poland, at the speed of 16 cm/s and with the
of pulp was selected because of its relatively low use of a standard Mayer rod No. 3 (K-bar), which gave
degree of polymerisation and short fibers that enabled a wet film thickness of 24 lm and, hence, a dry coating
the dissolution of such cellulose under mild condi- thickness of about 0.8 lm. Prior to the coating
tions. According to the authors’ experience, it is very process, the cellulose solutions were melted and kept
difficult to run a coating operation using solutions of at a temperature of 80 ± 2 C. Solidification of the
higher than 5% cellulose concentration due to high coating occurred as a result of washing out the solvent
solution viscosity, resulting in runnability problems. (NMMO) and—afterwards—drying the coated
Conversely, the application of significantly lower papers.
concentration solutions results in insufficient deposi-
tion of cellulose on the base paper. Therefore, for the
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607 3599
Post-treatment Structural and mechanical properties testing
Two post-treatment methods were employed. In the Paper samples were conditioned according to ISO
first one, marked as NH (No Heating), the solvent was 187:1990 standard. All properties were determined in
washed out immediately after the coating application. accordance with adequate ISO standards:
In the second method, marked as HA (Heating
• Thickness and apparent density (ISO 534:2005)
Applied), before the washing out operation, coated
• Tensile index and elongation (ISO 1924-2:2008)
papers were subjected to heating at a temperature of
• Elmendorf tear resistance (ISO 1974:1990)
80 ± 2 C for a time period of 5, 10, 20, 40 or 60 min.
• Bendtsen surface roughness (ISO 8791-2:1990)
The applied procedures are shown in Fig. 1.
• Bendtsen air permeance (ISO 5636-3:1992)
Heating stages were added in order to keep the
• Folding endurance (Schopper device—ISO
cellulose solution in a liquid state to observe possible
5626:1993)
effects related to the further interactions between
• Bursting strength (ISO 2758:2001)
paper and NMMO. In particular, it was expected that
cellulose from the solution would migrate in the
PG-X Goniometer of Testing Machines Inc. was used
presence of NMMO, and that the solvent itself could
for contact angle measurements. The tests were carried
also interact with cellulosic fibers.
out according to TAPPI T 458 standard method.
The samples of coated paper were exposed to heat
treatment in a KBC-32 drier of WAMED, Poland.
SEM analysis
NMMO removal from the cellulose coating was
carried out by means of immersing a sample of coated
The observation of the paper surface was performed
paper in a water bath at a temperature of 37 C ± 2 C
with the use of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
for 120 s.
VEGA3-SBU. The samples for SEM examination
The duration and temperature of the washing bath
were gold- and palladium-coated using ‘Mini’ Sputter
was selected based on the conducted experiments.
Coater/Glow Discharge System SC7620.
According to the study, under the chosen conditions, it
was possible to remove all NMMO in a relatively short
time and to obtain reproducible sample properties.
Results and discussion
The influence of cellulosic coating on the properties of

paper products was studied. Additionally, the effect of
the coating post-treatment (heating), carried out before
the solvent washing-out operation, was investigated.
Fig. 1 Diagram of the

research
123
3600 Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
The most important structural and mechanical param- coating, a continuous coating layer is obtained
eters of all paper samples were determined. The results (Fig. 2b).
are presented in Table 1, and also shown in Figs. 2, 3, When the heat treatment was applied, the contin-
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. uous layer disappeared (Fig. 2c, d). This effect
The basic statistical analysis is presented as a suggests that the cellulose solution penetrated the
coefficient of variation (given in Table 1) and as error structure of the material when the samples were
bars, based on standard deviation values (given in heated. As a result, not only the surface but also the
figures). structure of paper was modified. Based on the property
measurements and SEM images it could be concluded
Structural and surface properties that, as heat treatment time was extended, the degree
of penetration of the paper structure by the cellulose
The microscopic observations of the surface of paper solution increased. Therefore, modification not only of
samples constituted the first stage of the research. the paper surface, but also of the entire structure of the
Figure 2 presents: (a) surface of reference paper paper was possible. The results presented below show
without coating, (b) surface coated with cellulose to what extent the modifications influence the most
dissolved in NMMO, where solvent was removed important properties of paper. The surface roughness
immediately after a coating operation, (c) surface with values are shown in Fig. 3. The lowest roughness level
coating, where solvent was removed after 10 min of was found for paper with a continuous regenerated
heat treatment of the coated paper, (d) coated paper cellulose layer (NH—without further heating). When
surface, where solvent was removed after 40 min of heat treatment was applied, roughness increased
heat treatment. The presented pictures show that, quickly up to the value comparable with that for
depending on the applied methodology of modifying a uncoated paper. For the longer heat treatment times
surface by means of the same kind of cellulose (over 20 min), a certain decline in the roughness of the
solution, it is possible to obtain different coating surface was observed. This decrease might be
structures. If the solvent is removed immediately after explained by possible partial swelling and/or
Table 1 Structural and mechanical properties of investigated papers (COV, %—coefficient of Variation is given inside the
parentheses)
Heat Apparent Surface Tensile Elongation Double Tear Bursting strength Air
treatment density roughness index (%) folds resistance index (kPa m2/g) permeance
time (min) (g/cm3) (ml/min) (N m/g) number index (ml/min)
(mN m2/g)
0 0.555 289 23.81 3.50 37 8.80 0.80 181

(2.66%) (9.9%) (3.21%) (8.72%) (7.3%) (4.58%) (5.32%) (9.3%)
5 0.593 605 61.28 4.96 1527 5.94 4.45 4900
(1.03%) (9.2%) (6.73%) (9.82%) (8.1%) (5.93%) (6.41%) (4.6%)
10 0.594 623 61.09 5.48 1228 5.80 6.22 4980
(1.09%) (9.1%) (5.09%) (3.12%) (9.0%) (4.32%) (6.29%) (2.9%)
20 0.595 634 59.77 5.76 1176 3.34 4.65 [ 5000
(1.72%) (8.6%) (4.17%) (8.83%) (4.4%) (5.0%) (4.90%) (3.3%)
40 0.599 587 64.47 5.48 1248 2.07 4.83 [ 5000
(2.41%) (8.5%) (3.91%) (9.03%) (8.1%) (3.68%) (5.19%) (2.7%)
60 0.617 563 58.93 4.57 1251 2.05 5.28 [5000
(2.59%) (8.7%) (4.21%) (8.12%) (6.4%) (4.12%) (6.28%) (3.1%)
Uncoated 0.521 611 20.21 1.86 7 7.14 0.79 4500
(reference) (3.13%) (5.4%) (3.52%) (8.33%) (7.31%) (6.18%) (4.78%) (10.4%)
paper
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607 3601
Fig. 2 Comparison of the

surface of laboratory paper
samples made from BSK
pine pulp a uncoated
(reference sample), b coated
(NH), c coated (HA)—
10 min of heat treatment,
d coated (HA)—40 min of
heat treatment
Fig. 3 Effect of heat treatment time on the surface roughness of Fig. 4 Effect of heat treatment time on the apparent density of
coated papers (the value for base paper is given as a reference) coated papers (the value for base paper is given as a reference)
dissolution of the base paper cellulose by the concen- In Fig. 4, changes in the apparent density of studied
trated NMMO solution. samples of paper depending on the duration of heat
treatment of the coating are presented. Time equal to
123
3602 Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
Fig. 5 Close view of the

surface of the reference
paper (left) and the coated
paper after 10 min of heat
treatment (right)
Fig. 8 Effect of heat treatment time on the elongation of coated

Fig. 6 Comparison of the changes in contact angle with water papers (the value for base paper is given as a reference)
for uncoated (reference) paper, coated paper—immediately
washed out—and coated and heated papers
Fig. 9 Effect of heat treatment time on the bursting strength

index of coated papers (the value for base paper is given as a
Fig. 7 Comparison of the changes of tensile index versus tear reference)
resistance index for coated papers (the value for base paper is
given as a reference)
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607 3603
‘0’ means that no heat treatment was applied (sample cellulosic fibers are mainly hydrophilic, and a paper
NH), and that the solvent was removed immediately structure is of a capillary-porous nature. The contact
after the coating was applied. A single red rhombus angle for such materials is usually equal to 0 (i.e. water
point represents the value of the discussed parameter immediately penetrates the paper structure if no
for the reference uncoated paper. The reference papers hydrophobic additive has been used). In the case of
were not heated either. The data in Fig. 4 indicate that the applied cellulose solution in NMMO, cellulose
the apparent density of the studied samples of paper dissolution and regeneration cause the reorganisation
with a cellulose coating was higher than the apparent of the intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds.
density of the base paper itself. In the case of the Other scientists (O’Sullivan 1997; Zimmermann et al.
constant thickness of a coating and, thus, the same 2016) determined that conversion from cellulose I to
amount of deposited cellulose, it was expected that the cellulose II occurs during the cellulose regeneration
average apparent density of the coated paper would be process.
similar, regardless of the post-treatment method. It Furthermore, Biganska and Navard (2009) found
was revealed, however, that apparent density was also that the regeneration process may influence the
increasing when heat treatment duration was final properties of cellulose. Cellulose regenerated in a
prolonged. water bath after the crystallisation of solutions exhib-
These results could suggest that heat treatment of ited a uniform and compact structure. Conversely,
cellulose coating modifies the internal structure of the regeneration from the molten solution resulted in a
entire material. This is evidenced as well by the results porous structure surrounded by dense ‘‘skin’’. Depend-
of the measurement of air permeance (Table 1 and ing on the final organisation of the structure, part of the
images presented in Fig. 5). A close view of the heat- –OH groups may not be available for interactions with
treated samples reveals the lack of continuous layer on liquid located at a cellulosic surface (Hubbe et al.
the surface. Moreover, the fiber network is tightly 2015). Yamane et al. (2006) proved that regenerated
surrounded by the regenerated cellulose. The lack of cellulose can exhibit increased hydrophobic proper-
fibrils suggests that the small particles (e.g. fibrils, ties. The results of measurements presented in Fig. 6
fines) could have been partially dissolved and demonstrated that paper without a cellulosic coating
absorbed by the cellulose-NMMO solution. This could had a contact angle equal to 0.
result in higher permeance of the whole structure. It was already noticed that, during the solvent
The range of changes of apparent density depended removal process, the presence of cellulose coating
on the method of sample post-treatment. The most increased the samples’ resistance to water. A sample
significant changes were already observed for short of paper without a coating, immersed in a water bath,
heat treatment times. After 5 min of heat treatment, quickly disintegrated into individual fibers. The coated
the apparent density of the tested sample increased by samples easily survived a 2-min immersion in water,
approximately 0.5 g/cm3, whereas change by barely preserving their structure. This proved that the cellu-
0.006 g/cm3 in apparent density was observed when lose introduced into the paper bonded the fibers and
heating time was increased from 5 to 40 min. made the structure more hydrophobic.
Evidently, the major changes in the structure of the Measurements of the contact angle for a continuous
paper occur during the first 5–10 min of heating. regenerated cellulose coating showed an increase in
Further data analysis demonstrated that the change of the initial contact angle to more than 50. This effect,
apparent density was caused by changes in the however, disappeared quickly and after approximately
thickness of the samples. This implies that the increase 6 s, the contact angle reached the constant value of
of apparent density results from the increased shrink- circa 10. The final value corresponds to the value of
age of the whole structure. A similar observation can contact angle for micro-crystalline cellulose found in
be found in the literature (Ferreira et al. 2015). works by Yamane et al. (2006). For the sample of
The hydrophobic properties of applied coatings paper coated with cellulose and heated for 10 min, the
were tested for four cases: reference paper without a initial contact angle was about 50 as well but it
coating, paper with a continuous coating (NH), and decreased more rapidly to the same value as that for
papers with a coating heated for 10 and 40 min before continuous regenerated cellulose coating. For longer
solvent removal. It is commonly accepted that native times of heat treatment (40 min), the layer of cellulose
123
3604 Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
was not continuous. As a consequence, the initial Interesting results were obtained while studying
contact angle was lower (about 45), and its decrease changes in the elongation of the samples of uncoated
in time was faster, reaching a constant value equal to paper and of paper with regenerated cellulose coating
approximately 4. On the basis of the measurements (Fig. 8). The initial elongation of uncoated paper
conducted, it can be stated that the papers with a layer amounted to 1.86%. The application of cellulose
of regenerated cellulose exhibited higher contact angle coating (without heat treatment) caused an increase in
as compared to the samples not treated with the this parameter to 3.5%. Heat treatment caused a
cellulose solution. Apparently, the observed changes further increase in elongation to approximately 5%
might have been affected by various factors, i.e. (after 5 min of heat treatment), and the maximum
different hydrophobicity of regenerated cellulose, value was reached after 20 min of heating (approxi-
surface roughness and capillary structure of the mately 5.8%). Longer heat treatment times caused a
material. Therefore, full explanation is difficult and decrease in this parameter. It is worth pointing out that
requires further investigations. the obtained maximum elongation was comparable
with values typical of beaten cellulose pulps. An
Mechanical properties of paper coated increase in both tensile strength and elongation of
with a cellulose solution paper coated with cellulose indicate the high binding
properties of the regenerated cellulose from the
Tensile strength and tear resistance were measured as solution in NMMO. The relatively long heat treatment
the key functional parameters of paper materials. The time (measured in minutes) required for the elongation
classic method of improving papermaking ability increase was the shortcoming of the process.
applied on an industrial scale (process of beating) Figure 9 presents the changes in bursting strength
causes an increase in tensile strength and, simultane- of the studied samples of paper. The results indicate
ously, a decrease in tear resistance. For this, both of that cellulose coating itself is rather weak. The
these parameters are often presented together. Fig- bursting strength of base paper and coated paper
ure 7 shows a comparison of changes in tensile without heat treatment was almost the same. The heat
strength as a function of tear resistance. A single red treatment applied caused a large and quick increase in
rhombus point represents the properties of uncoated bursting strength. The highest value of this parameter
paper. On the basis of the obtained results, it is was obtained after 10 min of heat treatment, and then
possible to conclude that a continuous cellulose layer it decreased (up to 20 min). After that time, bursting
causes an increase in the tear resistance of paper (from strength remained almost unchanged. These results
7.14 to 8.8 mN m2/g), and also a small increase in confirm earlier observations that an increase in paper
tensile strength (by approximately 3.6 N m/g). Addi- strength properties results mainly from the interac-
tional heating operation applied to coated papers tions of the regenerated cellulose with the entire
resulted not only in penetration of the paper structure matrix of the fibrous structure of paper. Longer heating
by the cellulose solution but also could have caused times causeed the deeper penetration of a cellulosic
changes of the paper structure, since the hot NMMO- solution into a paper structure. As a result, fibers
water system (containing about 16% of water) has an became surrounded by a layer of cellulose, which
ability to swell or partially dissolve cellulose fibers. contributes to an increased bonded area of fibrous
The structural changes of the samples resulted in quick network (this effect can be seen in photographs—
and significant increase in tensile strength. Just after Fig. 2c, d).
5 min of heating operation, tensile strength increased The double folds number, the only fatigue test
by more than 40 N m/g in comparison to uncoated, conducted on paper, was the last property studied. This
reference paper. The observed increase of the tensile parameter is particularly important for materials
strength correlated with the decreasing value of tear exposed to multiple deformations, such as banknote
resistance when the heat treatment time of the coating paper, map paper or book cover paper. The number of
was prolonged. These results were the basis for double folds is frequently identified—not quite cor-
quantifying the optimum time of coating heat treat- rectly—with paper fracture resistance while folded.
ment as no longer than 10 min—exceeding this time The results obtained in this research are presented in
resulted in excessive loss of paper tear resistance. Fig. 10. It is well known that the number of double
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607 3605
Conclusion
On the basis of the conducted research, it can be

concluded that it is possible to use regenerated
cellulose from an N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide solu-
tion to coat paper materials. The obtained results
showed that regenerated cellulose-based coatings
changed the surface, structural and strength charac-
teristics of paper. Additional heat treatment enabled
the modification of those properties even more signif-
icantly. Heat treatment proved to be most effective in
terms of strength properties improvement when
Fig. 10 Effect of heat treatment time on the double folds applied for 5–10 min. Coated papers subjected to that
number of coated papers (the value for base paper is given as a optimal ‘‘thermal conditioning’’ exhibited an increase
reference) in tensile index, elongation, bursting strength index
and double folds number. It is believed that heat
folds depends mainly on the length of fibers, but also treatment enhanced the penetration of the NMMO
on the degree of their mutual contact area (i.e. cellulose solution into the paper structure resulting in
bounded area) in the paper structure. It is also for this the higher number of contacts between paper fibers
reason that paper made of unbeaten pulp, quickly and regenerated cellulose chains. Therefore, the
breaks while folded. In the discussed case, the bonded area within the fibrous matrix was increased,
reference paper (without coating) demonstrated a which reinforced the coated papers. When heat
number of double folds amounting to 7. Cellulose treatment was not applied, penetration of the coating
coating applied on the surface of the paper increased solution into the paper structure was limited and, thus,
the value of this parameter to 37. In turn, the relatively regenerated cellulose interacted mostly with surface
short heat treatment time applied (5 min) caused an fibers, covering them with a continuous coating film.
increase in the number of double folds to more than As a result, additional bonding did not form deep
1500. Longer heating time resulted in a decrease of inside the paper fiber network and the internal
this parameter to the constant value of approximately structure of the material was not mechanically
1200. This means that cellulose coating itself is not strengthened. Such surface modification, however,
very resistant to folding. Yet again, these results contributed to the highest smoothness and hydropho-
indicate the significant bonding abilities of regener- bicity out of all the examined papers. The measure-
ated cellulose. ments of the contact angle for continuous regenerated
Considering the changes in strength properties of cellulose coating showed an initial contact angle of
all coated papers it can be concluded that the highest about 50. This value, however, decreased quickly
values of these properties were found when coated and, after approximately 6 s, the contact angle reached
papers were subjected to heat treatment for about the constant value of about 10, which corresponds to
5–10 min. Longer treatment caused decrease in these the value of contact angle for micro-crystalline
properties. This allows the argument that this negative cellulose. In general, the contact angle decreased as
effect could be caused by exceedingly long NMMO- heat treatment time increased. It should be mentioned
fibrous material interactions at high temperatures, that the necessity of subjecting a coated paper to the
which may have resulted in the excessive dissolution process of solvent removal stage (washing out) is a
of fiber structural elements (e.g. cellulose, hemicellu- shortcoming of this method, which limits its wet-end
lose) within the paper. Consequently, it could have led applications in the classical process of paper produc-
to partial damage of the fibrous network and overall tion. An increase in strength properties, however, and
loss in material mechanical strength. This effect will also (as previously reported in the literature—Yoon
be further investigated. 2007) the possible use of various substances as
additives to such coating solutions, may lead to the
development of innovative products. As a result, the
123
3606 Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607
presented method may be beneficial for the production od soluble cellulose: a repulpable adhesive for wet and dry
of specialty materials for which quality and specific cellulosic substrates. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
7:18750–18758
properties play a decisive role in relation to the Ferrer A, Quintana E, Filpponen I, Solala I, Vidal T, Rodriuez A,
efficiency of the production process and also to the Laine J, Rojas O (2012) Effect of residual lignin and
price of the final product. heteropolysaccharides in nanofibrillar cellulose and
nanopaper from wood fibers. Cellulose 19(6):2179–2193
Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Fukuzumi H, Saito T, Iwata T, Kumamoto Y, Isogai A (2009)
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http:// Transparent and high gas barrier films of cellulose nano-
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unre- fibers prepared by TEMPO-mediated oxidation.
stricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, Biomacromol 10(1):162–170
provided you give appropriate credit to the original Gällstedt M, Brottman A, Hedenqvist MS (2005) Packaging
author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Com- related properties of protein- and chitosan-coated paper.
mons license, and indicate if changes were made. Packag Technol Sci 18(4):161–170
Garcia MA, Martino MN, Zartizky NE (1999) Edible starch
films and coating char-acterization: scanning electron
microscopy, water vapor transmission and gas permeabil-
References ities. Scanning 21(5):358–420
Gardner DJ, Oporto GS, Mills R, Samir MASA (2008) Adhesion
Alves L, Medronho B, Antunes FE, Romano A, Miguel GM, and surface issues in cellulose and nanocellulose. J Adhes
Lindman B (2015) On the role of hydrophobic interactions Sci Technol 22:545–567
in cellulose dissolution andregeneration: colloidal aggre- Hansen N, Plackett D (2008) Sustainable films and coatings
gates and molecular solutions. Colloids Surf A Physic- from hemicelluloses: a review. Biomacromol 9:1493–1505
ochem Eng Asp 483:257–263 Henriksson M, Berglund LA, Isaksson P, Lindström T, Nishino
Alves L, Medronho B, Antunes FE, Topgaard D, Lindman B T (2008) Cellulose nanopaper structures of high toughness.
(2016) Dissolution state of cellulose in aqueous systems. 1. Biomacromol 9(6):1579–1587
Alkaline solvents. Cellulose 23:247–258 Hubbe MA, Gardner DJ, Shen W (2015) Contact angles and
Andersson C (2008) New ways to enhance the functionality of wettability of cellulosic surfaces: a review of proposed
paperboard by surface treatment—a review. Packag mechanisms and test strategies. BioResources
Technol Sci 21:339–373 10(4):8657–8749
Biermann O, Hadicke E, Koltzenburg S, Muller-Plathe F (2001) Hubbe MA, Ferrer A, Tyagi P, Yin Y, Salas C, Pal L, Rojas OJ
Hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of cellulose crystal sur- (2017) Nanocellulose in thin films. coatings and plies for
faces. Angew Chem Int Ed 40(20):3822–3825 packaging applications: a review. BioResources
Biganska O, Navard P (2009) Morphology of cellulose objects 12(1):2143–2333
regenerated from cellulose-N-methylmorpholine N-oxide- Hult E-L, Ropponen J, Poppius-Levlin K, Ohra-Aho T, Tam-
water solutions. Cellulose 6:179–188 minen T (2013) Enhancing the barrier properties of paper
Cao NJ, Xu Q, Chen CS, Gong CS, Chen LF (1994) Cellulose board by a novel lignin coating. Ind Crops Prod
hydrolysis using zinc-chloride as a solvent and catalyst. 50:694–700
Appl Biochem Biotechnol 45(6):521–530 Jie XM, Cao YM, Qin JJ, Liu JH, Yuan Q (2005) Influence of
Chen JH, Guan Y, Wang K, Xu F, Sun RC (2015) Regulating drying method on morphology and properties of asym-
effect of hemicelluloses on the preparation and properties metric cellulose hollow fiber membrane. J Membr Sci
of composite Lyocell fibers. Cellulose 22(3):1505–1516 246(2):157–165
Choi JO, Jitsunari F, Asakawa F, Park HJ, Lee DS (2002) Johnson DL (1969) Process for strengthening swellable fibrous
Migration of surrogate contaminants in paper and paper- material with an amine oxide and the resulting material. US
board into water through polyethylene coating layer. Food Patent 3447956
Addit Contam 19(12):1200–1206 Kalashnikova I, Bizot H, Cathala B, Capron I (2012) Modula-
Dufresne A (2012) Nanocellulose: from nature to high perfor- tion of cellulose nanocrystals amphiphilic properties to
mance tailored materials. Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, Berlin. stabilize oil/water interface. Biomacromol 13:267–275
ISBN 9783110254563 Kangas H, Lahtinen P, Sneck A, Saariaho AM, Laitinen O,
Dufresne A (2013) Nanocellulose: a new ageless bionanoma- Hellén E (2014) Characterization of fibrillated celluloses.
terial. Mater Today 16:220–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. A short review and evaluation of characteristics with a
mattod.2013.06.004 combination of methods. Nordic Pulp Pap Res J
Erdman A, Kulpinski P, Olejnik K (2016) Application of 29(1):129–143
nanocomposite cellulose fibers with luminescent properties Khwaldia K, Arab-Tehrany E, Desobry S (2010) Biopolymer
to paper functionalization. Cellulose 23(3):2087–2097 coatings on paper packaging materials. Compr Rev Food
Fall AB, Burman A, Wågberg L (2014) Cellulosic nanofibrils Sci Food Saf 9(1):82–91
from eucalyptus, acacia and pine fibers. Nordic Pulp Pap Kosan B, Michels Ch, Meister F (2008) Dissolution and forming
Res J 29(1):129–143 of cellulose with ionic liquids. Cellulose 15(1):59–66
Ferreira SE, Lanzoni ME, Costa CAR, Deneke C, Bernardes JS, Kulpinski P (2007) Cellulose fibers modified by hydrophobic
Galembeck F (2015) Adhesive and reinforcing properties type polymer. J Appl Polym Sci 104:398–409
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3595–3607 3607
Kulpinski P, Smiechowicz E, Niekraszewicz B, Baciarelli A Rhim J-W, Lee J-H, Hong S-I (2006) Water resistance and
(2011) Cellulose fibers modified with silver nanoparticles. mechanical properties of biopolymer (alginate and soy
Cellulose 18:975–985 protein) coated paperboards. LWT Food Sci Technol
Lavoine N, Desloges I, Dufresne A, Bras J (2012) Microfibril- 39(7):806–813
lated cellulose—its barrier properties and applications in Rosenau T, Potthast A, Sixta H, Kosma P (2001) The chemistry
cellulosic materials: a review. Carbohydr Polym of side reactions and byproduct formation in the system
90:735–746 NMMO/cellulose (Lyocell process). Prog Polym Sci
Lavoine N, Desloges I, Khelifi B, Bras J (2014) Impact of dif- 26:1763–1837
ferent coating processes of microfibrillated cellulose on the Salas C, Nypelö T, Abreu CR, Carrillo C, Rojas OJ (2014)
mechanical and barrier properties of paper. J Mater Sci Nanocellulose properties and applications in colloids and
49:2879–2893 interfaces. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 19:383–396
Lee SY, Mohan DJ, Kang IA, Doh GH, Lee S, Han SO (2009) Savadekar NR, Karande VS, Vigneshwaran N, Kadam PG,
Nanocellulose reinforced PVA composite films: effects of Mhaske ST (2015) Preparation of cotton linter nano-
acid treatment and filler loading. Fibers Polym 10:77–82 whiskers by high-pressure homogenization process and its
Lindman B, Karlstrom G, Stigsson L (2010) On the mechanism application in thermoplastic starch. Appl Nanosci
of dissolution of cellulose. J Mol Liq 156:76–81 5:281–290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-014-0316-3
Liu A, Walther A, Ikkala O, Belova L, Berglund LA (2011) Clay Siró I, Plackett D (2010) Microfibrillated cellulose and new
nanopaper with tough cellulose nanofiber matrix for fire nanocomposite materials: a review. Cellulose 17:459–467
retardancy and gas barrier functions. Biomacromol Spence KL, Venditti RA, Rojas OJ, Habibi Y, Pavlak JJ (2010)
12:633–641 The effect of chemical composition on microfibrillar cel-
Mazeau K (2011) On the external morphology of native cellu- lulose films from wood pulps: water interactions and
lose microfibrils. Carbohyd Polym 84:524–532 physical properties for packaging applications. Cellulose
Medronho B, Lindman B (2014) Competing forces during cel- 17:835–844
lulose dissolution: from solvents to mechanisms. Curr Opin Šturcová A, Davies GR, Eichhorn SJ (2005) Elastic modulus
Colloid Interface Sci 19:32–40 and stress-transfer properties of tunicate cellulose whis-
Medronho B, Lindman B (2015) Brief overview on cellulose kers. Biomacromol 6:1055–1061
dissolution/regeneration interactions and mechanisms. Tingaut P, Eyholzer C, Zimmermann T (2011) Functional
Adv Coll Interface Sci 222:502–508 polymer nanocomposite materials from microfibrillated
Medronho B, Romano A, Graca Miguel M, Stigsson L, Lindman cellulose. In: Hashim A (ed) Advances in nanocomposite
B (2012) Rationalizing cellulose (in)solubility: reviewing technology. InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/20817
basic physicochemical aspects and role of hydrophobic Tracton AA (ed) (2007) Coatings technology. Fundamentals,
interactions. Cellulose 19:581–587. https://doi.org/10. testing and processing techniques. CRC Press, Taylor &
1007/s10570-011-9644-6 Francis Group, London, New York. ISBN 978-1-4200-
Melville AJ, Topping DJ, Willis DP (2014) Bearing components 4406-5
and processes for depositing additives, especially fluo- Yamane C, Aoyagi T, Ago M, Sato K, Okajima K, Takahashi T
ropolymers, on cellulose. US 8703668 B2 (2006) Two different surface properties of regenerated
Mngomezulu ME, John MJ (2017) Thermoset cellulose cellulose due to structural anisotropy. Polym J
nanocomposites: flammability characteristics. In: Kar- 38(8):819–826
garzadeh H, Ahmad I, Sabu T, Alain Dufresne A (eds) Yoon S-Y (2007). Bonding material coated clay for improving
Handbook of nanocellulose and cellulose nanocomposites. paper properties. Doctoral dissertation. Georgia Institute of
p 263, ISBN: 978-3-527-68999-6 Technology, USA
Nakagaito AN, Yano H (2005) Novel high-strength biocom- Zimmermann T, Pöhler E, Schwaller P (2005) Mechanical and
posites based on microfibrillated cellulose having nano- morphological properties of cellulose fibril reinforced
order-unit web-like network structure. Appl Phys A nanocomposites. Adv Eng Mater 7:1156–1161
80:155–159 Zimmermann T, Bordeanu N, Strub E (2010) Properties of
O’Sullivan A (1997) Cellulose: the structure slowly unravels. nanofibrillated cellulose from different raw materials and
Cellulose 4:173–207 its reinforcement potential. Carbohydr Polym
Peresin M, Rojas OJ (2014) Electrospinning of nanocellulose- 79:1086–1093
based materials. In: Oksman K, Bismarck A, Rojas OJ, Zimmermann R, Muller Y, Freudenberg U, Jehnichen D, Pot-
Sain M (eds) Handbook of green materials. Part 3: self- and thast A, Rosenau T, Werner C (2016) Oxidation and
direct-assembling of bionanomaterials, Chapter 10. World structural changes in NMMO-regenerated cellulose films.
Scientific Publishing, Singapore, pp 163–183. ISBN Cellulose 23(6):3535–3541
9789814566452
123
PAPERmaking!
Warehouse Design and Operation using

Augmented Reality technology: A
Papermaking Industry Case Study
a a a a
Dimitris Mourtzis ·*, Vasilios Samothrakis , Vasilios Zogopoulos , Ekaterini Vlachou
In modern, high competitive markets, efficient warehousing is critical as it accounts for a great part of
logistics costs. Companies try to adopt highly adaptive and flexible warehouse design that may support the
integration of novel technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR). This paper proposes a framework for
warehouse design which minimizes inventory cost while keeping a high degree of service by supporting the
integration of an AR warehousing system. The AR system will support the effective management of
operations, by providing meaningful information. The proposed methodology is tested and validated in a real-
life case study of a papermaking industry.
Contact information: a Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), Department of
Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Rio Patras, 26504, Greece.
*Corresponding author. Tel: +30 2610 910160; fax: +30-2610-997744. E-mail address:
mourtzis@lms.mech.upatras.gr
Procedia CIRP 79 (2019) 574-579.
DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2019.02.097
Page 1 of 7 Article 4 – Warehouse Design

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
ScienceDirect
Available online atonline
www.sciencedirect.com
ScienceDirect
Available at www.sciencedirect.com
ScienceDirect
Procedia CIRP 00 (2018) 000–000
ScienceDirect
Procedia CIRP 00 (2018) 000–000 www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia
Procedia CIRP 00 (2017) 000–000 www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

Procedia CIRP 79 (2019) 574–579
www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia
12thCIRP
12th CIRPConference
Conferenceon
onIntelligent
IntelligentComputation
ComputationininManufacturing
ManufacturingEngineering,
Engineering,18-20
CIRPJuly
ICME '18
2018,
Gulf of Naples,
12th CIRP Conference on Intelligent Computation Italy
in Manufacturing Engineering, CIRP ICME '18
Warehouse Design and Operation using Augmented
28th CIRP Design Conference, May 2018, Nantes, FranceReality technology:
Warehouse Design and OperationIndustry
A Papermaking using Augmented
Case StudyReality technology:
A new methodologyAto analyze the Industry
Papermaking functional andStudy
Case physical architecture of
existing products
Mourtzisfor an assembly oriented product family identification
a, a a
Dimitris *, Vasilios Samothrakis , Vasilios Zogopoulos , Ekaterini Vlachoua
a, a a a
a Dimitris Mourtzis *, Vasilios Samothrakis , Vasilios Zogopoulos , Ekaterini Vlachou
Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation(LMS), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Rio Patras,
a Paul Stief *, Jean-Yves Dantan, Alain Etienne, Ali Siadat
26504, Greece
Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation(LMS), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Rio Patras,
* Corresponding author. Tel: +30 2610 910160; fax: +30-2610-997744. E-mail address: mourtzis@lms.mech.upatras.gr
26504, Greece
École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers, Arts et Métiers ParisTech, LCFC EA 4495, 4 Rue Augustin Fresnel, Metz 57078, France
* Corresponding author. Tel: +30 2610 910160; fax: +30-2610-997744. E-mail address: mourtzis@lms.mech.upatras.gr
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +33 3 87 37 54 30; E-mail address: paul.stief@ensam.eu

Abstract
Abstract
In modern, high competitive markets, efficient warehousing is critical as it accounts for a great part of logistics costs. Companies try to adopt
Abstract
highly
In adaptive
modern, high and flexible warehouse
competitive design warehousing
markets, efficient that may support the integration
is critical of novel
as it accounts for atechnologies
great part of such as Augmented
logistics Realitytry
costs. Companies (AR). This
to adopt
paper proposes a framework for warehouse design which minimizes inventory cost while keeping a high degree
highly adaptive and flexible warehouse design that may support the integration of novel technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR). This of service by supporting the
Inintegration
today’s business
of an ARenvironment,
warehousing the trend
system. towards
The ARmore product
system will variety
support andthecustomization
effective is unbroken.
management of Due to this
operations,
paper proposes a framework for warehouse design which minimizes inventory cost while keeping a high degree of service by supporting the development,
by providing the need
meaningfulof
agile and reconfigurable
information. The proposed production
methodology systems
is emerged
tested and to cope with
validated in a various
real-life products
case and
study of product
a families.
papermaking To design and optimize production
industry.
integration of an AR warehousing system. The AR system will support the effective management of operations, by providing meaningful
systems
© 2018 as
Thewell as to choose
Authors. theby
Published optimal
Elsevierproduct
B.V. andmatches, product analysis methods are needed. Indeed, most of the known methods aim to
information. The proposed methodology is tested validated in a real-life case study of a papermaking industry.
analyze a product
Peer-review or one product
under responsibility family
of on the physical
the scientific level. Different
committee of the product families,
12th CIRP however,onmay
Conference differ largely
Intelligent in terms of
Computation in the number and
Manufacturing
© 2018
nature
© 2019 The
ofThe Authors.
components. Published by
This fact by
Authors. Published Elsevier
impedes
Elsevier B.V.
anB.V.
efficient comparison and choice of appropriate product family combinations for the production
Engineering.
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee ofproducts
the of
12ththe
CIRP Conference on Intelligent
on Computation in Manufacturing Engineering.
system. A new
Peer-review methodology
under is proposed
responsibility of the toscientific
analyze existing
committee in 12th
view of theirConference
CIRP functional and physical architecture.
Intelligent Computation Theinaim is to cluster
Manufacturing
these products in new assembly oriented product families for the optimization of existing assembly lines and the creation of future reconfigurable
Engineering.
Keywords: Warehouse design; Augmented reality; Warehouse simulation; Manufacturing
assembly systems. Based on Datum Flow Chain, the physical structure of the products is analyzed. Functional subassemblies are identified, and
a Keywords:
functionalWarehouse
analysis is performed.
design; AugmentedMoreover, a hybrid functional
reality; Warehouse and physical architecture graph (HyFPAG) is the output which depicts the
simulation; Manufacturing
similarity between product families by providing design support to both, production system planners and product designers. An illustrative
example of a nail-clipper is used to explain the proposed methodology. An industrial case study on two product families of steering columns of
1 Introduction and also the market that support effective warehouse design,
thyssenkrupp Presta France is then carried out to give a first industrial evaluation of the proposed approach.
© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
1 Introduction considering
and also the different
market thatcriteria
support [4] effective
so as towarehouse
support decision
design,
Warehouses are a key aspect of modern supply chains and making
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 28th CIRP Design Conference 2018.
consideringwhile offering
different simulation
criteria [4] features
so as tothat may
support visualize
decision
play a vital role are
Warehouses in the success,
a key aspectoroffailure,
modernofsupply
businesses today,
chains and the functionality
making of the designed
while offering simulation warehouse.
features that may visualize
Keywords:
play Assembly;
sinceathey:
vital a)
role inDesign
provide method; for
storage
the success, Family
rawidentification
materials,
or failure, components,
of businesses today, theAdditionally,
functionality ofnovel technologies
the designed that shape manufacturing
warehouse.
work-in-process,
since and finished
they: a) provide storage goods
for rawb)materials,
operate ascomponents,
distribution have found fertilenovel
Additionally, ground in differentthat
technologies fields [5].manufacturing
shape Starting from
and order fulfilment
work-in-process, centres goods
and finished and c)b)perform
operate as localized and
distribution simpler
have combinations
found fertile groundonin different
laser scanners
fields [5].and barcodes,
Starting from
value-added
and warehousing
order fulfilment [1]. and
centres For these reasons,
c) perform warehouses
localized and contemporary warehousesontry laser
simpler combinations to integrate new technologies
scanners and barcodes, to
1.have
Introduction
to be highly adaptive [1].
to theForproduction rate sowarehouses
as to reach of the product
facilitate range warehouse
managing and characteristics manufactured and/or
value-added warehousing these reasons, contemporary warehouses try to available
integrate newstocktechnologies
and effective to
optimal operation level. Inventory management assembled in this system. In thisincontext, the main[6].challenge in
have to be highly adaptive to the production rate and
so ascontrol
to reachis product localisation,
facilitate especially
managing warehouse larger facilities
available stock and Utilizing
effective
theDue
key to
optimal
to warehouse
the fastdesign
operation
development
level. Inventory
in the domain
and optimization.
managementThe and main
control
of
goal
is
modelling
wearables, and
suchanalysis
product localisation,as smart iswatches
especially
now not andonly
in larger
to cope with
head-mounted single
displays,
facilities [6]. Utilizing
communication
of inventory and an ongoing
management trend isof todigitization and products, a limited product range or existing product families,
the key to warehouse designandandcontrol
optimization. optimize
The main three
goal the operators
wearables, such may easily watches
as smart report product input/ output
and head-mounted in the
displays,
digitalization,
targets: customermanufacturing enterprises
service, inventory costs,are facing important but also to bewhile
able to analyze andthetoposition
compareofproducts to define
of inventory management and control isand
to operating
optimize costs.
three warehouse,
the operators mayalso retrieve
easily report product input/ a stored
outputproduct
in the
challenges in
Service customer today’s
level mustservice, market
be keptinventory environments:
at high levels a continuing new
[7]. product families. It can be observedtechniques,
that classical existing
targets: costs, while inventory
and operating and
costs. Using while
warehouse, advanced visualization
also retrieve the position of a storedsuch productas
tendency towards
operationlevel
costsmustreduction
must of product development times and product families are regrouped in function of clientsbeorguided
features.
Service bebekept
minimized
at high [2].
levels while inventory and Augmented
[7]. Using Reality,
advanced the operators
visualization may intuitively
techniques, such as to
shortened product
Warehouse lifecycles. In addition, there is an increasing However, assembly
productoriented product familiesupdates
are hardly to find.
operation costs design
must bedemands
minimized a very
[2]. methodical and well- find a stored
Augmented Reality, andoperators
the easily report
maystock
intuitively be [8].
guided to
demand
structuredof customization,
approach due being
to warehouseat the same time in a global On the paper
productproposes
family level, products differ mainly in two
Warehouse design demands a verycomplexity.
methodicalWarehouse
and well- findThis
a stored product and easily an report
adaptive
stock methodology
updates [8]. for
competition
design is highlywith competitors
complex all over the world. This trend, main characteristics: (i) the number of components andReality.
(ii) the
structured approach due toaswarehouse
it is a multi-criteria
complexity. problem,
Warehousewith warehouse
This paper design while integrating
proposes an adaptiveAugmented methodology for
which is inducingfunctions
interconnected the development from macroWarehouseto micro type of components (e.g. mechanical, electrical, electronical).
design is highly complex as it and parameters.
is a multi-criteria problem, with Logistics anddesign
warehouse statistical
whileanalysis has beenAugmented
integrating used and theReality.
final is
markets,
simulation results in diminished
is a commonly lot sizes todue to augmenting Classical methodologies considering Quantity
mainly single products
interconnected functionsusedand approach improve
parameters. its design
Warehouse designed
Logistics according to Economic
and statistical analysis Order
has been used and (EOQ) model,
the final is
product varieties
[3]. Novel digital (high-volume
solutionsused to low-volume
haveapproach
been proposed production)
in theits [1].
literature or solitary,
aiming to already
minimize existing product
inventory families analyze the
simulation is a commonly to improve design designed according to Economic Ordercost. Additionally,
Quantity (EOQ) model, an
To cope with this augmenting variety as well as to be able to product structure on a physical level (components level) which
[3]. Novel digital solutions have been proposed in the literature aiming to minimize inventory cost. Additionally, an
identify possible optimization potentials in the existing causes difficulties regarding an efficient definition and
production system, it is important to have a precise knowledge
2212-8271 © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
comparison of different product families. Addressing this
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 12th CIRP Conference on Intelligent Computation in Manufacturing Engineering.
2212-8271 © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 12th CIRP Conference on Intelligent Computation in Manufacturing Engineering.
2212-8271©©2017
2212-8271 2019The
The Authors.
Authors. Published
Published by Elsevier
by Elsevier B.V. B.V.
Peer-reviewunder
Peer-review underresponsibility
responsibility
of of
thethe scientific
scientific committee
committee of the
of the 28th12th
CIRPCIRP Conference
Design on 2018.
Conference Intelligent Computation in Manufacturing Engineering.
10.1016/j.procir.2019.02.097
Dimitris Mourtzis et al. / Procedia CIRP 79 (2019) 574–579 575
D. Mourtzis et al. / Procedia CIRP 00 (2018) 000–000
Augmented Reality based system to support warehouse by the identification of the possible system configurations [20].
management, connecting the operators with a central inventory Thomas and Meller presented a statistical-based methodology
management platform. To verify the proposed design, it is to develop guidelines, used to design a manual and case-
applied in papermaking industry. picking warehouse [21]. The aforementioned publications
make apparent warehouse design follows a structure sequence
2 State of the art of interdependent steps.
Nevertheless, there are many differences among the various
According to ELA (2004), the capital and operating costs of approaches described above, which steam from the various
warehousing in Europe represent about 25% of logistics costs, combinations of design process activities when they are
whilst figures for the USA show that warehousing contributes grouped into steps [18]. The past few years, warehouse
to about 10% [9]. In spite of warehouse significance in supply planning was considered to be a very complex issue due to the
chain, there is limited effort in the literature towards that absence of the simulation and computing power [3]. In many
direction [10]. Although, publications show that there is an cases, it was not feasible to experiment on real environment as
abundance of information written on analyzing particular production rate did not allow to make changes. Nowadays,
aspects of warehouse designing problem, it is the combination there are many simulation tools that make warehouse design
of all these aspects that has to be taken into consideration and and planning easier and give to the industry the opportunity to
classified in a strict order so as act as a basis for a successful test different scenarios, supporting decision making [22].
approach to warehouse design [11]. A technology that starts to gain ground in industrial
Warehouse design problems have been early reported in the applications is Augmented Reality. From knowledge
literature. Oxley [12] presents a comprehensible list of steps distribution through technical instructions in assembly tasks
which are based on the key features of the previous authors, [23] to remote maintenance support [24], AR is tested in
while also defining the overall system requirements of the different applications, until it becomes mature enough (both
supply chain. He emphasizes that the warehouse design should from hardware but also from technical knowledge side) to be
be focused on the storage and handling requirements and that fully integrated into manufacturing. Its applicability, as it may
the building should then be designed around these. This basic be used through various host device, and its mobility has
framework of steps is also enhanced by Rowley [13] with proven to be a great advantage that allows it to be easily used
Oxley’s contribution. in the production line [25]. Additionally, it has proven to be
Simulation models have been applied since the early 1980’s useful for providing positioning instructions, both in maps
through basic simulation packages as presented by Ashayeri, et navigation but also in large warehouse facilities for inventory
al. [14]. Most of the research done in simulation field is due to management and package retrieval, facilitating the operators to
the need for optimal warehouse design and planning, where efficiently manage large facilities with changing stocks (such
novel technologies could be early adopted. For example, as the case of logistics warehouses) [8].
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) transport systems where Based on the aforementioned literature review, it becomes
soon adopted in warehouse applications [15]. Gu et al. provided apparent that simulation modelling, in terms of warehouse
an extensive overview of warehouse performance analysis design, is a one-way selection [26]. This happens due to the fact
models, claiming that simulation models are typically used for that simulation models can be extremely valuable, timely and
evaluating one design alternative, but that they are less suited cost-effective means to study the performance characteristics
for design-space exploration [4]. Andriansyah et al. presented of a proposed warehouse layout. Additionally, novel
a layered warehouse simulation model built from reusable technologies that may improve inventory management and
components that considers varying number of storage aisles increase the efficiency of product retrieval in vast warehouses
and workstations in a miniload-workstation order-picking are welcome. Towards that end, this paper suggests a method
system [16]. for warehouse design, considering the integration of mobile
A further step has been added to the former publication devices and Augmented Reality to support product location
which has to do with the use of computer simulation. retrieval by the warehouse operators and efficient inventory
Rouwenhorst et al. stated that a design process runs through a management. The developed approach is applied in a
hierarchical framework, identifying strategic, tactical and papermaking industry for validation.
operational decisions [11]. Rushton et al. (2006) have made a
refinement of steps in their earlier edition so as to recognize the 3 Warehouse design to support Augmented Reality
importance of flexibility in warehouse design issue [17]. The package retrieval
iterative nature of design process is clarified by the equipment
and staffing calculations now being presented after the layout This paper presents an innovative and easy to adapt
design rather than before, as with most other frameworks. methodology which can give a reliable solution to the problem
Baker and Canessa explored the current literature on the overall of warehouse design and simulation that seems to concern the
methodology design, validated and refined the general results majority of the industries in our days. This methodology aims
from the literature with reference to warehouse companies [18]. to keep a high service level while minimizing the inventory
Accorsi et al. applied an integrated decision-support system for costs.
the design and management of a storage system [19]. Mital and
Krejci presented a modelling framework and an effective
algorithm to design material handling systems and warehouses
576 Dimitris Mourtzis et al. / Procedia CIRP 79 (2019) 574–579
Fig. 1. Workflow of the proposed methodology.
It has to be pointed out a set of assumptions have been made to 12. Calculate average inventory
tackle the obstacles in the following categories: a) demand 13. Calculate the inventory cost
uncertainty, b) Constant Order Quantity, c) Constant Re-Order 14. Define product consumption and required warehouse size
Point, d) Suppliers/Production Inconsistency and e) Economic
15. Calculate final warehouse metrics (size, inventory costs,
Order Quantity model. The methodology consists of two basic
productivity)
parts with a total number of 23 steps; warehouse design (18
steps) and warehouse simulation (5 steps) as presented in 16. Re-run for different values for service level, storage cost
Figure 1. and production cycle
17. Define the optimal scenario, which minimizes inventory
3.1 Warehouse Design costs and warehouse size
18. Design the warehouse layout.
The design of a well-structured warehouse system concerns
a large number of interrelated decisions/ steps which have to be 3.2 Warehouse simulation
placed in a hierarchical framework. Input data are crucial for
reaching a viable verdict on the proper operation. In our Warehouse simulation is a way of testing different scenarios
methodology, three input data are inserted: products, orders in real life without any interruption in the production rate. As a
and demand profiles. Then, the proposed methodology is result, it gives the opportunity to compare and select the best
followed to define the warehouse design requirements. The scenario which will cover warehouse demands. According to
steps of the proposed methodology are listed below (also warehouse design data, the warehouse model is built. The
presented Figure 1 in blue color): warehouse model includes: a source for each product, a queue
before and after each palletizing station, forklifts according to
1. Based on the real demand, the forecast for the next month warehouse capacity which carry pallets to warehouse, the
is created calculated warehouse area where products are stocked, forklifts
according to warehouse capacity which carry pallets from
2. its deviation from the real demand is calculated
warehouse area to each loading area/ exit and a queue to each
3. The mean and standard deviation for each product is loading area-exit.
calculated All the above are properly linked and programmed so as to
4. Define the desired service level and based on that, the z simulate a virtual warehouse environment and operation, while
value the parameters of each testing scenario are defined. Then, the
5. Calculate safety inventory and the annual consumption possible warehouse layouts are defined and run, while their
6. Calculate storage cost and parcel price performance is compared and the optimum solution is selected.
The result is then verified, comparing the results from the
7. Calculate the deviation between forecasted and actual
simulation and the design methodology, and if valid, is applied
demand
in the warehouse.
8. Calculate Economic Order Quantity
9. Define the number of annual orders 3.3 Augmented Reality application for inventory management
10. Calculate time for inventory re-ordering
Together with the new layout that will be suggested, an
11. Define the size of order application that will support inventory management and
warehouse operators’ guidance to the position of the product is Regarding all the above results for twelve scenarios, the one
developed. The application allows the operator to have constant with 95% Service level, 18% storage cost and 1 month
connection with the database of the available stock, record production cycle seems to fulfil industry’s expectations. The
product entries or exits, while also being able to ask for main decision making criteria are highlighted in bold.
navigation instructions inside the warehouse. The application
targets mobile devices, so as to be easy to use in the warehouse, Table 1. Results for 1 months, 18% storage cost and 95% Service level
offering increased mobility and enabling access from
everywhere to the available stock. Proposed
Criterion Unit
The application hosts a user-friendly interface, which aims solution
to be used by warehouse operators and/or warehouse vehicles Safety Inventory Parcels 30185
drivers. The application offers three functionalities: monitor
available stock, manage product (un-)loading and navigation. Average Inventory Parcels 55010
To visualize current stock, a top-down depiction of the Inventory Cost Euro/ Year 179449
warehouse is used. The operator may select one storing Warehouse Size M2 1802
department and see what is stored there. Additionally, a list
Production Quantity 44983
option is also available. To (un-)load products, QR codes are Parcels
(per month)
placed on each pallet of products but also on all the storage
shelves, so that the operator may easily scan the QR codes and After selecting the optimum scenario, the CAD of the
update the inventory management database for product input warehouse layout is created, considering some basic criteria:
and output. Finally, to facilitate the retrieval of products,
Augmented Reality navigation instructions are available. The a) First-In-First-Out must be served as often as possible so as
operator provides the product that needs to be retrieved and the to limit the possibility for the products to spoil (≥2 columns
application navigates him to it.
unless we have access from both sides).
b) The existing space must be used as efficiently as possible.
4 Case Study and results
c) There are two types of pallets: the dimensions of each is
This methodology has been applied to a papermaking either 1,40m*1,40m*0,15m or 1,2m*0,8m*0,15m.
industry in order to give a solution to warehouse design d) Integer number of columns and rows must be used for each
problem. Targeted industry has to cope with a very high code.
inventory cost which stems from the bad warehouse design and e) Stack support must be secured at all times. That means that
management systems that is currently applied. The developed single columns must not have more than 2 pallets.
methodology has been adapted on the warehouse of final f) Warehouse surface must be as small as possible.
products, in close collaboration with experts from the
papermaking industry production line. The layout has been based in real dimensions taken from the
There are four basic categories of final products which are existing warehouse storage area and are used for placing inside
taken into consideration: 1) kitchen paper 2) rough toilet paper these limits the existing and the new warehouse layout. The
3) 3-plies toilet paper and 4) 4-plies toilet paper. The demand main disadvantage of the existing layout, which is presented in
profile for each product is generated based on actual 8 months Figure 2, is that bulky storage areas are created for each
demand, as given by the industry. The main targets were to product, which prevents from FIFO serving and make products
minimize the storage costs while keeping a high service level reachability a tough issue. Another disadvantage that makes
of about 95% and 98%. Adjusting the proposed methodology current layout has is that products are not supported so well.
to the industrial use case needs, we assumed that the cost of The proposed layout indicates a new way to store the products
production stems only from the cost of machines’ set up. All (Figure 3). This scenario allows FIFO to be served to a greater
the methodology has been based on Fixed Order Quantity extend and offers a better reachability for most of products due
System with no-constant demand and order time. to the fact that smaller spaces are created. Moreover, following
this layout warehouse achieves higher structural support of the
4.1 Warehouse Design piles and increased functionality.
Twelve scenarios have been run for 53 final products

following real industrial specifications. The scenarios come
from the combinations of the possible storage levels (95 or
98%), the storage costs (16, 18 or 20%) and the production
cycle duration (1 or 2 months). The selection is based on two
basic criteria:
 Minimum inventory cost (first priority)

 Minimum warehouse size (second priority)
Fig. 2. Existing warehouse layout.

578 Dimitris Mourtzis et al. / Procedia CIRP 79 (2019) 574–579
Fig. 3. New warehouse design.
4.2 Warehouse simulation
In our case, in order to as to simulate the warehouse Fig.4. 3D representation of the suggested layout in Enterprise Dynamics.
operation and verify the proposed design a simulation tool
named Enterprise Dynamics® 10 has been used. The two 4.3 Augmented Reality application for inventory management
aforementioned design scenarios (existing and proposed) have
been inserted in the simulation tool. Together with the new layout design, an application that will
The two models have identical modelling resources: i) 53 support inventory management and warehouse operators’
different products generated from 53 sources, ii) 3 different guidance to the position of the product is suggested. Its
queues where all products hold before they pass from the functionalities are presented in Figure 5. The suggested layout
palletizing stations, iii) 3 different assemblers which represent facilitates and also necessitates the integration of the developed
the 3 palletizing stations, iv) 2 different kinds of pallets with AR application, as more storage partitions are created so as to
two different sources, v) 1 queue after each palletizing station smoothen the transition to the new layout for the operators. To
where products wait until the forklift comes and dispatches digitalise the process of registering input and output of
them to the warehouse, vi) 1 forklift for transporting products, products, QR codes are placed in the warehouse compartments
vii) The warehouse area where products are stored, viii) 1 and each pallet or product. With the new QR code-based
queue for each exit where products hold to leave the warehouse system, inventory management is simplified and enables
and ix) 3 exits. All of them are properly linked and programmed constant awareness of the available stock. Using the developed
so as to simulate the real industrial environment. The application, the operators can navigate and act more efficiently
programming language used is 4D-Script. In Figure 4 a 3D whenever a request is sent to the warehouse. The application
screenshot of the simulation model is presented. offers three features: view available stock, find a product in the
warehouse and report a new entry.
In the first option, the operator or the warehouse manager
may monitor the available stock. A top-down layout of the
warehouse is presented, where a compartment may be selected
to see what is stored in it. The two other functionalities aim to
Scan Product QR Code Scan Shelf QR Code
View stock in Warehouse Find Product AR Guidance
Fig. 5. Augmented reality-based application for warehouse management support.

support product input and output registration. In the case of [5] Mourtzis D, Doukas M. The Evolution of Manufacturing Systems: From
new product entry to the warehouse, the operator may scan the Craftsmanship to the. Handbook of Research on Design and Management
of Lean Production Systems. 2014 Jan 31:1.
QR code on the product and on the storage shelf/ compartment [6] Novák V, Krajčovič M. Warehouse Management System. TRANSCOM.
so as to quickly register a new product in the warehouse 2011;23.
database. [7] Donnawitz, D. Industry 4.0 is transforming the warehouse sector, Perle,
The last functionality helps to retrieve a specific product in 2016. Available online: https://www.perle.com/articles/industry-4.0-is-
the warehouse. As a new warehouse layout is suggested, and transforming-the-warehouse-sector-40140747.shtml
[8] Fraga-Lamas P, Fernández-Caramés TM, Blanco-Novoa Ó, Vilar-
also because the operators tend to change what product is stored Montesinos MA. A Review on Industrial Augmented Reality Systems for
in each compartment, an Augmented Reality based guidance is the Industry 4.0 Shipyard. IEEE Access. 2018;6:13358-75.
introduced. The operator may provide, through the mobile [9] Establish Inc./ Herbert W. Davis & Co. Logistic Cost and Service,
application, a request to retrieve a product’s position from the CSCMP Global Conference; 2010.
database and be guided to it. Using device’s GPS and the [10] Kostrzewski M. Simulation method in research on material-flow in a
warehouse. Logistics and Transport. 2014;21.
corresponding warehouse compartment’s position, as stored in [11] Rouwenhorst B, Reuter B, Stockrahm V, van Houtum GJ, Mantel RJ,
the database, the operator is guided to find it. This application Zijm WH. Warehouse design and control: Framework and literature
may be used by operators, using either handheld equipment or review. European Journal of Operational Research. 2000;122(3):515-33.
pallet transfer vehicles. [12] Oxley B. Avoiding inferior design. Storage Handling and Distribution,
1994; 38(2): 28-30
[13] Rowley J. The principles of warehouse design. The Institute of Logistics
5 Conclusion & Transport, Corby. 2000.
[14] Gelders L, Ashayeri J, Van Looy P. A Simulation Package for Automated
To sum up, warehouse design and planning is an ever- Warehouses. Material Flow. 1983;1(3).
existing challenge in manufacturing that highly affects the [15] Hibino H, Fukuda Y, Fujii S, Kojima F, Mitsuyuki K, Yura Y. The
efficiency of the warehouse. Many solutions have been development of an object-oriented simulation system based on the
thought process of the manufacturing system design. International journal
proposed in the literature but it still seems to be an open issue of production economics. 1999 Apr 20;60:343-51.
for research. The developed methodology presents a step-by- [16] Andriansyah R, De Koning WW, Jordan RM, Etman LF, Rooda JE. A
step way to design and plan a warehouse which initiates from process algebra based simulation model of a miniload-workstation order
inventory control and management and is completed with a picking system. Computers in Industry. 2011 Apr 1;62(3):292-300.
warehouse simulation so as to verify warehouse design. [17] Rushton A, Croucher P, Baker P. The handbook of logistics and
distribution management: Understanding the supply chain. Kogan Page
Additionally, an Augmented Reality based mobile application Publishers; 2014 Jan 3.
is introduced. The application aims to facilitate warehouse [18] Baker P, Canessa M. Warehouse design: A structured approach.
management, supporting efficient navigation and product European Journal of Operational Research. 2009 Mar 1;193(2):425-36.
retrieval, which could be extended to logistics warehouse, [19] Accorsi R, Manzini R, Maranesi F. A decision-support system for the
where there the product stock is constantly changing, thus design and management of warehousing systems. Computers in Industry.
2014;65(1):175-86.
finding it becomes more difficult for the operators. [20] Mittal A, Krejci CC. A hybrid simulation model of inbound logistics
For future work, a more throughout analysis of the operations in regional food supply systems. In Winter Simulation
fluctuating customer demand will be performed, in order to Conference (WSC), 2015:1549-1560
improve the design of the stock levels. Moreover, lost sales cost [21] Thomas LM, Meller RD. Developing design guidelines for a case-picking
analysis due to low inventory level and the cost from the warehouse. International Journal of Production Economics. 2015 Dec
1;170:741-62.
unpredictable changing of the production line in order to serve [22] Mourtzis D, Papakostas N, Mavrikios D, Makris S, Alexopoulos K. The
some large orders. Additionally, the developed Augmented role of simulation in digital manufacturing: applications and outlook.
Reality application will be extended to other warehouse International journal of computer integrated manufacturing. 2015 Jan
management use cases. 2;28(1):3-24.
[23] Rentzos L, Papanastasiou S, Papakostas N, Chryssolouris G. Augmented
reality for human-based assembly: using product and process semantics.
Acknowledgements IFAC Proceedings Volumes. 2013 Jan 1;46(15):98-101
[24] Mourtzis D, Vlachou A, Zogopoulos V. Cloud-based augmented reality
The authors are grateful to the papermaking industry that remote maintenance through shop-floor monitoring: a product-service
provided the use case for this study. system approach. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering.
2017;139(6):061011.
[25] Mourtzis D, Vlachou E, Zogopoulos V, Fotini X. Integrated production
References and maintenance scheduling through machine monitoring and augmented
reality: An Industry 4.0 approach. InIFIP International Conference on
[1] Frazelle E. Supply Chain Strategy: The Logistics of Supply Chain Advances in Production Management Systems 2017 Sep 3 (pp. 354-362).
Management, 2002 McGraw-Hill, New York Springer, Cham.
[2] Wild T. Best Practice in Inventory Management, 2002, 2nd edition. [26] Efthymiou K, Sipsas K, Mourtzis D, Chryssolouris G. On knowledge
[3] Mourtzis D, Doukas M, Bernidaki D. Simulation in manufacturing: reuse for manufacturing systems design and planning: A semantic
Review and challenges. Procedia CIRP. 2014 Jan 1;25:213-29. technology approach. CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and
[4] Gu J, Goetschalckx M, McGinnis LF. Research on warehouse design and Technology. 2015 Jan 1;8:1-1
performance evaluation: A comprehensive review. European Journal of
Operational Research. 2010 Jun 16;203(3):539-49.
PAPERmaking!
In-situ analysis of polyelectrolyte complexes

by flow cytometry
Anders Strand. Lari Vãhãsalo. Annika Ketola. Kristian Salminen. Elias Retulainen. Anna Sundberg.
Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) from common papermaking additives were prepared at different
cation/anion ratios, resulting in colloidal light scattering particles. The polycations were cationic starches and
polyDADMACs, while the polyanions were different carboxymethyl celluloses. The PECs were studied by
turbidity measurements, as well as by flow cytometry (FCM). Turbidity maxima were detected close to the
theoretical neutralization point of the polycation and polyanion. The turbidity response of the PEC mixtures
varied with polyelectrolyte charge density. The PECs were in most cases quite stable over 24 h, but certain
combinations resulted in unstable particles over time. Flow cytometry of PECs revealed clear populations of
hydrophilic particles. The light scattering properties of PECs in side direction (SSC) and forward direction
(FSC) were recorded for the different PEC combinations. The determined FSC and SSC offered information
about very different PEC properties, and a new term was suggested for better understanding the
mechanisms behind PEC formation; FSC/SSC. It was suggested that the determined FSC/SSC values were
connected to the structural density of different particles. The premise was tested by analyses of solid, dense
particles as well as swollen, soft particles. In addition to this, the hydrophobicity of PECs was determined by
FCM. It was seen that the PECs were quite hydrophilic overall and that the measured hydrophobicities were
lowest around the theoretical point of neutralization. Finally, the behavior of a coagulating PEC mixture as a
function of contact time was studied with FCM.
Contact information: A. Strand & A. Sundberg, The Laboratory of Wood and Paper Chemistry, Åbo Akademi
University, Porthaninkatu 3, 20500 Turku, Finland e-mail: anders.strand@abo.fi & anna.sundberg@abo.fi
L. Vãhãsalo, CH Bioforce, Raisio, Finland e-mail: lari.vahasalo@abo.fi
A. Ketola, K. Salminen & E. Retulainen, VTT, Koivurannantie 1, 40400 Jyva¨skyla¨, Finland e-mail:
annika.ketola@vtt.fi , kristian.salminen@vtt.fi & elias.retulainen@vtt.fi
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1832-1
Page 1 of 16 Article 5 – Analysis

Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1832-1
ORIGINAL PAPER
In-situ analysis of polyelectrolyte complexes by flow

cytometry
Anders Strand . Lari Vähäsalo . Annika Ketola . Kristian Salminen .
Elias Retulainen . Anna Sundberg
Received: 22 December 2017 / Accepted: 5 May 2018 / Published online: 10 May 2018
Ó The Author(s) 2018
Abstract Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) from resulted in unstable particles over time. Flow cytom-
common papermaking additives were prepared at etry of PECs revealed clear populations of hydrophilic
different cation/anion ratios, resulting in colloidal particles. The light scattering properties of PECs in
light scattering particles. The polycations were side direction (SSC) and forward direction (FSC) were
cationic starches and polyDADMACs, while the recorded for the different PEC combinations. The
polyanions were different carboxymethyl celluloses. determined FSC and SSC offered information about
The PECs were studied by turbidity measurements, as very different PEC properties, and a new term was
well as by flow cytometry (FCM). Turbidity maxima suggested for better understanding the mechanisms
were detected close to the theoretical neutralization behind PEC formation; FSC/SSC. It was suggested
point of the polycation and polyanion. The turbidity that the determined FSC/SSC values were connected
response of the PEC mixtures varied with polyelec- to the structural density of different particles. The
trolyte charge density. The PECs were in most cases premise was tested by analyses of solid, dense
quite stable over 24 h, but certain combinations particles as well as swollen, soft particles. In addition
to this, the hydrophobicity of PECs was determined by
FCM. It was seen that the PECs were quite hydrophilic
A. Strand (&) A. Sundberg
The Laboratory of Wood and Paper Chemistry, Åbo overall and that the measured hydrophobicities were
Akademi University, Porthaninkatu 3, 20500 Turku, lowest around the theoretical point of neutralization.
Finland Finally, the behavior of a coagulating PEC mixture as
e-mail: anders.strand@abo.fi
a function of contact time was studied with FCM.
A. Sundberg
e-mail: anna.sundberg@abo.fi
Keywords Polyelectrolyte complex Cationic
L. Vähäsalo starch CMC Flow cytometry Light scattering
CH Bioforce, Raisio, Finland Hydrophobicity Structural density
e-mail: lari.vahasalo@abo.fi
A. Ketola K. Salminen E. Retulainen

VTT, Koivurannantie 1, 40400 Jyväskylä, Finland
e-mail: annika.ketola@vtt.fi Introduction
K. Salminen
e-mail: kristian.salminen@vtt.fi Lately, materials research has focused more and more
E. Retulainen on multi-composites. The potential of combining two
e-mail: elias.retulainen@vtt.fi or more desirable properties by tailoring the material
123
3782 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
opens up a vast array of new possibilities (Decher turbidity, static light scattering, dynamic light scatter-
1997; de Vasconcelos et al. 2006). The use of ing, polyelectrolyte titration, viscosity, surface charge
polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), or polyelectrolyte analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and electrophoretic
multilayers (PEMs) have received quite a lot of mobility (Buchhammer et al. 1995; Dautzenberg
attention in the field of research (Philipp et al. 1989; 1997; Dautzenberg and Karibyants 1999; Dragan
Dautzenberg 1997; Decher 1997; Dautzenberg and and Cristea 2001; Kekkonen et al. 2001; Hubbe et al.
Karibyants 1999). Multi-layered structures on surfaces 2005; de Vasconcelos et al. 2006). It has been reported
can be formed from a wide variety of components, that the formation of PECs is sensitive towards the
either from solutions or dispersions. nature of the cationic polyelectrolyte (Hubbe et al.
The most common approach for PEC or PEM 2005). It is known that the formation of PECs is path
formation is the electrostatic attraction between dependent, which means that all aspects of the PEC
oppositely charged groups. The formation of PECs is formation will influence the result (Kötz 1993; Feng
driven by the increase in entropy when counter ions et al. 2008). Due to the wide variety of available
are liberated from the oppositely charged polyelec- polyelectrolytes, additional information about their
trolytes during associative phase separation into interactions and the complexes they form is still
colloidal particles (Piculell and Lindman 1992; needed.
Kekkonen et al. 2001). Strong ionic binding between Adsorption experiments and modeling have been
the opposite charges of the polyelectrolytes results in used to gain information about formed layers of
kinetically frozen structures (Dautzenberg and Kar- polyelectrolytes (Van de Steeg et al. 1992; Fleer et al.
ibyants 1999). It has been reported that the core of 1993). Adsorption studies using QCM-D and SPR
PEC particles consists of a neutralized polyelectrolyte techniques have revealed that polyelectrolytes adsorb
core, while the outer shell consists mainly of excess differently depending on their chemical properties,
polyelectrolyte, which stabilizes the colloids against such as molar mass and charge density, onto model
aggregation (Dautzenberg and Karibyants 1999). cellulose or silica surfaces (Tammelin et al. 2004;
The use of PECs and PEMs have also found their Kontturi et al. 2008; Strand et al. 2017). A polyelec-
way into the field of pulping and papermaking trolyte with a high charge density will adsorb as a
(Petzold and Lunkwitz 1995; Petzold et al. 1996; stiffer and more rigid layer, compared to a polyelec-
Gernandt et al. 2003; Hubbe et al. 2003, 2005; trolyte with a low charge density (Kontturi et al. 2008).
Gärdlund et al. 2005; Lofton et al. 2005; Torgnysdot- The charge density of the surface itself in adsorption
ter and Wågberg 2006; Myllytie et al. 2009; Ren- studies is also of great importance, which was shown
neckar and Zhou 2009; Lin and Renneckar 2011; by adsorption experiments onto cellulose and silica
Granberg et al. 2012; Ankerfors and Wågberg 2013; surfaces. While the QCM-D and SPR methods provide
Marais et al. 2014). The use of PECs and PEMs in information about adsorption of polyelectrolytes onto
papermaking is somewhat expected, since the proper- surfaces, the behavior of unretained polycations and
ties of paper and retention of fillers commonly have polyanions is an open question. An analysis method
been tailored by additions of polyelectrolytes, in single that could bridge the gap between the previously used
or dual systems, for a long time (Hubbe 2006). analyses for PECs and the techniques used in adsorp-
Additionally, surfaces of pulp fibers carry anionic tion studies would be helpful for gaining additional
charges that are convenient anchor points for poly- insight into the behavior of polyelectrolyte mixtures.
electrolytes and PECs. In papermaking applications, Flow cytometry (FCM) is a relatively new tech-
the size of the PECs can be tailored to exceed the nique in the field of pulping and papermaking. The
average pore radius of pulp fibers, to ensure that the technique was adapted from medical science, where it
PECs are retained mainly on fiber surfaces. In is used mainly for the counting of cells (Shapiro 2003).
papermaking, surface-specific strengthening agents FCM also measures the light scattering properties of
are especially interesting, since the additive should be particles in suspension in forward and side direction.
adsorbed within the cross-over region of two fibers in Further, FCM can be used to measure the fluorescence
order to enhance paper strength (Stratton 1989). of particles at different wavelengths, which is very
The properties and behavior of PECs in suspension useful when combined with addition of selective dyes
has previously been studied by measurements of to samples. In the field of pulping and papermaking,
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3783
FCM has so far been used to analyze colloidal wood polyDADMACs were received as viscous solutions
pitch, bacteria, coated broke, precipitated oxalate, and with dry contents of about 26% and molar masses of
filler particles (Vähäsalo et al. 2003; Lindberg et al. 100–200 and 200–350 kDa, respectively. The poly-
2004; Vähäsalo and Holmbom 2005; Strand et al. DADMAC was diluted with distilled water to a
2013; Häärä et al. 2014). With FCM techniques, it is concentration of 0.1% under agitation. Poly(vinyl
possible to analyze particles in suspension directly sulfate) potassium salt (KPVS) was obtained from
without complicated pre-treatments. The strengths of Wako. The KPVS salt was dissolved in deionized
the FCM technique are short analysis times, as well as water under agitation. Hexadimethrine bromide (poly-
insight into the behavior and interactions of particle brene) was obtained from Sigma. The polybrene was
populations in aqueous suspension. dissolved in deionized water under agitation. Nile red
The aim of this work was to gain additional was obtained in dry form from from Sigma-Aldrich,
knowledge about PECs formed from commonly used USA. The Nile red was dissolved in methanol to a
papermaking additives, by analysis with flow cytom- concentration of 10 ppm.
etry. The light scattering properties of these particles A variety of commercially available mineral par-
might reveal important information about their prop- ticles was obtained. Prismatic precipitated calcium
erties and structure. The additives chosen for the study carbonate (PCC p) was obtained from Specialty
were different cationic starches, polyDADMAC and Minerals, New York, USA, as a slurry, which was
carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Cationic starches are diluted with pH-adjusted distilled water (pH 8).
the most commonly used additive in papermaking Scalenohedral precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC
(Fornue et al. 2011). Studies have shown that CMC s) was obtained from Specialty Minerals Nordic,
greatly increases both the strength and stiffness of Anjalankoski, Finland as a slurry, which was diluted
paper, which makes it a very interesting papermaking with pH-adjusted distilled water (pH 8). Commer-
additive (Beghello et al. 1997; Strand et al. 2017). An cially available ground calcium carbonate (GCC) was
additional aim of this work was to determine the obtained as a slurry, and was diluted with distilled
hydrophobicity of PECs, and to study the time water. Kaolin was obtained from Imerys Minerals, Par
dependent stability of different PEC mixtures, since Cornwall, UK, in powder form and was dispersed in
contact times between polyelectrolytes in papermak- distilled water. Three different grades of commercially
ing can vary between fractions of a second to several available bentonites were obtained from Clariant
hours. Produkte, Germany, and dispersed in distilled water.
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared by
H2SO4 hydrolysis of birch kraft pulp, with subsequent
Materials and methods purification steps (Beck-Candanedo et al. 2005).
Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were produced by
Materials TEMPO oxidation of birch kraft pulp followed by
mechanical defibration (Shibata and Isogai 2003).
Three different cationic starches were received from
Chemigate as pre-boiled slurries; Raifix 01015 SW, Methods
Raifix 25035, and Raisabond 15. The cationic starch
slurries were diluted with distilled water to 0.1% Charge titration
solutions under agitation. Sodium carboxymethyl
cellulose (CMC), Mw 700 kDa and DS 0.80–0.95, The anionic or cationic charge of the different
was obtained from Aldrich as dry powder. Addition- polyelectrolytes was analyzed by polyelectrolyte
ally, three 250 kDa CMCs of varying DS were titration with a particle charge detector (Mütek PCD
obtained from Acros Organics as dry powders. The 03, Mütek Analytic GmbH, Germany; BTG, Switzer-
different CMCs were dissolved in distilled water to a land) coupled to a titration device (736 GP Titrino,
concentration of 0.1% with the aid of agitation and Metrohm Ltd., Switzerland). The cationic polyelec-
boiling, until clearly dissolved. Two different polydi- trolytes were titrated with KPVS, and the anionic
allyldimethylammonium chloride (PolyDADMAC) polyelectrolytes were titrated with polybrene with an
solutions were obtained from Aldrich. The Mw of approximately 8 kDa (Sundberg et al. 2000).
123
3784 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
The amount of titrant needed for charge neutralization different fluorescence channels, which recorded the
was used to calculate the total charge of the analyzed scattering intensity in the green (512–542 nm), orange
polyelectrolyte (Tables 1 and 2). (575–605 nm), and red (615–645 nm) spectra. Fil-
tered distilled water was used as sheath fluid in the
Formation of polyelectrolyte complexes analyses. Nile red (Tamro, Vantaa, Finland) was used
as a fluorescent dye to stain the particles prior to FCM
Different volumes of 0.1% polycation solution were analysis, as in previously published studies (Vähäsalo
pipetted into glass bottles. A fixed volume of 0.1% et al. 2003; Vähäsalo and Holmbom 2005; Strand et al.
polyanion solution was pipetted into the polycation 2013). Nile red is an environment-sensitive fluo-
solution under vigorous magnetic stirring. To simplify rophore that exhibits a blue-shift proportional to the
and standardize the procedure, the polyanion was hydrophobicity of its environment (Greenspan and
always added to the polycation. Polyelectrolyte com- Fowler 1985). It was expected that the added Nile red
plexes (PECs) started forming immediately when the mainly stained the surface of the PEC particles, since
polyanion came in contact with the polycation, which the migration of Nile red into the PECs, and the
was evident as increasing opacity of the mixture upon solubility of Nile red in water, are both negligible
visual inspection. The PEC mixtures were diluted to a effects.
total volume of 30 mL with distilled water within a PEC samples were diluted 3–100 times with filtered
few seconds of contact time, prior to analyses. All distilled water prior to FCM analysis, depending on
experiments were performed at room temperature. the concentration of particles in the sample. Methanol
solution of Nile red (10 ppm) was added to stain the
Turbidity measurements PEC particles, and the fluorescence intensity in the red
spectrum was used as an indicator of particle
The initial turbidity of the PEC mixture was analyzed hydrophobicity. FCM analysis was used to count the
within 1 min after PEC formation using a turbimeter number of particles in the sample, and group the
(Hach 2100AN IS, ISO 7027) equipped with a LED particles together as populations based on their
light source (870 ± 30 nm). In order to assess the recorded light scattering properties. Particle popula-
long-term stability of the PECs, the mixture was stored tions were gated using Partec FloMax software, in
in closed glass bottles at room temperature for 24 h order to calculate the average scattering of particles in
before the turbidity was measured again using the side and forward direction, as well as particle
same device. The mixtures were stirred for a short time hydrophobicity (Vähäsalo et al. 2003).
prior to the turbidity measurements.
Flow cytometry Results and discussions
Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze the PEC Turbidity measurements
mixtures, using a Partec CyFlow Blue apparatus,
equipped with a blue Argon laser (488 nm). The light Solutions of polycations were mixed together with
scattered by the PEC particles were recorded in solutions of polyanions, forming nearly clear solutions
forward direction (FSC) and side direction (SSC, or turbid suspensions depending on the cation/anion
90°). The apparatus was also equipped with three ratio (Fig. 1). The increase in turbidity was caused by
Table 1 Properties of the Polycation Charge density [leq/g] Molar mass [kDa] Source
polycations used in the
experimental series Raifix 01015 SW ? 831 Low Waxy maize
Raisabond 15 ? 882 Medium Potato
Raifix 25035 ? 1870 Medium Potato
PolyDADMAC ? 3978 100–200 –
PolyDADMAC ? 4949 200–350 –
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3785
Table 2 Properties of the Polyanion Charge density [leq/g] Molar mass [kDa]
polyanions used in the
experimental series CMC, Aldrich, DS 0.80–0.95 - 4176 700
CMC, Acros Organics, DS 0.7 - 3351 250
Fig. 1 The measured turbidity values of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of polyDADMACs or different cationic starches with
CMCs (250 kDa) of DS 0.7, 0.9, and 1.2. The presented turbidity values were determined within 1 min of PEC formation
associative phase separation of the oppositely charged neutralization towards higher cation/anion ratios,
polyelectrolytes into colloidal particles (Piculell and since a larger amount of polycation was needed in
Lindman 1992; Kekkonen et al. 2001). The turbidity order to neutralize the anionic charge. The turbidity
increased up to cation/anion ratios close to the curves in these experiments were similar to previously
theoretical neutralization point of the polyelectrolytes, published results using other polyelectrolytes (Dragan
and decreased after this ratio was exceeded. The and Cristea 2001; Hubbe et al. 2005; Lofton et al.
calculated theoretical neutralization points between 2005).
the different polyelectrolytes are presented in Table 3. It has been shown that PECs coexist with dissolved
In order to illustrate that the turbidity maxima were polyelectrolyte species at cation/anion ratios above
connected to charge neutralization, the polycations and below the direct vicinity of the neutralization
were mixed together with CMCs of different charge point (Kekkonen et al. 2001). However, PEC mixtures
density, or degree of substitution (DS). Using a CMC close to the neutralization point only contain low
with higher charge density shifted theoretical point of residual amounts of dissolved polyelectrolytes. Excess
Table 3 Theoretical cation/anion ratio for charge neutralization

CMC DS 0.7, 250 kDa CMC DS 0.9, 250 kDa CMC DS 1.2, 250 kDa CMC DS 0.8–0.95, 700 kDa
PolyDADMAC 200–350 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.8

PolyDADMAC 100–200 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.0
Raifix 25035 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.2
Raisabond 15 3.8 4.4 5.1 4.7
Raifix 01015 SW 4.2 4.7 5.4 5.0
123
3786 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
of one of either anionic or cation polyelectrolyte PEC mixtures that contained an excess of either
results in a stabilizing shell around a neutralized polycation or polyanion, due to electrostatic stabiliza-
polyelectrolyte core (Dautzenberg and Karibyants tion of the particles. It is known that the PEC particles
1999). The PEC particles carry either negative or consist of a core of neutralized polyelectrolytes, and
positive net charge due to the cation/anion ratio of the an outer shell is formed from the polyelectrolyte in
mixture. Measurements have shown that the sign of excess (Dautzenberg and Karibyants 1999). It was
the PEC particles charge changes sharply within a clear that some changes occurred in the PEC particles
quite narrow cation/anion ratio (Kekkonen et al. over time, and that these changes were most likely an
2001). effect of secondary aggregation of particles. Decreases
The maximum turbidity for these mixtures appear and increases in turbidity over time have previously
close to the theoretical neutralization point, but not been reported for other PEC mixtures (Hubbe et al.
necessarily precisely on the neutralization point. 2005). Others have reported colloidally stable PECs
Similar observations have been reported earlier in over time periods of 48 h, and in some cases even
several studies (Chen et al. 2003). It was reported that 2 months (Gernandt et al. 2003).
a slight excess of polyDADMAC was needed to However, some very noticeable decreases in tur-
completely neutralize the polyanion used (Kekkonen bidity took place at certain cation/anion ratios. Com-
et al. 2001). Similarly, it was reported that the near- binations of Raifix 01015 SW with the different CMCs
zero electrophoretic mobility of PECs from poly- resulted in unstable PEC mixtures at cation/anion
DADMAC and CMC was achieved at a ratio of 8:10 of ratios close to the theoretical point of neutralization. In
cationic to anionic groups (Hubbe et al. 2005). these experiments, Raifix 01015 SW was the only
Deviations from a 1:1 when using irregularly branched tested cationic starch produced from waxy maize, i.e.
polyelectrolytes are quite common (Kötz 1993). This it consisted approximately of 98% branched amy-
was noticeable in the determined turbidity values lopectin, unlike the other cationic starches from potato
when cationic starches Raifix 01015 SW and Rais- (Fredriksson et al. 1998). This low-molar mass and
abond 15, which both contain a high amount of branched structure seemed to form unstable aggregates
branched amylopectin, were mixed together with the effectively, given enough time. Also a 5.5:1 ratio of
different CMC grades (Fig. 1). Steric factors, differ- Raisabond 15 and DS 1.2 CMC also resulted in
ences in chain lengths, and differences charge densi- unstable aggregates over time, i.e. once again close to
ties have previously been used to explain deviations the theoretical point of neutralization. An incomplete,
from 1:1 stoichiometric neutralization points between and less noticeable turbidity decrease was seen for
polyelectrolytes of opposite charge (Philipp et al. Raisabond 15 with DS 0.7 CMC at the ratio of 4:1,
1989; Buchhammer et al. 1995; Kekkonen et al. 2001). which also was close to the theoretical neutralization
It has previously been reported that the maximum point at 3.8.
turbidity decreases with increasing molar mass of the
polyelectrolyte (Hubbe et al. 2005). This correlation Flow cytometry
was not apparent in these experiments, but instead it
was noted that the maximum turbidity depended on the Polyanion was mixed together with polycations under
charge density of the cationic polyelectrolyte, when agitation. The PECs were diluted, a small amount of
the amount of anionic charges were kept constant in all staining agent for hydrophobic components (Nile red)
trial points. was added, and the mixture was analyzed by flow
cytometry. The Argon laser in the FCM instrument
Long-term stability of PECs scanned the PECs. The light scattered by each
colloidal particle was recorded in the forward direc-
The long-term stability of PEC mixtures was evalu- tion (FSC), side direction (SSC), and in the red spectra.
ated by turbidity measurements 24 h after PEC The different light scattering properties of the PEC
formation. The measured turbidity values after 24 h particles were plotted against each other, in order to
were lower than the previously measured values for create particle populations in FCM density plots. The
almost all of the tested PEC combinations (Fig. 2). PEC particle populations were quite visible when FSC
Only small changes in turbidity were expected for was plotted versus SSC, as illustrated in Fig. 3a of a
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3787
Fig. 2 The measured turbidity values of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of polyDADMACs or different cationic starches with
CMCs (250 kDa) of DS 0.7, 0.9, and 1.2. The presented turbidity values were determined after 24 h of PEC formation
Fig. 3 Two logarithmic

flow cytometry dot plots of
PECs in aqueous media,
using a mixture of
polyDADMAC
(100–200 kDa) ? CMC
(250 kDa, DS 0.9) with a
cation/anion ratio of 0.5:1.
The properties of the
measured particles are
plotted as a their side
scattering (SSC) versus
forward scattering (FSC),
and b their FSC versus
intensity in the red spectrum
(hydrophobicity)
0.5:1 mixture of polyDADMAC (100–200 kDa) with though the chemical environment could activate the
CMC (250 kDa, DS 0.9). hydrophobic dye to some extent. A hydrophilic nature
The colloidal PEC particles interacted with the of the PECs was very much suspected, since these
added hydrophobic dye, which was seen in the consist of kinetically frozen structures of polyelec-
recorded intensities of the particles in the red spectra trolytes that were previously soluble in water
(Fig. 3b). The added Nile red was most likely (Dautzenberg and Karibyants 1999).
adsorbed on the surface of the PECs. Nile red is an
environment-sensitive fluorophore, which is almost Particle count
non-fluorescent in hydrophilic environments, while it
undergoes a fluorescent enhancement and large PECs of polyDADMAC or three different commer-
absorption and blue shifts in hydrophobic environ- cially available cationic starches with CMC of 250 and
ments. The fluorescence in the red spectrum has 700 kDa were prepared at different cation/anion
commonly been used as a measurement of particle ratios. Noticeable variations in the number of particles
hydrophobicity (Vähäsalo et al. 2003; Strand et al. per lL was seen when 250 kDa CMC was used as
2013). The PECs were quite hydrophilic; the low polyanion, while the particle count remained more
intensities of the PEC particles in the red spectra stable when 700 kDa CMC was used (Fig. 4a, b).
indicated that the particles were hydrophilic, even Adsorption experiments have previously shown that
123
3788 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
Fig. 4 Number of particles per lL versus cation/anion ratio, for combinations of different polycations with a 250 kDa and b 700 kDa
CMC
increasing the molar mass of cationic starch results in a Overall, the changes in the determined SSC values
larger hydrodynamic thickness of the adsorbed layer were quite small as function of cation/anion ratio for
on quartz surfaces (Tammelin et al. 2004). The Mw of all of these PEC mixtures.
PEC particles have previously been shown to increase Larger and more noticeable changes took place in
with increasing molar mass of the used polyDAD- the average light scattered in forward direction (FSC)
MAC (Dautzenberg 2000). It would be expected that of the PEC mixtures. The FSC of PECs formed from
increasing the molar mass of CMC in these experi- polyDADMAC and CMC decreased dramatically as
ments also would lead to thicker, more compact the cation/anion ratio increased between 0.5 and 2,
particles in suspension. even though this type of behavior was not reflected in
It is important to remember that particles smaller the determined SSC values (Fig. 5b). The FSC for
than 0.1 lm were not analyzed in the FCM measure- PECs formed from Raifix 25035 and CMC also
ments, and are not included in the results. This decreased noticeably after the theoretical neutraliza-
phenomenon is highlighted when combining Raifix tion point. The FSC of PECs from Raisabond 15 and
01015 SW with 250 kDa CMC at a cation/anion ratio Raifix 01015 SW were overall significantly higher
of 5:1, which resulted in a coagulating combination of than for the other mixtures. Large differences in the
polyelectrolytes (Fig. 4a). Close to the neutralization FSC values as a function of cation/anion ratio, that
point, the large number of particles below the detec- were not reflected in the SSC values, indicated that
tion limit were suddenly elevated into the detection FSC and SSC were connected to very different
range of the FCM, which resulted in a large spike in properties of the PEC particles. Available explana-
particles per lL. tions from medical science about FCM of cells may be
useful for understanding the scattered light in different
Light scattering properties directions of these PEC particles.
In medical science, SSC is commonly used as an
PEC mixtures were analyzed by flow cytometry at indicator of the granularity of cells, i.e. the amount of
different cation/anion ratios. The scattering of light in granular components within a cell that are able to
side direction (SSC), and scattering of light in forward scatter light in the side direction (Shapiro 2003).
direction (FSC) was recorded for the particles. Aver- Therefore, SSC is not a direct measurement of particle
age values were calculated for the different PEC size, but can be used to distinguish cell types from
populations, and these values were plotted as a each other. Degranulation of cells and membrane
function of cation/anion ratio. Mixing together poly- ruffling following activation are known to decrease the
DADMAC with CMC resulted in PEC particles with SSC of cells. On the other hand, FSC is commonly
quite high SSC values (Fig. 5a). The SSC of particles used as an indicator of cell size, but is not a direct
consisting of cationic starches and CMC were con- measurement of cell size (Shapiro 2003). It is known
siderably lower at all measured cation/anion ratios. that many factors influence the FSC of a cell, such as
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3789
Fig. 5 Average a side scattering and b forward scattering of PEC particle populations at different cation/anion ratios of polycations
with 700 kDa CMC and DS 0.8–0.95
the wavelength of the incoming light, the precise angle

that the light is collected, the internal structure of the
cells, the presence of strongly absorbing materials
within the cell, and refractive index of the cell. It has
been shown that osmotic swelling of cells, as well as
damages from freezing and thawing of cells will lower
their measured FSC. Especially interesting is the fact
that changes in lipid packing within a cell can affect
the FSC, without changes in cell volumes. It has also
been reported that highly textured surfaces or internal
structures lower the FSC of a cell.
With the explanations of FCM data from medical Fig. 6 Determined FSC/SSC values of particle populations
from different cation/anion ratios of polycations with 700 kDa
science, it is clear that SSC and FSC give information CMC
about very different properties of the PEC particles.
The SSC of a particle gives information about the exceeded. The FSC/SSC values of PECs formed from
amount of dense and light scattering surfaces. The Raifix 01015 SW or Raisabond 15 with CMC were
FSC of a particle gives information about the trans- higher throughout the studied cation/anion interval,
parency of a particle, as well as the complexity of its yet similar to each other. PolyDADMAC, with a
external or internal texture. The light scattering in both charge density of about 4 meq/g, gave lower FSC/SSC
side and forward direction are still connected to values than Raifix 25035 (1.9 meq/g), which in its turn
particle size, even though the dependence is indirect. gave lower values than Raifix 01015 SW and
An attempt to diminish the influence of particle size by Raisabond 15 (0.8 and 0.9 meq/g, respectively). The
combining the SSC and FSC of PEC particles into one results indicated that the FSC/SSC values decreased
single term, in the form of FSC/SSC values, gave new with increasing charge density of the polycation, while
correlations. the properties of the polyanion was kept constant.
The FSC/SSC values of PECs formed from Furthermore, the results indicated that for most
polyDADMAC and CMC at low cation/anion ratio combinations the FSC/SSC values seemed to decrease
was 2.4, but decreased to about 1.1 with increasing after the theoretical point of neutralization.
cation/anion ratio (Fig. 6). The size estimation of In order to understand these results, available
these PEC particles from SSC and FSC were almost literature about the adsorption behavior of polyelec-
the same at the highest examined cation/anion ratio. trolytes onto model surfaces need to be considered,
The FSC/SSC of PECs from Raifix 25035 and CMC since the interactions between two dissolved poly-
were slightly higher at low cation/anion ratio, but also electrolytes may exhibit similar mechanisms.
decreased after the theoretical neutralization point was
123
3790 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
Adsorption experiments with QCM-D have previously polyelectrolyte charge density (Dautzenberg 1997;
shown that polyelectrolytes adsorb differently onto Mende et al. 2002).
model surfaces depending on their charge density and In mixtures of cationic starches and CMC, the FSC/
molar mass (Tammelin et al. 2004; Kontturi et al. SSC values indicated that the PECs were less dense
2008). Adsorbed polyelectrolyte layers consist of the than the PECs formed with polyDADMAC (Fig. 6).
polymer, electrolyte (if present), and solvent that is The determined FSC/SSC values increased with
imbibed inside the layer (Kontturi et al. 2008). The decreasing charge density of the polycations, indicat-
amount of water moving with the polyelectrolyte can ing that less dense PECs were formed with the cationic
be quite substantial, if the polyelectrolyte forms starches of lower charge density. It has been reported
extended loops, trains, or tails. It was previously that large differences in charge density between the
shown that adsorbed layers of CMC and these cationic polycation and polyanion may lead to less dense, and
starches onto nanocellulose surfaces contained more swollen PEC structures (Dautzenberg 1997).
between 52 and 66% of coupled water by weight at The cationic starches originated either from potato or
adsorption equilibrium (Strand et al. 2017). Cationic waxy maize, that contain about 77 and 98% of
starches with high DS onto cellulose surfaces results in branched amylopectin respectively (Fredriksson
a significantly more rigid layer, compared to cationic et al. 1998). Less well-ordered packing of the cationic
starches with a low DS, because polyelectrolytes with starches in the PEC particles would be expected,
high DS are more strongly attracted to surfaces of compared with the linear and highly charged
opposite charge. polyDADMAC.
There are some similarities between adsorption of FCM analysis of various particle types was per-
polyelectrolytes onto model surfaces and the creation formed in order to gain more insight about FSC/SSC
of PECs, since both are driven by attraction of values. The available particles were kaolin, scaleno-
oppositely charged groups. Instead of adsorbing the hedral and prismatic precipitated calcium carbonates
polyelectrolyte onto an existing surface, it is adsorbed (PCC s, PCC p), ground calcium carbonate (GCC),
onto another polyelectrolyte in order to create a three different bentonites, cellulose nanocrystals
completely new colloidal phase. The FCM results (CNC), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). The FCM
indicate that similar rules apply in the formation of analyses were performed in similar fashion, and the
PECs as in the adsorption studies; A polyelectrolyte calculations were performed in the same way as for the
with higher charge density will have higher affinity to PECs. Theoretically, solid particles should have FSC/
the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte, creating a SSC values close to 1.0 in the FCM setup. This was
more dense structure. In these experiments, both seen for both of the PCC particle types, GCC, and
polyDADAMAC and CMC consisted of linear and kaolin (Table 4). The bentonites, which are known to
highly charged polyelectrolyte chains, that resulted in swell in water, had FSC/SSC values between 2.8 and
FSC/SSC values as low as 1.1. The dense PEC 4.6. The FSC/SSC of cellulose nanocrystals, which are
structure was able to scatter light more effectively in known to be dense and crystalline cellulose particles,
SSC, and the increasing complexity of the particle
structure caused less effective light scattering in FSC. Table 4 Determined FSC/ Particle type FSC/SSC
A determined FSC/SSC value approaching 1.0 indi- SSC values for a variety of
cated that quite dense PEC particles were formed. It different inorganic and PCC p 1.0
has previously been reported that higher structure organic particles analyzed
PCC s 1.1
by FCM
density of PECs was obtained when CMC of DS 1.3 GCC 1.3
was mixed with amine-epichlorhydrin resin (PAE), Kaolin 1.4
compared to when CMC of DS 0.7 was used (Gernandt Bentonite A 2.8
et al. 2003). Different models for explaining the Bentonite B 3.2
degree of PEC particle swelling/density as a function Bentonite C 4.6
The reported FSC/SSC
of polyelectrolyte chain length and charge density CNC 1.4
values are not absolute for
have been theorized upon, and it was shown that the each particle type, and may CNF 6.6
density of the PEC core is influenced by vary with various particle PECs 1.1–8.7
properties to some extent
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3791
was low. The FSC/SSC of cellulose nanofibrils, which indicated that the particles were slightly less
are known to be very swollen in water, was 6.6. The hydrophobic.
obtained results indicated that the determined FSC/ It has been reported that the hydrophobic domains
SSC values could in fact be connected to particle exist within polyelectrolytes, and that these tend to
density or swelling. By mixing together different types vary with the conformational changes (Abe et al.
of polyelectrolytes into PECs, FSC/SSC values of 1977). It was reported that a polyelectrolyte with many
1.1–8.7 have so far been obtained, indicating that the hydrophilic ionic sites will show a hydrophobic
choice of polyelectrolytes and the ratio between them atmosphere, or a low-polar solvent-like environment,
will results in very different populations of PEC within its domains. The hydrophobicity of a dense
particles. polyelectrolyte conformation is higher than for a
The hydrophobicity of PEC particles was deter- polyelectrolyte with extended conformation. The
mined by FCM analyses with the added hydrophobic presented FCM results would indicate that the poly-
staining agent Nile red. A small volume of Nile red electrolyte chains on the surfaces of the PEC particles
dissolved in methanol was added to the different water were less dense around their neutralization points, due
samples. It was expected that the added Nile red to the slight decrease in hydrophobicity. More
mainly adsorbed onto the surface of the different PEC extended conformations of the polyelectrolytes may
particles, since the solubility of Nile red in water is have been favored around the neutralization point.
negligible and the migration of Nile red into the PECs Additionally, the determined hydrophobicities of the
is unlikely (Greenspan and Fowler 1985; Jose and PECs followed their FSC/SSC values to some extent;
Burgess 2006). Once activated, Nile red emitted increases in structural density of the PECs seemed to
fluorescent light that was detected in the red spectra be connected to increases in hydrophobicity.
of the FCM apparatus. The PEC particles interacted
and activated the added Nile red, but the detected red Time dependency: coagulation
intensities were quite low, which indicated that the
PECs were ultimately hydrophilic in nature (Fig. 7). To study the time dependency of PECs over a short
The average hydrophobicity of the PEC particles were time scale, a coagulating PEC mixture was chosen for
of the same size range for all of the measured FCM analysis. From the preliminary turbidity mea-
polyelectrolyte combinations at different cation/anion surements, it was known that a mixture of Raifix
ratios. The average hydrophobicity of the PECs was 01015 SW and 250 kDa CMC, DS 0.9, at a ratio of 5:1,
lowest around the theoretical point of neutralization was unstable over time. The two polyelectrolytes were
for all of the PEC combinations, and increased once quickly mixed together and diluted. The first sample
this cation/anion ratio was exceeded. The results was collected after 6 s of polyelectrolyte contact time,
showed that the added Nile red was activated to a and it was quickly fed into the FCM apparatus. The
lesser extent close to the neutralization points, which initial number of particles in suspension was about
41000/lL, and the measured FSC/SSC value of the
PEC population was 3.4 (Fig. 8). The number of
particles per lL decreased quite rapidly within the first
5 min of contact time, from 41000 to about 10000/lL,
most likely due to secondary aggregation of the initial
particles. Within the first 5 min, the FSC/SSC value of
the particle population also increased from 3.4 to 8.7,
indicating the formation of large, swollen PEC
particles with low structural density. The particle
count continued to decrease over time, and only about
500/lL remained at 53 min. From the FCM density
plots, it was visible that the largest, and most
unstable aggregates disappeared over time. The largest
Fig. 7 Determined average hydrophobicity of particle popula-
tions from different cation/anion ratios of polycations with aggregates formed macroscopic flocs, that were either
700 kDa CMC left in suspension or attached to the glass beaker walls.
123
3792 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
Fig. 8 Determined number of particles per lL (Open circle, the PEC population after different contact times, plotted as SSC
green) and FSC/SSC values (Diamond, blue) of a coagulating versus FSC, are also presented. (Color figure online)
PEC mixture as a function of contact time. FCM density plots of
The FSC/SSC value of the particle population seemed when studying mixtures of this nature. The situation at
to stabilize at about 5.5 after 53 min, but the number of initial polyelectrolyte contact, where a papermaker
particles remaining in suspension was only about 1% usually operates, may be very different from the
of the initial amount. equilibrium states commonly studied at laboratory
The large change in the observed PEC population scale. The salt concentration should also be taken into
should be of special interest in wet-end chemistry, account, since this will influence the results due to the
where the contact times between polycations and introduction of screening effects during PEC
polyanions can be extremely short. These studied formation.
additives required a short contact time before large, It should be mentioned again, that every step of
swollen, and easily retainable PEC particles were PEC formation will influence the result (Kötz 1993;
formed. In adsorption studies at high flux, an initial Feng et al. 2008). Slowly introducing the polycation to
over-adsorption of polymer has been noted, and the its counterpart, which is a common approach in
over-adsorption was corrected by partial desorption literature, in order to study the cationically stabilized
over time (Fleer et al. 1993). In a previous study, it was PECs at cation/anion ratios exceeding the neutraliza-
noted that the response to additions of salt took up to tion point will cause the interaction path to pass
60 min for some PEC systems (Dautzenberg and through the unstable region. By suddenly introducing
Karibyants 1999). In another study, the PEC mixtures the polycation, it is possible to circumvent this
were stirred for 10 min, and allowed to stabilize for phenomenon and obtain cationically stabilized parti-
2 h prior to characterization (Mende et al. 2002). cles that are not products of secondary aggregation.
Therefore, the time dependency of PECs should be
studied in more detail, and also be taken into account
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3793
Conclusions Acknowledgments This work is a part of the project

ExtBioNet, appointed by the Academy of Finland. The work
is part of the activities of the Process Chemistry Centre (PCC) at
Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were prepared from Åbo Akademi University. Special thanks to Frida Sjögren, MSc
common papermaking additives at different cation/ worker at the laboratory of Wood and Paper Chemistry, Åbo
anion ratios. The polycations were different cationic Akademi University, for skillful laboratory work.
starches and polyDADMACs, while the polyanions
Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the
were CMCs of various molar masses and charge Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://
densities. The colloidal, light scattering PEC particles creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unre-
were studied by turbidity measurements, as well as by stricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
flow cytometry (FCM). Turbidity maxima of the provided you give appropriate credit to the original
author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Com-
different PEC mixtures were located close to the mons license, and indicate if changes were made.
theoretical point of neutralization between the poly-
cation and polyanion. The turbidity response varied
with polyelectrolyte charge density. The formed PECs
were in most cases stable for 24 h, but certain References
combinations close to the theoretical point of neutral-
ization resulted in unstable complexes. Abe K, Koide M, Tsuchida E (1977) Hydrophobicities in the
The light scattering properties of PECs in side domains of polyelectrolytes. J Polym Sci, Part A: Polym
Chem 15:2469–2477. https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1977.
direction (SSC) and in forward direction (FSC) were 170151016
recorded by FCM analyses. It was seen that the SSC Ankerfors C, Wågberg L (2013) Polyelectrolyte complexes for
and FSC of the analyzed particles were influenced by tailoring of wood fibre surfaces. In: Müller M (ed) Poly-
very different particle properties, and a new term was electrolyte complexes in the dispersed and solid state II.
Springer, Berlin Heidelberg, pp 1–24. https://doi.org/10.
suggested to better understand the properties of these 1007/12_2012_206
particles in suspension; FSC/SSC. It was shown that Beck-Candanedo S, Roman M, Gray D (2005) Effect of reaction
the calculated FSC/SSC values were connected to the conditions on the properties and behavior of wood cellu-
structural density of particles. The hydrophobicity of lose nanocrystal suspensions. Biomacromol 6:1048–1054.
https://doi.org/10.1021/bm049300p
PECs was also analyzed by FCM. All of the measured Beghello L, Long L, Eklund D (1997) Laboratory study on
PEC combinations were very hydrophilic, and it was carboxymethylcellulose as a wet-end additive in paper-
seen that the hydrophobicity of the particles was board making. Pap Puu 79:55–57
lowest close to the theoretical point of neutralization. Buchhammer H-M, Kramer G, Lunkwitz K (1995) Interaction
of colloidal dispersions of non-stoichiometric polyelec-
Finally, a coagulating PEC mixture was studied by trolyte complexes and silica particles. Colloids Surf A
FCM analysis as a function of time. It was shown that 95:299–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/0927-
the initial particle count decreased by 75% over a short 7757(94)03036-Y
period of time. The PECs were initially of medium Chen J, Heitmann A, Hubbe M (2003) Dependency of poly-
electrolyte complex stoichiometry on the order of addition.
density, but quickly formed large, swollen particles 1. Effect of salt concentration during streaming current
due to secondary aggregation amongst the initial titrations with strong poly-acid and poly-base. Colloids
particles. After 53 min, only about 1% of the particles Surf A 223:215–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-
remained in suspension. 7757(03)00222-X
Dautzenberg H (1997) Polyelectrolyte complex formation in
It is suggested that FCM can be used to study highly aggregating systems. 1. Effect of salt: polyelec-
polyelectrolyte complexes in suspension. FCM pro- trolyte complex formation in the presence of NaCl.
vides relevant information about the structural density Macromolecules 30:7810–7815. https://doi.org/10.1021/
and hydrophobicity of these particles. With FCM it ma970803f
Dautzenberg H (2000) Polyelectrolyte complex formation: role
would be possible to simultaneous analyze PEC of a double hydrophilic polymer. Macromol Chem Phys
properties and their interactions with other particles 201:1765–1773. https://doi.org/10.1002/1521-
in suspension. When dealing with research or produc- 3935(20000901)201:14\1765:AID-MACP1765[3.0.
tion of PECs, FCM techniques can be very useful for CO;2-W
Dautzenberg H, Karibyants N (1999) Polyelectrolyte complex
categorizing the formed particles. formation in highly aggregating systems. Effect of salt:
response to subsequent addition of NaCl. Macromol Chem
Phys 200:118–125. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1521-
123
3794 Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795
3935(19990101)200:1\118::AID-MACP118[3.0.CO;2- Hubbe M, Moore S, Lee SY (2005) Effects of charge ratios and

K cationic polymer nature on polyelectrolyte complex
De Vasconcelos C, Bezerril P, Dos Santos D, Dantas T, Pereira deposition onto cellulose. Ind Eng Chem Res
M, Fonseca J (2006) Effect of molecular weight and ionic 44:3068–3074. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie048902m
strength on the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes Jose J, Burgess K (2006) Syntheses and properties of water-
based on poly(methacrylic acid) and chitosan. Biomacro- soluble nile red derivatives. J Org Chem 71:7835–7839.
mol 7:1245–1252. https://doi.org/10.1021/bm050963w https://doi.org/10.1021/jo061369v
Decher G (1997) Fuzzy nanoassemblies: toward layered poly- Kekkonen J, Lattu H, Stenius P (2001) Adsorption kinetics of
meric multicomposites. Science 277:1232–1237. https:// complexes formed by oppositely charged polyelectrolytes.
doi.org/10.1126/science.277.5330.1232 J Colloid Interface Sci 234:384–392. https://doi.org/10.
Dragan S, Cristea M (2001) Influence of low-molecular-weight 1006/jcis.2000.7326
salts on the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes based Kontturi K, Tammelin T, Johansson L-S, Stenius P (2008)
on polycations with quaternary ammonium salt groups in Adsorption of cationic starch on cellulose studied by
the main chain and poly(sodium acrylate). Eur Polym J QCM-D. Langmuir 24:4743–4749. https://doi.org/10.
37:1571–1575. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014- 1021/la703604j
3057(01)00025-8 Kötz J (1993) Phase behavior of polyanion-polycation aggre-
Feng X, Leduc M, Pelton R (2008) Polyelectrolyte complex gates and possibilities of utilization. Nord Pulp Pap Res J
characterization with isothermal titration calorimetry and 8:11–14
colloid titration. Colloids Surf A 317:535–542. https://doi. Lin Z, Renneckar S (2011) Nanocomposite-based lignocellu-
org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2007.11.053 losic fibers 3: polyelectrolyte adsorption onto heteroge-
Fleer G, Cohen Stuart M, Scheutjens J, Cosgrove T, Vincent B neous fiber surfaces. Cellulose 18:563–574. https://doi.org/
(1993) Electrostatic effects: charged surfaces and poly- 10.1007/s10570-011-9502-6
electrolyte adsorption. In: Polymers at interfaces, 1st edn. Lindberg L, Vähäsalo L, Holmbom B (2004) Flow cytometry of
Chapman & Hall, London, pp 343–375 bacteria and wood resin particles in paper production. Nord
Fornue E, Allan G, Quinones H, Gonzalez G, Saucedo J (2011) Pulp Pap Res J 19:412–416. https://doi.org/10.3183/
Fundamental aspects of adhesion between cellulosic sur- NPPRJ-2004-19-04-p412-416
faces in contact—a review. Papel 72:85–90 Lofton M, Moore S, Hubbe M, Lee SY (2005) Deposition of
Fredriksson H, Silverio J, Andersson R, Eliasson A-C, Aman P polyelectrolyte complexes as a mechanism for developing
(1998) The influence of amylose and amylopectin charac- paper dry strength. Tappi J 4:3–8
teristics on gelatinization and retrogradation properties of Marais A, Utsel S, Gustafsson E, Wågberg L (2014) Towards a
different starches. Carbohydr Polym 35:119–134 super-strainable paper using the layer-by-layer technique.
Gärdlund L, Forsström J, Andreasson B, Wågberg L (2005) Carbohydr Polym 100:218–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Influence of polyelectrolyte complexes on the strength carbpol.2013.03.049
properties of papers from unbleached kraft pulps with Mende M, Petzold G, Buchhammer H-M (2002) Polyelectrolyte
different yields. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 20:36–42. https://doi. complex formation between poly(diallyldimethyl-ammo-
org/10.3183/NPPRJ-2005-20-01-p036-042 nium chloride) and copolymers of acrylamide and sodium-
Gernandt R, Wågberg L, Gärdlund L, Dautzenberg H (2003) acrylate. Colloid Polym Sci 280:342–351. https://doi.org/
Polyelectrolyte complexes for surface modification of 10.1007/s00396-001-0614-7
wood fibres: I. Preparation and characterisation of com- Myllytie P, Yin J, Holappa S, Laine J (2009) The effect of
plexes for dry and wet strength improvement of paper. different polysaccharides on the development of paper
Colloids Surf A 213:15–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/ strength during drying. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 24:469–477.
S0927-7757(02)00335-7 https://doi.org/10.3183/NPPRJ-2009-24-04-p469-477
Granberg H, Coppel L, Eita M, de Mayolo A, Arwin H, Wåg- Petzold G, Lunkwitz K (1995) The interaction between poly-
berg L (2012) Dynamics of moisture interaction with electrolyte complexes made from poly(dimethyldially-
polyelectrolyte multilayers containing nanofibrillated cel- lammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) and poly(maleic acid-
lulose. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 27:496–499. https://doi.org/10. co-a-methylstyrene) (P(MS-a-MeSty)) and cellulosic
3183/NPPRJ-2012-27-02-p496-499 materials. Colloids Surf A 98:225–233. https://doi.org/10.
Greenspan P, Fowler S (1985) Spectrofluorometric studies of 1016/0927-7757(95)03133-X
the lipid probe, nile red. J Lipid Res 26:781–789 Petzold G, Buchhammer H-M, Lunkwitz K (1996) The use of
Häärä M, Konn J, Vähäsalo L, Sundberg A, Willför S (2014) oppositely charged polyelectrolytes as flocculants and
Flow cytometry as a tool to assess inhibitor performance retention aids. Colloids Surf A 119:87–92. https://doi.org/
for calcium oxalate scale control. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 10.1016/S0927-7757(96)03740-5
29:663–672. https://doi.org/10.3183/NPPRJ-2014-29-04- Philipp B, Dautzenberg H, Linow K-J, Kötz J, Dawydoff W
p663-672 (1989) Polyelectrolyte complexes—recent developments
Hubbe M (2006) Bonding between cellulosic fibers in the and open problems. Prog Polym Sci 14:91–172. https://doi.
absence and presence of dry-strength agents—a review. org/10.1016/0079-6700(89)90018-X
BioResources 1:281–318. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores. Piculell L, Lindman B (1992) Association and segregation in
1.2.281-318 aqueous polymer/polymer, polymer/surfactant, and sur-
Hubbe M, Jackson T, Zhang M (2003) Fiber surface saturation factant/surfactant mixtures: similarities and differences.
as a strategy to optimize dual-polymer dry strength treat- Adv Colloid Interface Sci 41:149–178. https://doi.org/10.
ment. Tappi J 2:7–12 1016/0001-8686(92)80011-L
123
Cellulose (2018) 25:3781–3795 3795
Renneckar S, Zhou Y (2009) Nanoscale coatings on wood: Sundberg A, Pranovich A, Holmbom B (2000) Distribution of
polyelectrolyte adsorption and layer-by-layer assembled anionic groups in TMP suspensions. J Wood Chem Tech-
film formation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 1:559–566. nol 20:71–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/
https://doi.org/10.1021/am800119q 02773810009349625
Shapiro H (2003) Practical flow cytometry, 4th edn. Wiley, Tammelin T, Merta J, Johansson L-S, Stenius P (2004) Vis-
Hoboken coelastic properties of cationic starch adsorbed on quartz
Shibata I, Isogai A (2003) Depolymerization of cellouronic acid studied by QCM-D. Langmuir 20:10900–10909. https://
during TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Cellulose 10:151–158 doi.org/10.1021/la0487693
Strand A, Lindqvist H, Vähäsalo L, Blomquist M, Sundberg A Torgnysdotter A, Wågberg L (2006) Tailoring of fibre/fibre
(2013) Analysis of interactions between colloidal wood joints in order to avoid the negative impacts of drying on
pitch and various mineral particles by flow cytometry. paper properties. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 21:411–418. https://
BioResources 8:3884–3900. https://doi.org/10.15376/ doi.org/10.3183/NPPRJ-2006-21-03-p411-418
biores.8.3.3884-3900 Vähäsalo L, Holmbom B (2005) Factors affecting white pitch
Strand A, Khakalo A, Kouko J, Oksanen A, Ketola A, Salminen deposition. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 20:164–168. https://doi.
K, Rojas O, Retulainen E, Sundberg A (2017) The effect of org/10.3183/NPPRJ-2005-20-02-p164-168
chemical additives on the strength, stiffness and elongation Vähäsalo L, Degerth R, Holmbom B (2003) The use of flow
potential of paper. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 32:324–335. cytometry in wet end research. Pap Technol 44:45–49
https://doi.org/10.3183/NPPRJ-2017-32-03-p324-335 Van de Steeg H, Cohen Stuart M, De Keizer A, Bijsterbosch B
Stratton R (1989) Dependence of sheet properties on the loca- (1992) Polyelectrolyte adsorption: a subtle balance of
tion of adsorbed polymer. Nord Pulp Pap Res J 4:104–112 forces. Langmuir 8:2538–2546. https://doi.org/10.1021/
la00046a030
123
PAPERmaking!
Comparative Studies on the Explosion

Severity of Different Wood Dusts from
Fiberboard Production
a b a b c a
Lu Guo, Qiuping Xiao, Nanfeng Zhu, Yao Wang, Xiulan Chen, and Changyan Xu ,*
Wood dust samples with different particle sizes were used to investigate the explosion characteristics of
wood dust. The dust samples came from Populus alba L., Pinus massoniana Lamb., and Cinnamonum
camphora (L.) Pres., species that are commonly utilized in medium density fiberboard production in China.
The thermogravimetric characteristics, element composition, and morphology of dust samples were analyzed
to help explain the explosion phenomena in a 20 L sphere. The analysis showed that both the maximum
explosion pressure and explosion index of wood dust presented a decreasing trend with increasing particle
size, and the maximum explosion pressure values were in the range of 7 to 9 bar, regardless of species. For
both explosion pressure and explosion index values, the wood dust with similar particle sizes were different,
which are ranked as Populus alba > Cinnamonum camphora > Pinus massoniana. In addition, for the
explosion pressure of wood dust with similar particle size, the dust concentration had threshold values.
Additionally, the particle size and dust concentration had a synergistic effect on the explosion pressure and
explosion index. Wood dust with a smaller particle size is more likely to explode at the threshold of
concentration.
Contact information: a: College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159
Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, P.R. China; b: Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.,
345 Yunling West Road, P.R. China; c: Dare Wood-Based Panels Group Co., Ltd., 2021 Haixiu Road, P.R.
China; *Corresponding author: changyanxu1999@163.com
Guo et al. (2019). “Explosion of wood dusts,” BioResources 14(2), 3182-3199.
DOI: 10.15376/biores.14.2.3182-3199
Page 1 of 19 Article 6 – Wood Panel

PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE bioresources.com
Comparative Studies on the Explosion Severity of

Different Wood Dusts from Fiberboard Production
Lu Guo,a Qiuping Xiao,b Nanfeng Zhu,a Yao Wang,b Xiulan Chen,c and Changyan Xu a,*
Wood dust samples with different particle sizes were used to investigate
the explosion characteristics of wood dust. The dust samples came from
Populus alba L., Pinus massoniana Lamb., and Cinnamonum camphora
(L.) Pres., species that are commonly utilized in medium density
fiberboard production in China. The thermogravimetric characteristics,
element composition, and morphology of dust samples were analyzed to
help explain the explosion phenomena in a 20 L sphere. The analysis
showed that both the maximum explosion pressure and explosion index
of wood dust presented a decreasing trend with increasing particle size,
and the maximum explosion pressure values were in the range of 7 to 9
bar, regardless of species. For both explosion pressure and explosion
index values, the wood dust with similar particle sizes were different,
which are ranked as Populus alba > Cinnamonum camphora > Pinus
massoniana. In addition, for the explosion pressure of wood dust with
similar particle size, the dust concentration had threshold values.
Additionally, the particle size and dust concentration had a synergistic
effect on the explosion pressure and explosion index. Wood dust with a
smaller particle size is more likely to explode at the threshold of
concentration.
Keywords: Wood dust; Particle size; Dust concentration; Maximum explosion pressure; Explosion index
Contact information: a: College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159
Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, P.R. China; b: Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co.,
Ltd., 345 Yunling West Road, P.R. China; c: Dare Wood-Based Panels Group Co., Ltd., 2021 Haixiu Road,
P.R. China; *Corresponding author: changyanxu1999@163.com
INTRODUCTION
With the development of modern industry and the extensive application of powder
technology, a growing number of industries are becoming involved in the production,
processing, transportation, and storage of flammable powder. In recent years, the types
and amounts of flammable powder have increased greatly, resulting in a significant
increase in equipment abrasion, dust explosion casualties, and serious environmental
pollution (Abbasi and Abbasi 2007; Yan and Yu 2012; Yuan et al. 2015). As a typical
type of flammable powder, biomass dust, especially wood dust, also possesses serious
explosive potential (Huescar Medina et al. 2013; Calvo Olivares and Rivera 2014). Dust
burning is likely to occur in almost all sections involving wood dust processing,
transportation, and storage, and such incidents do harm to the human body, equipment,
and the environment (Hedlund et al. 2014; Krentowski 2015). In the fabrication board
production, wood grinding, sawing, milling, planing, carving, and other processing
processes will produce shavings, sawdust, sanded wood powder, etc. When the wood dust
is suspended in the air or scattered on the hot surface of the equipment, the dust is
accumulated. If there is a suitable ignition source in the surrounding environment, the
Guo et al. (2019). “Explosion of wood dusts,” BioResources 14(2), 3182-3199. 3182
wood dust will be ignited, releasing heat and causing an explosion accident. Yuan et al.
(2015) examined and analyzed more than 2000 dust explosion accidents that occurred
worldwide between 1785 and 2012, and found that 17% of the incidents were caused by
wood dust. Wood dust is an important type of combustible dust that accounts for 46%
and 27% of all explosion accidents in the US and China, respectively. On January 31,
2015, a wood dust explosion occurred in Jinhe Xingan Wood-based Panel Co. Ltd.,
Genhe, Inner Mongolia in China killing six, injuring three, and badly damaging the
factory building (State Administration of Work Safety of China 2015). According to a
preliminary investigation, the accident was caused by an initial wood dust bin explosion
in the sanding and dust collecting system, which led to a secondary wood dust explosion
in the workshop, triggering a fire in the workshop and storehouse.
Increasing attention has been paid to research on combustible dust explosions in
the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, and other developed
countries (Nagy and Verakis 1983; Eckhoff 2005, 2009; Amyotte and Eckhoff 2010).
They studied the causes and consequences of dust explosions, mechanisms of dust
explosions, physical and chemical experimental methods related to dust cloud generation
and combustion, explosion test parameters, and safety improvement procedures to reduce
the probability and damage of dust explosions in industry.
The maximum explosion pressure (Pmax), the maximum rate of explosion pressure
rise (dp/dt)max, and the explosion index (Kst) derived from (dp/dt)max are safety
characteristic factors usually used for hazard identification in various industries,
suggesting safety improvement procedures, and designing safety measures for the
mitigation of destructive effects of dust explosions (BSEN 14034-1(2004) and BS EN
14034-2 (2006)).
Cashdollar (2000) believed that the particle size, shape, and specific surface area
of dust were closely related to its explosion characteristics. Amyotte et al. (2012)
conducted a comparative study on the effects of dust particle size and shape on the
maximum explosion pressure as well as the rise in the maximum rate of explosion
pressure of wood fibers and polyethylene dust. They deemed that fibrillar particles such
as wood dust were more likely to explode because they would remain suspended in air
for a long time, increasing their ignition probability. Calle et al. (2005) also studied the
explosion characteristics of wood dust with different particle size in a 20 L sphere, and
confirmed that explosion violence decreases with increasing particle size. The researchers
then developed a model based on balances of chemical reactions, kinetics, and
thermodynamics during the explosion.
Most studies on dust explosions have focused on coal, metal, and food dust. To
date, the reports about wood dust explosion characteristics are still in a fragmentary
stage, including the description of the individual explosion characteristics of wood dust,
describing common physical laws of various dust types such as explosion incentives,
explosive conditions, as well as explosion and explosion factors (Hedlund et al. 2014;
Krentowski 2015). Minimal attention has been paid to the combustion and explosion
dynamics in wood explosions (Calle et al. 2005; Huescar Medina et al. 2015), mainly
because of the considerable variation in wood particle size and morphology, as well as
the low density and large specific surface area of wood dust.
The 1990s saw a rapid development of fiber board production as an effective way
to comprehensively utilize wood resources in China. However, it is unavoidably
accompanied by a lot of dangerous wood dust explosions. In fiberboard production, the
equipment that is prone to dust explosion includes the wood fiber drying system, dry
wood fiber or sanding dust silos, dry wood fiber conveying systems, mat forming units,
mat or panel cutting units, wood dust collecting systems, as well as the grinding and
sanding systems. Combustible dust clouds can be easily formed in the above units and
thus could be ignited by heat, fire, or spark. Therefore, more attention should be paid to
these units in production. The measurement of Pmax and (dp/dt)max are the basis for
designing, constructing, and monitoring critical equipment and protective systems. In this
research, wood dust was obtained from Populus alba L., Pinus massoniana Lamb. and
Cinnamonum camphora (L.) Pres., which are commonly utilized for fiberboard
production in China. The influences of particle size and concentration on the wood dust
explosive power were investigated.
EXPERIMENTAL
Preparation of Wood Dust Samples

Wood dust samples from three species of trees, Populus alba L., Pinus
massoniana Lamb., and Cinnamonum camphora (L.) Pres., commonly utilized in
medium density fiberboard production in China, were used to investigate the explosion
characteristics of wood dust. All dust samples were generated by sawing, chopping, and
grinding from solid wood supported by Dare Artificial Board Group Co., Ltd., Jiangsu
province. Four groups of wood dust samples with different particle size (250 to 500 µm,
125 to 250 µm, 63 to 125 µm, and 0 to 63 µm) for each species were obtained by sieving
(Analysette 3 Spartan, Fritsch, Idar-Oberstein, Germany) and particle size analyzing
(Mastersizer2000, Malvern Analytical, Malvern, UK).
Experimental Methods
Morphological, thermogravimetric, and elemental characteristics of wood dust
from three different species were investigated using a polarizing microscope (Olympus
BX51, Tokyo, Japan), a synchronous thermal analyzer (Netzsch STA 449C, Bavaria,
Germany), and an elemental analyzer (2400 II, PE, Waltham, MA, USA), respectively. In
the thermogravimetric analysis, dust was heated from room temperature to 750 °C using
a heating ramp of 20 °C/min in an N2 environment (20 mL/min). The content of carbon,
hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur element were determined in an O2 environment.
Investigation of the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) and the maximum rate of
explosion pressure rise ((dp/dt)max) were carried out with a Siwek 20 L apparatus
(Kuhuer, as shown in Fig. 1) in accordance with the standardized test procedures BS EN
14034-1 (2004) and BS EN 14034-2 (2006). This apparatus is comprised of a water-
cooled explosion vessel with a volume of 20 dm3, an ignition source composed of two
chemical igniters each with 5 kJ of energy, a control unit sequencing, and a pressure
measuring system including at least two pressure sensors and one piece of recording
equipment (KSEP 310 and KSEP 332, Kühner, Zurich, Switzerland).
Before starting the test procedure, the moisture content of all dust samples was
conditioned to less than 5% using an oven (BPG-9050AH, HASUC, Shanghai, China)
and the temperature inside the vessel was 20 °C. For testing, the required amount of dust
was placed in the dust container. After being vacuumed to a vacuum of 0.6 bar, the
container was pressurized to an over-pressure of 20 bar. The dust sample was dispersed
into the sphere from the dust container via the fast-acting valve and a rebound nozzle.
The time lag of the outlet-valve (td) was outside the acceptable range of 30 to 50 ms. The
delay between the initiation of the dust dispersion and activation of the ignition source
(ignition delay tv) was 60 ms. The pressure was recorded as a function of time. From the
pressure/time curve, the explosion pressure (pex) was determined by taking the arithmetic
mean of the values measured by the pressure sensors. The testing procedure was started
from a concentration of 250 g/m3, and the concentration was increased by steps of 250
g/m3, which is shown as 250 g/m3, 500 g/m3, 750 g/m3, 1000 g/m3, 1250 g/m3, and 1500
g/m3 for each kind of wood dust with different particle size. Then researchers determined
the explosion pressure (pex) under each concentration and found a maximum value Pmax.
Fig. 1. 20 dm3 sphere explosion testing system
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Particle Size and Surface Morphology of Dust

Tables 1 through 3 show the D10, D50, D90 and specific surface area for each
fraction of wood dust samples. For all dust samples, the values of D10, D50, and D90
gradually increased with increasing particle size, yet the values of specific surface area
presented an opposite trend. Generally speaking, the median diameter of dust (D50)
should be smaller than the corresponding upper bound value of the particle size, as shown
by the particle size of 0 to 63 μm, 63 to 125 μm, 125 to 250 μm, and 250 to 500 μm. P.
massoniana dust had median diameters of 34 μm, 57 μm, 120 μm, and 219 μm,
respectively, and P. massoniana dust showed a median diameter of 30 μm, 66 μm, 162
μm, and 303 μm. However, for P. alba dust, the median diameters were 38 μm, 89 μm,
180 μm, and 566 μm, respectively. Herein a median diameter of 566 μm was larger than
the corresponding upper bound value of the particle size, 250 to 500 μm. This
phenomenon can be explained from the morphology of wood dust samples, as shown in
Figs. 2 through 4. Dust from P. alba had a higher length to diameter ratio, and the long
needle shapes can pass through the lengthwise portion of the sieve. In addition, in the
same particle size, the D10, D50, and D90 values of P. alba dust were greater than those of
P. massoniana and C. camphora dust. This is mainly attributed to P. alba dust’s slender
fiber-like and irregular shape, rough surface, various particle sizes, and uneven dispersion
(Lee et al. 2016).
Table 1. D10, D50, D90 and Surface Area for Each Fraction of Populus alba Dust
Size fraction 0-63 μm 63-125 μm 125-250 μm 250-500 μm
Particle size D10(μm) 12.91 30.25 56.84 164.62
Surface area (m2/g) 0.27 0.11 0.06 0.02
Table 2. D10, D50, D90 and Surface Area for Each Fraction of Pinus massoniana
Dust
Surface area (m2/g) 0.28 0.18 0.10 0.05
Table 3. D10, D50, D90 and Surface Area for Each Fraction of Cinnamonum
campora Dust
Surface area (m2/g) 0.35 0.19 0.07 0.04
Besides, the dust of P. massoniana and C. camphora had similar shapes, being
oval and slender, and the dust of P. alba and P. massoniana had a relatively uniform and
normal particle size. All the samples had particles of 1000 µm, not only P. massoniana
and C. camphora, and even P. alba reached the 1500 µm size. National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Standard 68 defines combustible dust as particles less than 420 μm
in diameter and believes that these particles have a potential to cause a fire or explosion
when dispersed and ignited in the air. In this paper, wood dust from three species is
considered to be combustible dust because the particles less than 420 μm in diameter
account for about 50% of all dust samples for each species.
Elemental and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Wood Dust

Table 4 shows the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur content in the dust of C.
camphora, P. alba, and P. massoniana. The H/C ratio of P. alba, P. massoniana, and C.
camphora was 9.7%, 8.4%, and 9.1%, respectively. Compared with poplar and pine trees
(Liao et al. 2004), the chosen wood dust samples in this paper had a lower hydrogen and
nitrogen content, and a higher nitrogen and sulfur content.
Figure 5 shows the TG and DTG curves for the wood dust samples. In general,
the pyrolysis process of wood dust is divided into three main stages: water loss drying,
devolatilization, and carbonization (Xu et al. 2010). For all dust samples, the water was
dehydrated at 30 °C to 100 °C, and most cellulose and hemicellulose were decomposed at
220 °C to 400 °C (Yan 1997; Yang et al. 2000).
Fig. 2. Particle shape and particle size of unsieved Populus alba dust
Fig. 3. Particle shapes and particle size of unsieved Pinus massoniana dust
Fig. 4. Particle shapes and particle size of unsieved Cinnamonum camphora dust
Fig. 5. a) TG and b) DTG curves for the dust samples
When the temperature reached 350 °C, the mass loss of all dust samples was
about 50%, and the maximum mass loss occurred at 360 °C. However, the dust samples
from P. alba and C. camphora devolatilize more than that of P. massoniana dust, and in
the carbonation stage, the P. massoniana dust decomposed more than P. alba and C.
camphora dust, leading to a lower content of char residue at 750 °C (Table 5). These
results can be attributed to the fact that the P. massoniana dust contains turpentine and
rosin, which start to decompose and carbonate at 300 °C (Wang et al. 2005).
Table 4. Elemental Composition of the Wood Dust
Elemental Composition C (wt%) H (wt%) N (wt%) S (wt%)
Populus alba 44.84 4.35 0.57 0.81
Pinus massoniana 39.78 3.33 0.32 0.53
Cinnamonum camphora 48.37 4.38 0.67 0.39
Table 5. Thermal Degradation and Char Residue Data by TGA

T5% T50% Rpeak Tpeak Char residue
Sample
(°C) (°C) (%/min) (°C) at 750 °C (%)
Populus alba 159.9 358.0 15.2 371.4 12.2
Pinus massoniana 181.6 363.1 12.1 361.1 8.2
Cinnamonum camphora 148.2 357.2 16.5 364.5 13.4
T5%: temperature at the mass loss of 5%; T50%: temperature at the mass loss of 50%
Tpeak: temperature at the peak; Rpeak: mass loss rate at the peak
Explosion Characteristics of Wood Dust Samples

Effect of particle size on explosion pressure and explosion index
Figure 6 shows the pressure evolution during the explosion process for C.
camphora dust with a particle size of 63 to 125 μm. When the dust concentrations were
500 g/m3 and 1250 g/m3, the explosion pressure and the pressure rise rate reach their
maximum values, respectively. Similar results were also obtained by Calle et al. (2005).
According to BS EN 14034-2 (2006), the explosion index (Kst) is defined as the
explosion pressure rise rate (dp/dt) normalized to a 1 m3 vessel in the explosion pressure
rise rate, making the explosion pressure rise rate measured in different containers
comparable. It is calculated using the cubic law in Eq. 1,
Kst= (dp/dt) × V1/3 (1)
where V is the volume of the explosive container, 20 L.
Figure 7 is the relationship between Pmax or KSt of dust samples and particle size.
When the particle size increased from 0-63 μm to 250-500 μm, the Pmax and KSt of Pinus
massoniana Lamb dust decreased from 7.56 bar to 6.80 bar and from 129 bar·m/s to 59.2
bar·m/s, and the decreasing rate was 10.1% and 54.1%, respectively. The dust samples
from C. camphora and P. alba showed similar changing trends to that of P. massoniana
dust. Therefore, a conclusion can be drawn that particle size affects KSt much more than
Pmax. This result is consistent with the literature (Calle et al. 2005).
In addition, it is interesting that P. alba dust had higher Pmax and KSt values than
P. massoniana dust and C. camphora dust in the selected particle size. The P. alba dust
exhibited a relatively high length to diameter ratio which makes it tend to float in the air
for a long period during the explosion test and enhance its explosive power.
For the C. camphora and P. massoniana dust, the oval-shaped particles make
them relatively difficult to disperse in the air. The explosive characteristics of dust are
related to its volatility content, and the more volatile the content, the greater the explosion
severity of the dust (Gu and Wang 2008). From the TG curves in Fig. 5, the volatile
content of the P. alba dust and C. camphora dust was significantly higher than the P.
massoniana dust.
Finally, the sulfur elemental content and H/C ratio of the P. alba dust were
highest among three types of dust samples. However, compared to C. camphora, the dust
from P. massoniana had a higher content of sulfur, but it did not achieve higher values of
Pmax and KSt. This result suggested that the effect of sulfur on Pmax and KSt had been offset
by the high content of rosin acid in P. massoniana dust.
The wood dust with similar particle size had different explosion pressure and
explosion index values, and the relationship was the same as the H/C ratio of each kind of
wood dust, which are ranked as P. alba > C. camphora > P. massoniana.
Fig. 6. Pressure / time curve (Cinnamonum camphora dust with particle size of 63 to 125 μm)
Effect of dust concentration on explosion pressure and explosion index

Figure 8 shows the explosion pressure and explosion index of dust samples with
increasing dust concentration. As the dust concentration increased, the explosion pressure
rose initially until the maximum was reached and decreased afterwards, demonstrating
that the dust concentration has a threshold value. Lee et al. (2016) and Kordylewski and
Amrogowicz (1992) obtained similar results. When dust concentration increased within
the threshold, the dust involved in the explosion reaction and the heat released increased,
leading to a rise in the explosion pressure.
Fig. 7. Effect of wood dust particle size on a) Pmax and b) Kst
Further increase in the dust concentration beyond the threshold resulted in an

increase in the number of particles in the explosion sphere and an insufficient amount of
oxygen, causing a reduction in the number of particles per unit volume participating in
the explosion reaction and thereby decreasing the explosion pressure. On the other hand,
the heat and shock waves generated by the explosion were absorbed by the excessive
dust, which caused the heat released by the reaction to be less than the heat lost by the
absorption. This hindered the spread of the flame and eventually lead to the downward
trend of the dust explosion. Finally, the excessive dust in the explosion sphere can also
reduce the explosive level and efficiency of the gunpowder.
Fig. 8. Effect of dust concentration on a) Pmax and b) Kst (particle size, 0 to 63 μm)
For different species, the threshold of dust concentration was not identical. For
example, for the dust of P. alba and P. massoniana, the threshold, 750 g/m3, was higher
than that of C. camphora, 500 g/m3. The thermal degradation data in Table 5 shows that
the mass loss rate of C. camphora dust first reached 5% at 148 °C. The higher the
concentration of C. camphora dust, the smaller the number of particles involved in the
subsequent explosion reaction, resulting in a lower dust concentration threshold.
The dust concentration values corresponding to the maximum explosion pressure
and the maximum pressure rise rate are different, as shown in Fig. 6. Obviously, the
maximum speed and the maximum acceleration of the explosion reaction do not
necessarily occur at the same time. Accordingly, in the testing procedure of the
explosion, a series of experiments were repeated for a range of dust concentrations. This
conclusion is consistent with the literature reports (Amyotte et al. 2012; Tascón et al.
2016; Cao et al. 2017).
Similarly, among the three types of wood dust with a particle size of 0 to 63 μm,
Populus alba dust exhibited the highest values of Pmax and KSt, and the Pinus massoniana
Lamb dust had the lowest.
Synergistic effects of particle size and dust concentration on the explosion severity of the
wood dust
Figure 8 shows that for the explosion pressure of the three types of wood dust, the
threshold of dust concentration is 500 g/m3 or 750 g/m3. The dust concentration of 500
g/m3 or 750 g/m3 were used as examples to discuss the synergistic effects of particle size
and dust concentration on explosion severity.
In Fig. 9, for the dust samples of P. alba and C. camphora with the same dust
concentration, the explosion pressure increased with decreasing particle size. The smaller
the particle size, the larger the specific surface area and the larger the contact area
between dust particles and the oxygen, resulting in faster heat release during burning.
Besides, the convective heat rate of the dust and the gas in the explosion sphere is
accelerated with decreasing particle size, thus shorting the ignition time of the dust.
However, for the P. massoniana dust with a dust concentration of 500 g/m3, the
explosion pressure did not reach above the changing trend, and its Pmax corresponded to
the particle size range of 63 to 125 m instead of 0 to 63 m. This result may be caused
by the fact that the P. massoniana dust contains a large amount of turpentine that makes
small dust reunion and thus reduces its explosion severity.
Fig. 9. Synergistic effects of particle size and concentration on a) Pmax and b) Kst
In regard to the Kst value of selected dust samples, the maximum value
corresponds to the particle size of 0 to 63 m, except for P. massoniana dust. Thus, under
the synergistic effect of the threshold dust concentration and the smaller particle size, it is
more likely to induce an explosion accident with a high strength.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The particle size affects the explosion index (KSt) much more than the maximum
explosion pressure (Pmax). Both KSt and Pmax present a decreasing trend with
increasing particle size, and the Pmax values are in the range of 7 to 9 bar, regardless
of species.
2. For different species, wood dust with similar particle size have different explosion
pressure and explosion index values, which are ranked as Populus alba L. >
Cinnamonum camphora (L.) Pres. > Pinus massoniana Lamb.
3. For the explosion pressure of wood dust samples with same particle size, the dust
concentration exhibited a threshold value that produced Pmax values of 750 g/m3, 750
g/m3, and 500 g/m3 for Populus alba dust, Pinus massoniana dust, and Cinnamonum
camphora dust, respectively.
4. Particle size and dust concentration have a synergistic effect on the explosion
pressure and explosion index. Wood dust with a smaller particle size is more likely to
explode at the threshold of dust concentration.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work was financially supported by “The National Key Research and
Development Program of China (Project No. 2016YFD0600703)”, and the “Postgraduate
Education Reform Project of Jiangsu Province.”
REFERENCES CITED
Abbasi, T., and Abbasi, S. A. (2007). “Dust explosions – Cases, causes, consequences,
and control,” Journal of Hazardous Materials 140, 7-44. DOI:
10.1016/j.jhazmat.2006.11.007
Amyotte, P. R., and Eckhoff, R. K. (2010). “Dust explosion causation, prevention and
mitigation: An overview,” Journal of Chemical Health and Safety 17, 15-28. DOI:
10.1016/j.jchas.2009.05.002
Amyotte, P. R., Cloney, C. T., Khan, F. I., and Ripley, R. C. (2012). “Dust explosion risk
moderation for flocculent dusts,” Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries
25, 862-869. DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2012.05.007
BS EN 14034–1 (2004). “Determination of explosion characteristics of dust clouds–Part
1: Determination of the maximum explosion pressure Pmax of dust clouds,” European
Standard, London, England.
BS EN 14034-2 (2006). “Determination of explosion characteristics of dust clouds–Part
2: Determination of the maximum rate of explosion pressure rise (dt/dp) max of dust
clouds,” European Standard, London, UK.
Calle, S., Klaba, L., Thomas, D., Perrin, L., and Dufaud, O. (2005). “Influence of the size
distribution and concentration on wood dust explosion: Experiments and reaction
modelling,” Powder Technology 157, 144-148. DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2005.05.021
Calvo Olivares, R. D., and Rivera, S. S. (2014). “Database for accidents and incidents in
the biodiesel industry,” Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 29, 245-
261. DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2014.03.010
Cao, W., Qin, Q., Cao, W., Lan, Y., Chen, T., and Xu, S. (2017). “Experimental and
numerical studies on the explosion severities of coal dust/air mixtures in a 20-L
spherical vessel,” Powder Technology 310, 17-23. DOI:
10.1016/j.powtec.2017.01.019
Cashdollar, K. L. (2000). “Overview of dust explosibility characteristics,” Journal of
Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 13, 183-199. DOI: 10.1016/s0950-
4230(99)00039-x
Eckhoff, R. K. (2005). “Current status and expected future trends in dust explosion
research,” Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 18, 225-237. DOI:
10.1016/j.jlp.2005.06.012
Eckhoff, R. K. (2009). “Dust explosion prevention and mitigation, status and
developments in basic knowledge and in practical application,” International Journal
of Chemical Engineering, 1-12. DOI: 10.1155/2009/569825
Gu, J. L., and Wang, P. (2008). “Discuss of powder explode through a wood chip explode
accident,” Fire Science and Technology, 378-381. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-
0029.2008.05.018
Hedlund, F. H., Astad, J., and Nichols, J. (2014). “Inherent hazards, poor reporting and
limited learning in the solid biomass energy sector: A case study of a wheel loader
igniting wood dust, leading to fatal explosion at wood pellet manufacturer,” Biomass
and Bioenergy 66, 450-459. DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2014.03.039
Huescar Medina, C., Phylaktou, H. N., Sattar, H., Andrews, G. E., and Gibbs, B. M.
(2013). “The development of an experimental method for the determination of the
minimum explosible concentration of biomass powders,” Biomass Bioenergy 53, 9-
104. DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2013.03.008
Huescar Medina, C., Phylaktou, H. N., Andrews, G. E., and Gibbs, B. M. (2015).
“Explosion characteristics of pulverised torrefied and raw Norway spruce (Picea
abies) and Southern pine (Pinus palustris) in comparison to bituminous coal,”
Biomass and Bioenergy 79, 116-127. DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.04.001
Kordylewski, W., and Amrogowicz, J. (1992). “Comparison of NaHCO3, and NH4H2PO4,
effectiveness as dust explosion suppressants,” Combustion & Flame 90, 344-345.
DOI: 10.1016/0010-2180(92)90093-5
Krentowski, J. (2015). “Disaster of an industrial hall caused by an explosion of wood
dust and fire,” Engineering Failure Analysis 56, 403-411.
DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2014.12.015
Lee, M. C., Kim, Y. S., and Rie, D. H. (2016). “Analysis of explosion characteristics of
combustible wood dust in confined system using the thermal decomposition rate and
mass loss rate,” Applied Thermal Engineering 109, 432-439. DOI:
10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.08.010
Liao, C. P., Wu, C. Z., Yan, Y. J., and Huang, H. T. (2004). “Chemical elemental
characteristics of biomass fuels in China,” Biomass & Bioenergy 27, 119-130. DOI:
10.1016/j.biombioe.2004.01.002
Nagy, J., and Verakis, H. C. (1983). Development and Control of Dust Explosions,
Marcel Dekker, New York.
NFPA 68 (2002). “Guide for venting of deflagrations,” National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA, US.
State Administration of Work Safety of China. (2015). “Wood dust explosion in Inner
Mongolia,” (http://www.safehoo.com/ Laws/Notice/201502/382212.shtml), Accessed
2 February 2015.
Tascón, A., Ramírez-Gómez, Á., and Aguado, P. J. (2016). “Dust explosions in an
experimental test silo: Influence of length/diameter ratio on vent area sizes,”
Biosystems Engineering 148, 18-33. DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2016.04.014
Wang, Q. F., Yang, X. N., and Zeng, Z. J. (2005). “Thermogravimetric study of the
pyrolysis of pine wood,” Guangdong Chemical Industry 12, 008. DOI:
10.3969/j.issn.1007-1865.2005.12.009
Xu, D. L., Sun, J., Chen, X. J., and Zhao, P. (2010). “Study on combustion and pyrolysis
characteristic of poplar bark,” Renewable Energy Resources, 38-40. DOI:
10.3969/j.issn.1671-5292.2010.02.010
Yan, H. (1997). “Study on chemical kinetics of wood pyrolysis by thermogravimetric
analysis,” China Wood Industry 11, 14-18.
Yan, X. Q., and Yu, J. L. (2012). “Dust explosion incidents in China,” Process Safety
Progress 31, 187-189. DOI: 10.1002/prs.11482
Yang, W. B., Ma, S. C., and Gu, L. B. (2000). “Thermodynamic analysis of fire retardant
treated masson's Pine,” China Wood Industry 14, 10-12. DOI:
10.19455/j.mcgy.2000.05.003
Yuan, Z., Khakzad, N., Khan, F., and Amyotte, P. (2015). “Dust explosions: A threat to
the process industries,” Process Safety and Environmental Protection 98, 57-71. DOI:
10.1016/j.psep.2015.06.008
Article submitted: November 20, 2018; Peer review completed: January 26, 2019;
Revised version received: February 13, 2019; Accepted: February 14, 2019; Published:
February 27, 2019.
DOI: 10.15376/biores.14.2.3182-3199
PAPERmaking!
Application of soda-AQ pulping to

agricultural waste (okra stalks) from Sudan
1 2 3 3
Safaa Hassan Omer , Tarig Osman Khider * , Osman Taha Elzaki , Salaheldin Dafalla Mohieldin and
3
Suhair Kamal Shomeina .
Abelmoschus esculentus okra as whole stalks was examined for its suitability for pulp and paper production.
It’s, fiber dimensions, morphological and chemical characteristics were reported. The pulping trials with
soda- Anthraquinone (AQ,) at different chemical charges. Application of 21% as NaOH with 0.1% AQ gave
good results in degree of delignification, mechanical properties. Utilization of okra pulps and blender is
recommended due to good pulp properties. Evaluation of general characteristics of okra stalks in terms of
fiber dimensions morphological indices, chemical components, Soda-AQ cooking and to study their suitability
for paper production. Okra Fiber dimension evaluation done after maceration with a mixture of 30%
hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid (1:1) for core and bark parts separately and was carried out under
microscope staining with aqueous safranin. The Soda-AQ cooks at different active alkali levels were
calculated as NaOH on oven dry raw material. The fibers from okra stalks studied (core and bark) were in
the range of hardwood fibers, with short fiber length, especially the core with more or less moderate walls,
narrow lumen and fiber width. The fiber width of bark was medium –narrow with medium wall thickness. The
ash content was rather high whereas the silica content was comparatively high The hot water extractives
from okra stalks was (4.1%), cold water (0.4) ethanol/ cyclohexane (1.1), ethanol extractives (1.2%) and 1%
NaOH (27.6%) were rather high. The cellulose (Kurschner-Hoffer) was (48.5%) The lignin content was
(15.3%) which was relatively moderate. The use of 0.1% AQ enhanced the delignification in the three trials
applied. The screened yield increase with increase of chemical dose applied while the rejects decrease.
When 21% NaOH was applied, the screened yield was 32.2% with negligible amount of rejects, however
with lower alkali charge 18% the screened yield was decreased to 28% with very low rejects 1.5%. on the
other hand rejects were increased to 7% when 15% NaOH was applied with very low screened yield
19%.The pulps produced from okra soda-AQ are suitable for production of printing and writing papers and it
is advisable to use them in blending due to good papermaking properties.
Contact information:
1
University of Bahri, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Khartoum, Sudan.
2
Industries Department, College of Applied and Industrial Sciences, University of Bahri Sudan, P.O. Box
1606, Khartoum, Sudan.
3
Cellulose Chemistry and Technology Research Unit, National Centre of Research, Khartoum, Sudan.
Omer et al. BMC Chemical Engineering (2019) 1:6
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42480-019-0005-9
Page 1 of 7 Article 7 – Agriwaste

Omer et al. BMC Chemical Engineering
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42480-019-0005-9
(2019) 1:6
BMC Chemical Engineering
RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access
Application of soda-AQ pulping to

agricultural waste (okra stalks) from Sudan
Safaa Hassan Omer1, Tarig Osman Khider2* , Osman Taha Elzaki3, Salaheldin Dafalla Mohieldin3 and
Suhair Kamal Shomeina3
Abstract
Abelmoschus esculentus okra as whole stalks was examined for its suitability for pulp and paper production. It’s, fiber
dimensions, morphological and chemical characteristics were reported. The pulping trials with soda- Anthraquinone
(AQ,) at different chemical charges. Application of 21% as NaOH with 0.1% AQ gave good results in degree of
delignification, mechanical properties. Utilization of okra pulps and blender is recommended due to good pulp
properties. Evaluation of general characteristics of okra stalks in terms of fiber dimensions morphological indices,
chemical components, Soda-AQ cooking and to study their suitability for paper production. Okra Fiber dimension
evaluation done after maceration with a mixture of 30% hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid (1:1) for core and bark
parts separately and was carried out under microscope staining with aqueous safranin. The Soda-AQ cooks at
different active alkali levels were calculated as NaOH on oven dry raw material. The fibers from okra stalks studied
(core and bark) were in the range of hardwood fibers, with short fiber length, especially the core with more or less
moderate walls, narrow lumen and fiber width. The fiber width of bark was medium –narrow with medium wall
thickness. The ash content was rather high whereas the silica content was comparatively high The hot water
extractives from okra stalks was (4.1%), cold water (0.4) ethanol/ cyclohexane (1.1), ethanol extractives (1.2%) and 1%
NaOH (27.6%) were rather high. The cellulose (Kurschner-Hoffer) was (48.5%) The lignin content was (15.3%) which was
relatively moderate. The use of 0.1% AQ enhanced the delignification in the three trials applied. The screened yield
increase with increase of chemical dose applied while the rejects decrease. When 21% NaOH was applied, the
screened yield was 32.2% with negligible amount of rejects, however with lower alkali charge 18% the screened yield
was decreased to 28% with very low rejects 1.5%. on the other hand rejects were increased to 7% when 15% NaOH
was applied with very low screened yield 19%.The pulps produced from okra soda-AQ are suitable for production of
printing and writing papers and it is advisable to use them in blending due to good papermaking properties.
Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus stalks, Fiber dimensions, Chemical composition, Soda-AQ cooking, Pulp properties
High lights Production of paper pulps in good paper properties

with low lignin content (kappa number) and
Okra fruits is important vegetable but its stalks is improved viscosity could be expected.
burned in tropical and suptropical areas
Soda-AQ cooking is suitable methods for pulping
Background
the agricultural residues.
Non woody plants and agricultural residues as flax, cot-
There is seldom literature on pulping of okra stalks
ton, bamboo and cereal straw were used extensively in
and rational utilization is highly needed.
pulp and paper production. However okra Abelmoschus
In large areas in Asia and Africa, these stalks are
esculentus stalks could be one of promising non woody
burned and treated as waste.
plants in paper production [1, 2]. The family of okra
(Abelmoschus esculentus) and cotton (Gossypium hirsu-
* Correspondence: tarigosmankhider@gmail.com
2
tum) is Malvaceae, okra is one of the oldest cultivated
Industries Department, College of Applied and Industrial Sciences, University
of Bahri Sudan, P.O. Box 1606, Khartoum, Sudan crops, it was recorded by the Egyptians in 1216 A.D.,
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article however there was strong evidence, okra was cultivated
© The Author(s). 2019 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to
the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver
(http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.
Omer et al. BMC Chemical Engineering (2019) 1:6 Page 2 of 6
earlier than that in Ethiopia, some other reports consid-

ered India as center of origin [3–6].The estimated an-
nual production in the world was about 4.8 million tons;
and the share of India (4.528 million tons), Nigeria
(0.826 million tons), Sudan (0.249 million tons), Pakistan
(0.116 million tons), Cote d’Iviore (0.115 million tons),
Egypt (0.100 million tons) and Iraq (0.153 million tons)
[7]. Okra is important food supplement in tropical
regions and has nutritional and medicinal values, it is
used traditionally in treating diseases as diabetes, pyretic
syndrome, and spasmodic [7–11].
Stalk fiber of okra is characterized by high lignin, low
α-cellulose, and shorter fiber length, while bast fiber is
characterized by low lignin, high α-cellulose, and longer Fig. 1 Abelmoschus esculentus okra plant
fiber length [12] the pulps obtained from okra stalks is
good enough [13] with a high carbohydrates content
(65.0%), low lignin contents (20.5%) and similar to safranin [20, 21]. The raw materials was characterized
chemical components of non-woody plants indicating okra chemically in accordance with applicable TAPPI stan-
stalks as promising source for papermaking utilization, in dards for different components, namely: preparation for
addition to that okra fibers can be applied as reinforcement chemical analysis (TAPPI-264-cm-97) sampling and test-
in polymer composites [14–16]. ing for moisture (TAPPI-210 cm-93) lignin (TAPPI-222),
The Anthraquinone (AQ) acts as redox catalyst during alpha cellulose (TAPPI-203 OS-61), hot water soluble
alkaline pulping, reduce aldehyde end groups of the (TAPPI-T- 207), Pentosans (TAPPI-223-cm-01) solvent ex-
carbohydrates, forming carboxylic acid, inhibits the alka- traction of wood (TAPPI-204), and ash (TAPPI-212) [22].
line depolymerization results in an increased yield. The According to the suggestions of other authors, the op-
soda-AQ cooking suitable for pulping non-woody plants eration conditions used during soda-anthraquinone
and agricultural residues from economic and environ- cooking of okra were selected, as follows: maximum
mental points of views [17, 18]. temperature 165C0, time to maximum temperature 60
The present study focused in evaluation the character- min, time at temperature 120 min, anthraquinone con-
istics of Sudanese Abelmoschus esculentus okra stalks in centration 0.1% and liquid/okra stalks ratio was 5.
terms of fiber morphological properties, chemical com- Representative sample of a portion prepared chips for
position, Soda-AQ pulping and papermaking character- pulping trails was ground in a star mill and the 40X60
istics and therefore indicate their suitability for paper mesh fraction was used for chemical analysis according
pulp production. to TAPPI standards and Obolenskaya [23].
All the conditions were constant except for soda
Methods concentration as (NaOH, 15-21% on oven dry weight of
Abelmoschus esculentus okra (Fig. 1) stalks were selected okra stalks) for optimization of cooking and the concen-
randomly according to TAPPI Standards [19] from tration of alkali was the most effective variable. After
Marenjan area in Gezira state, central Sudan is charac- pulping, the cooked material was washed with water at
terized with clay soil with low to moderate annual rain- room temperature to remove the residual cooking liquor
fall. The length of stalks was 2. 5-3 m tall and 2-2.5 cm and was fiberized in a disintegrator at 1200 rpm for 30
in diameter. The prepared raw materials were packed in min, at room temperature and l0% consistency. The pulp
plastic bags and transported by bus to National Centre was then beaten in Valley beater according to TAPPI-
for Research (NCR) in Khartoum state. Leaves and 200-sp-01 freeness of pulp (Canadian standard method
steams were separated manually, and then stalks were TAPPI 227om-99), Kappa number (TAPPI-236 om-99),
chopped into 2-4 cm length. Chips were left for air dry- viscosity (TAPPI-230om − 99), physical testing of pulp
ing according to TAPPI standard (T 257-cm- 02) [19]. sheets (TAPPI-220-sp-01). Conditioning of testing
The air dry samples of core and bark of okra were atmosphere (TAPPI-402-sp-98), Burst strength (TAPPI-
manually separated and chopped to 3–5 cm length. Fiber 403om-97), Tensile (TAPP-404-cm-92), tearing resist-
dimension evaluation done after maceration with a mix- ance (TAPPI-414 om-98), folding endurance (TAPPI-
ture of 30% hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid (1:1) for 423 cm-98) and density (TAPPI258-om-02) and ISO
core and bark parts separately and was carried out standards [24].
microscopically at 300x and 400x magnifications accord- The chemical charges for all cooks at different active
ing to (TAPPI-232 cm-01) after staining with aqueous alkali levels were calculated as NaOH on oven dry raw
material. All cooking conditions were kept constant (the Table 2 Abelmoschus esculentus okra stalks: fiber dimensions
pulping variables time to reach maximum temperature, and morphological indices. Fibers after cooking conditions
time at maximum temperature, maximum temperature, presented in Table 1
the concentration of AQ on oven dry okra stalks and Fiber dimensions Measured value ±SD Measured value ±SD
of core of bark
Liquor to okra stalks ratio, as shown in (Table 1) with
chemical charges as NaOH were varied between 15 to Fiber length, mm 0.66 0.09 0.92 0.08
21%. Pulping was carried out in 7 l electrically heated di- Fiber width, μm 17.6 0.94 21.7 0.89
gester with forced liquor circulation. Lumen width, μm 6.4 0.95 9.3 0.97
Wall thickness, μm 5.6 0.41 6.2 0.22
Results Morphological indices
The fibers from the two okra stalks studied (core and
Runkel index 1.8 1.3
bark) were in the range of hardwood fibers, with short
fiber length, especially the core (0.66 mm) as shown in Wall fraction 63.6 57.1
(Table 2), with more or less moderate walls, narrow Flexibility coefficient, % 36.4 42.9
lumen and fiber width. The fiber width of bark was Rigidity coefficient, % 31.8 28.8
medium –narrow and in the hardwoods range (10-35 Felting power 37.5 42.4
μm) the bark fiber has wall thickness (6.2 μm) could be (slenderness)
classified as medium thick (Fig. 2).
The ash content of Abelmoschus esculentus okra stalks Anthraquinone (AQ) is a powerful redox-catalyst in
was rather high (6.3%) as indicated in (Table 3), but typ- alkaline pulping especially when non-woody raw mater-
ical for tropical non-woody plants. The silica content ial is cooked. The results of soda-AQ cooking of okra
was comparatively high as usual for such non-woody with 15-21% NaOH showed in Table 4. Use of 0.1%
raw material. However the silica content was rather high Anthraquinone (AQ) enhanced the delignification in the
(1.6%) so there is some problems during cooking. The three trials. The screened yield and rejects were indi-
hot water extractives from okra stalks was (4.1%), cold cated in (Fig. 3), thus screened yield increase with in-
water (0.4) ethanol/ cyclohexane (1.1), ethanol extrac- crease of chemical dose applied with the rejects
tives (1.2%) and 1% NaOH (27.6%) were rather high due decrease, during cooking with alkali charge 21% as
to the presence of many soluble polysaccharides and NaOH it seemed no or negligible amount of reject
phenolic compounds. whereas during 15% NaoH trial about 7% rejects with
On the other hand they are an indication of easy ac- lower degree of delignification (kappa number 29.6).
cess and degradation of the cell wall materials by weak Good viscosity, kappa number when high chemical
alkali. The cellulose (Kurschner-Hoffer) was (48.5%) charge applied (21%). However at lowest alkali dose 15%
which meant good pulp yields at suitable alkali NaOH, highest kappa number (29.6), and lowest viscos-
utilization. As Obolenskaya, [21] mentioned that the ity 1010 ml g− 1. The brightness for the three cooks were
kurschner-Hoffer values are usually 4-7% higher than more or less the same. According to Gierer [26, 27] the
alfa-cellulose. The lignin content was (15.3%) which was intermediate formation of quinonemethide is preceded
relatively moderate. This should result in moderate by the cleavage of β-ether aryl-ether bonds.
cooking chemical charges and a short cooking cycle. The strength properties of three trails pulps (Table 4)
Cellulose to lignin ratio was higher than 2 (3.2) and pre- indicated in general the slight difference in strength
dicted normal pulping with alkaline methods [25]. The
presence of water-soluble hemicelluloses in pulp fibers
increases their swelling tendency and water absorption
during beating as indicated by relatively high pentosans
content (19.3%).
Table 1 Abelmoschus esculentus okra stalks: Pulping conditions
Cooking conditions Soda-AQ1 Soda-AQ2 Soda-AQ3
Active alkali charge as NaOH % 15 18 21
Anthraquinone, % 0.1 0.1 0.1
Liquor to okra stalks ratio, 5 5 5
Maximum temperature, 0C 165 165 165
Time to maximum temperature, min 60 60 60 Fig. 2 Abelmoschus esculentus okra stalks, fiber structure
Time at maximum temperature, min 120 120 120 under microscope
Table 3 The Chemical components of Abelmoschus esculentus Discussion

(okra) whole stalks The lumen width of the bark (9.3 μm) indicated that
Chemical Composition, % Whole stalks these fibers should collapse easily upon beating, result-
Ash 6.3 ing in improved interfibre bonding in the pulp and
Total Silica 1.6 producing compact and low porosity sheet. The core
had lower fiber dimensions and inferior morphological
Solubility in
indices, indicating the bark as better pulpable material.
Hot water 4.1
This clearly showed by Runkel index and flexibility coef-
Cold water 0.4 ficient. Both two types of fibers could be classified in
Alcohol (Ethanol) 1.2 third group of Istas Classification [28], characteristic for
Ethanol: cyclohexane(1:2) 1.1 fibers with fairly thick walls and rather narrow lumen.
1% NaOH 27.6 Although there is still controversy in accepting morpho-
logical data in predicting the properties of the pulp, the
Kurschner- Hoffer cellulose 48.5
multi-regression technique seems undoubtedly valuable
Alfa-cellulose 43.7
in showing which morphological characters are import-
Pentosans 19.3 ant in the pulp properties.
Lignin 15.3 The amount of ash and silica content showed that ash
Total Extractives 9.3 composed of a high proportion of inorganic components
Cellulose to lignin ratio 3.2 other than silica. This should increase the alkali
consumption and may cause some problems at waste
liquor recovery [29]. The high silica content causes diffi-
properties with relatively higher of 21% soda-AQ pulp culties in the regeneration of chemical pulping, but
properties. might be beneficial in total chlorine free (TCF) bleaching
The highest viscosity was for 21% soda-AQ which where sometimes silicates are added for stabilization of
reflected positively for all strength properties especially cellulose. A high hot water soluble content also indi-
at high degree of freeness except for tear resistance. Due cated a higher accessibility of the cell wall components
to adverse effect of the large amount of fines produced, to pulping liquor. Therefore, pre-extraction of the raw
all soda-AQ had low initial brightness since alkali treat- material before cooking might help to decrease the
ment induces darkening of the pulp as shown in (Fig. 4). chemical consumption and obtain useful substances.
Table 4 Pulping results and strength properties of hand-sheets obtained from Abelmoschus esculentus okra stalks
Pulping Process 15% Soda-AQ 18% Soda-AQ 21% Soda-AQ
Pulping results
Kappa number 29.6 27.8 22.2
ISO brightness, % 19.6 20.4 22.3
Viscosity, ml g−1 1010 1045 1065
Strength properties
Initial pulp freeness, SR
−3
Apparent density, g cm 25 0.52 0.61 0.61
50 0.62 0.65 0.67
Breaking length, Km 25 7.5 8.1 8.1
50 8.1 8.3 8.5
−1
Tensile index, N m g 25 40.1 43.2 45.3
50 60.2 61.4 63.1
2 −1
Tear index,, m N m g 25 7.8 7.4 7.2
50 5.6 5.6 5.7
2 −1
Burst index, K Pa m g 25 2.2 2.1 2.3
50 3.6 3.9 3.7
Folding endurance, log10n 25 06 0.9 0.9
50 1 1 1.1
strengths are highly correlated to a high proportion of

hemicelluloses [30, 31].
The dominating source of darkening, however is defin-
itely the condensed and degraded lignin. Nevertheless,
too high alkali concentrations must be avoided especially
at the end of the cooking procedure. Otherwise, over-
proportional degradation and dissolution of hemicellu-
loses and cellulose might take place, resulting in reduced
yield and viscosity. The combination of low yield but
good papermaking properties suggested that okra pulps
could be used in blends with the short-fibered hardwood
pulps.
Fig. 3 Screened yield and rejects of Abelmoschus esculentus okra Conclusion

stalks versus chemical charge% as NaOH The okra stalks has multiple purposes and could be
promising raw material for pulp and paper production
as agricultural waste. The use of soda-AQ pulping accel-
It is well known that tensile strength, burst and double erated the delignification and beating rate, increased
folds increase with increase in freeness level, this clearly yield and viscosity and gave pulp with superior proper-
reflected during application of freeness 25 and 50. The ties and highest alkali charge. The screened yield of
high tensile strength, which mainly based on the good 32.2% was achieved with negligible amount of rejects, at
bonding ability of the fibers, results from high pentosans bleachable Kappa number 22.2 and viscosity 1065 ml g− 1
content due to the high stability of xylan and cellulose during application of high alkali charge 21% as NaOH.
in the outer cell wall layers. The high hemicellulose con- Decreasing this alkali charge to 18% gave screened yield
tent also improved the beating [25, 29]. 28% with very low rejects 1.5% kappa number 27.8 and
In paper production the primary role of hemicelluloses viscosity 1045 ml g-1. The rejects were increased to 7%
is to imbibe water and thus to contribute to fiber swell- during application of 15% NaOH with high Kappa num-
ing. This leads to internal lubrication of the fiber and ber 29.6 and viscosity 1010 ml g− 1. The fiber dimensions
improves its flexibility and ease of beating. The swelling and morphological indices represented okra stalks as in
pressure contributes to loosening of the structure and range of tropical non woody plants. The chemical com-
fibrillation. The hemicelluloses being amorphous and position of okra gave indication of suitability of soda-AQ
adhesive in nature tend to hornify as the fiber shrinks cooking for these agricultural residues. The pulps
and dries. Thus hemicelluloses serve as a matrix binding produced are suitable for production of printing and
substance between fibers in a pulp. Burst and tear writing papers. Due to relatively low screened yield and
good papermaking properties, it is advisable to blend
these pulps with other high yield pulps.
Additional file
Additional file 1: Physical properties of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra

plant). (DOCX 795 kb)
Acknowledgements
Authors grateful for the Cellulose Chemistry and Technology Research Unit-
National Centre for Research (NCR) –Khartoum, Sudan for using of research
facilities. The lab work done by students Rashid Hamid Edris, Hadiel Ibrahim
Ahmed and Fakhreldin Alfadil Rahmatallah.
Funding
Not applicable.
Availability of data and materials

We have already included most of data in the manuscript, the lab and data,
some data not included in the manuscript attached as Additional file 1.
Fig. 4 Prepared hand sheet from pulp of Abelmoschus esculentus Authors’ contributions
okra stalks for physical properties evaluation SHO and SKS were carried out, supervised the chemical analysis, soda-AQ
pulping and revised the draft manuscript. OTE did the fibers dimensions and
their analysis, review the draft manuscript, SDM supervised and carried out 16. Ullah S, Pakkanen H, Lehto J. A comparable study on the hot-water
the evaluation of paper properties and revised the draft manuscript. TOK treatment of wheat straw and okra stalk prior to delignification biomass
wrote the draft manuscript, designed the study and supervised the work. All conv. Bioref. 2018;8:413 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-018-0306-x.
authors read and approved the final manuscript. 17. Shakhes J, Zeinaly F, Marandi M, Saghafi T. The effect of processing variables
on the soda and soda-AQ pulping of kenaf bast fibers. BioResources. 2011;
Ethics approval 6(4):4626–39.
Not applicable. 18. Azizi M, Ainun Z, Rushdan I. Chemical, morphological, and technological
properties of cultivated Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) fibers. BioRessources.
Consent for publication 2010;5(4):2112–22.
Not applicable. 19. TAPPI 2002. TAPPI test methods TAPPI press, Atlanta.
20. Horn, R. (1978) .Morphology of Pulp Fiber from Hardwoods and Influence
on Paper Strength. Forest Prods. Lab. Report, Madison. 312.
Competing interests 21. Kirci H. Pulping industry. Trabzon: KTU Faculty of Forest Press, No: 86; 2006.
The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 22. Rodriguiz A, Sanchez R, Requejo A, Ferrer. Feasibility of Rice straw as a raw
material for the production of soda cellulose pulp. J Clean Prod. 2010;18:
1084–91.
Publisher’s Note 23. Obolenskaya AV, V P, Tshegolov GI, Akim NC, Kossoviz NL, Emelyannova IZ.
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in
Practitcheshie Raboti po Himii Drevesinii Tzellulozi. Moscow, Lesporm; 1965.
published maps and institutional affiliations.
(In Russian)
24. ISO standards 2003. International Organization for Standardization.
Author details
1 25. Simionescu, C. Grigorash, M. and Cerantescu-Asandei, A. (1964). Chimia
University of Bahri, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies,
Lemnului din R.P.R. Acad, Bucuresti.
Khartoum, Sudan. 2Industries Department, College of Applied and Industrial
26. Gierer J. The chemistry of delignification, general concept part 1.
Sciences, University of Bahri Sudan, P.O. Box 1606, Khartoum, Sudan.
3 Holzforschung. 1982;36:43–51.
Cellulose Chemistry and Technology Research Unit, National Centre of
27. Gierer J. The chemistry of delignification, general concept part II.
Research, Khartoum, Sudan.
Holzforschung. 1982;36:55–64.
28. Istas JR. Pulp from Congolese fibrous raw materials. Conference on Pulp
Received: 2 August 2018 Accepted: 21 January 2019
and Paper Development in Africa and Near East, vol. Vol. II. Rome: Cario,
FAO; 1965. p. 347–81.
29. Rydholm SA. Pulping Processes. New York: Interscience; 1965. p. 1289.
References 30. Khristova P, Bentcheva S, Khider T. Soda-AQ pulping of four acacias from
1. Rodriguez A, Sanchez R, Eugenio M, Jimenez L. Soda- Anthraquinone Sudan. Cellul Chem Technol. 1998;68:209–13.
pulping of residues from oil palm industry. Cellul Chem Technol. 31. Khristova P, Bentcheva S, Karar I. Soda-AQ pulp blends from kenaf and
2010;44(7–8):239–48. sunflower stalks. Bioresour Technol. 1998;66:99–103.
2. Jimenez L, Rodriguez A, Perez A, Sarrano L. Alternative raw material and
pulping process using clean technologies. Ind Crop Prod. 2008;28(1):11–6.
3. Lamont WJ. Okra—A Versatile Vegetable Crop. HortTechnology. 1999;9:
2,179–84.
4. Singha P, Chauhana V, Tiwaria BK, Chauhan SS, Simonb S, Bilalc S, Abidia AB.
An Overview on Okara (Abelmoschus esculentus) and its importance as
Nutritive Vegetable in the World. Int J Pharm Biol Sci. 2014;4(2):227–33.
5. Franklin AM, Suzuki, A and Hongu, N. (2015). Okra. The University of Arizona
cooperative Extension1–4. http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/.
6. Tong PS. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) – a popular crop and vegetable.
Utar. Agriculture Sci J. 2016;2(3):39–41.
7. Shahid MR, Amjad M, Ziaf K, Jahangir MM, Ahmad S, Iqbal Q, Nawaz A.
Growth, yield and seed production of okra as influenced by different
growth regulators. Pakistan J Agric Sci. 2013;50(3):387–92.
8. Moniruzzaman M, Maniruzzaman M, Gafur MA, Santu C. Lady’s finger Fibres
for possible use as a reinforcement in composite materials. J Biobased
Mater Bioenergy. 2009;3:1–5.
9. Roy A, Shrivastava SL, Mandal SM. Functional properties of Okra Abelmoschus
esculentus L (Moench): traditional claims and scientific evidences. Plant Science
Today. 2014;1(3):121–30 https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.2014.1.3.63.
10. Gemed, H.F.Ratta , N.Desse, G.Ashagrie, H.Woldegiorgis, Z.andBeyene, F.
Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus): A
Review. J Food Process Technol. 2015;6:458. https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-
7110.1000458.
11. Duman MN, Kocak E, Merdan DN, Mistik I. Nonwoven production from
agricultural okra wastes and investigation of their thermal conductivities.
17th world textile conference AUTEX 2017- textiles - shaping the future.
Mater Sci Eng. 2017;254.
12. Rahman M, Jahan MS, Rahman MM. Characterization and evaluation of okra
fibre (abelmoschus esculentus) as a pulping raw material. J Sci Technol
Forest Prod Process. 2012;2(5):1–17.
13. Atik C. Soda-AQ pulping of Okra stalks. Cellul Chem Technol. 2002;36(3–4):353–6.
14. Okoro IA, Amadi OK. The use of okra derived cellulose biomass for the
removal and recovery of cd and Pb ions from the aqueous environment.
Chem Sci Trans. 2012;1(3):683–7. https://doi.org/10.7598/cst2012.185.
15. Ullah, S. Kilpelainen, P. Ilvesniem, H. Pakkanen, H. and Alen, R. Chemical
Characterization of Okra stalk (Abelmoschus esculentus) as Potential Raw
Material for Bio -refinery Utilization. Cellul Chem Technol. 2018;52(3–4).
PAPERmaking!
5 Tips to Help You Protect & Grow New Ideas

Lion cubs are born tiny, blind, and helpless. Weighing just 3 pounds and with their eyes shut tight for a week
or longer after birth, the baby lions only get a chance to become apex predators because their mothers
protect and nurture them until they’re old enough to hunt and survive on their own.
New ideas may be even more vulnerable than lion cubs, as most organizations don’t have fearsome mothers
guarding them.
From the humble sticky note — now available in a near-infinite variety of colours and sizes — to the camera
in your phone, ideas that are now ubiquitous were once small and vulnerable, their potential unknown.
Even leaders who value creativity often quash new ideas before they’ve been given a fair hearing.
When we surveyed global executives, 94% said innovation was important or very important to their
organizations. But only 14% said their organizations were good at innovation.
Doing a better job of nurturing new ideas is a good place to begin addressing that innovation gap.
How to Protect a New Idea
https://www.ccl.org
Page 1 of 3 Article 8 – New Ideas

PAPERmaking!
In How to Treat New Ideas, authors David Magellan Horth and Michael T. Mitchell draw on decades of
personal experience, data, and lessons from scores of organizations around the world. They identify 5 tips
that can help companies nurture new ideas:
1. Resist the instinct to kill a new idea.

Leaders need to understand that their first reaction to a new idea is typically “fight or flight.” When an idea
that is new, foreign, or maybe even odd emerges, we’re programmed to fight it or resist it, perhaps maybe
even ignore it in hopes that it will go away.
Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple, worked at blue chip firm Hewlett-Packard before he joined forces with
Steve Jobs. He reportedly went to his HP bosses 5 times with the idea of building a personal computer; 5
times they said no.
This instinct comes from a finely tuned and powerful part of our brains—the limbic system. The limbic system
is one of the larger and most ancient part of our brains. It’s the part of our brains that helped insure that we
survived as a species.
Where would we be without our limbic brains and the deeply embedded “fight or flight” response? Likely, our
ancestors would have been extinguished as they chose to try to hug some prehistoric beast rather than fight
it off with a club or run for their lives. The drive to fear or run away from a particularly novel idea is a natural
reaction, and one that’s so powerful it overwhelms us.
But leaders who want to encourage innovation should take a deep breath and allow themselves and their
teams to think through the idea before rejecting it. They must watch out for signs they are subconsciously
sabotaging innovation.
2. Practice innovation thinking.

Innovation, by definition, means doing things differently. That creates risks and uncertainty—often
considered enemies of a successful business.
The logical, analytical thought processes we rely on usually are not very helpful in the early stages of
innovation. The key is to practice innovation thinking.
That means listening to your intuition and asking “What if?,” believing there’s always a better way.

PAPERmaking!
There’s nothing wrong with traditional business thinking—it’s required to manage a modern organization. But
when a new idea comes along, it’s time to switch into innovation thinking mode. Innovation thinking gives
new ideas the oxygen they need to continue developing.
3. Frame and clarify the idea’s purpose.

Now that you’re starting to dig into the possibilities of a new idea, how do you give that new idea some
concrete direction? One important technique is to frame and clarify the idea’s purpose. In other words, what
might this be good for?
Successful innovators will often ask themselves what problem a new idea can help solve or what opportunity
it might address. Sometimes this takes a little patience.
When 3M scientist Spencer Silver created a “low-tack,” pressure-sensitive adhesive instead of the super-
strong glue he’d been trying for, he couldn’t imagine what it would be good for. When a colleague mentioned
a problem with the slips of paper he used to mark songs falling out of his Sunday hymnal, Silver had a
solution.
The result was 3M’s Post-it notes, now a staple item in every office supply closet.
4. Use the POINt technique.

At this point, the promise of at least some new ideas might be starting to clarify. But to sharpen that promise
and test it a bit more rigorously, you can use the POINt technique developed by Pfizer executive Bob Moore.
POINt stands for:
Pluses: Praise the idea and consider what’s good about it as presented.
Opportunities: Picture the opportunities and benefits that might be realized if you implemented the idea.
Issues: While you don’t want to kill new ideas, it’s OK to consider some of their challenges and limitations.
New thinking: Use new thinking to develop solutions for the issues you’ve raised about the new idea.
Nurturing new ideas doesn’t mean being naive about them. Rather, it means considering, with clear eyes,
both the opportunities and challenges a new idea presents, and thinking through potential solutions to those
challenges.
5. Connect ideas to ideas.

Not every new idea will become a fully realized product or business solution on its own. But that doesn’t
mean those ideas don’t have value.
One useful exercise to get more value out of new ideas is to combine previously unconnected ideas.
Consider the Sony Walkman, which combined two concepts: pre-recorded cassette tapes and a device small
enough to carry around. For the first time, people could take their music wherever they went.
Brainstorming, mind-mapping, and forced connections are techniques that can be used to connect one idea
to another.
Learn more about our guidebook, How to Treat New Ideas.

PAPERmaking!
Slowdown in Spring showers

Drivers are being urged to take care on the roads if they get caught in a sudden Spring shower. The
motoring experts at LeaseVan.co.uk have put together their top tips for driving in wet conditions during
Spring.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Drivers always need to be cautious of changing weather conditions
throughout the year but during Spring, heavy showers can pose a big risk. If drivers get caught out, top
priority is to slow down, leave plenty of stopping room and make sure the car windscreen is kept mist free to
help with visibility. Visibility can be quickly reduced during a sudden downpour and if there’s somewhere safe
to pullover and wait out the shower, then it’s often worth doing. Wipers can struggle to keep up with heavy
rain. Drivers also need to be mindful of other road users, the risks caused by flooded routes and excess
surface water.”
https://www.leasevan.co.uk/
Page 1 of 2 Article 9 – Driving

PAPERmaking!
Here are LeaseVan.co.uk ’s tips for driving in Spring showers.
1. Vehicle maintenance
Check your tyres and make sure they’re properly inflated and have good tread to grip on slippery road
surfaces.
2. Stopping distance
It takes longer to stop when the roads are wet and slippery. Allow at least double the usual separation
distance between you and the car in front.
3. Slow down
Keep your speed down when driving in showers. Wipers struggle to keep up in a heavy downpour so your
visibility will be reduced. Drive slower and you’ll have more time to react to hazards.
4. Put your lights on

Use dipped headlights so other road users can see you.
5. Stop
If the shower is really heavy and visibility is poor, pull over somewhere safe and wait out the rain.
6. Flooded roads
If the Spring showers are heavy, you may find yourself on flooded roads. If it looks too deep stop, turn round
in a safe place and find an alternative route.
7. Aquaplaning
This happens when your tyres lose traction from the road. Roads with lots of surface water pose the biggest
risk. Reducing your speed will help.
8. Pedestrians and cyclists

Be mindful of other people on the road, particularly cyclists and pedestrians. If you splash a pedestrian, you
could face a fine of anything from £100 to £5,000.
9. Steamed up car
Make sure any heat is going straight on to your windscreen to stop it getting misted up and to keep visibility
good.
Page 2 of 2 Article 9 – Driving

PAPERmaking!
Why Mentoring & Sponsoring Are Important—

Particularly for Women
Women must advocate for themselves if they want to move their careers forward. But to succeed, they can’t
go it alone. All successful leaders need a network of champions—including mentors and sponsors.
“The people around us have the ability to either support or hinder our growth toward the leaders we can be,”
says CCL’s Jennifer Martineau, co-author of Kick Some Glass: 10 Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their
Own Terms.
“If people don’t have access to the relationships important to leadership success, they’re missing out.”
And in fact, women are missing out.
https://www.ccl.org
Page 1 of 5 Article 10 – Women and Leadership

PAPERmaking!
Women outnumber men at almost every educational level and are about half the workforce in most
countries, but:
 Women hold just 24% of senior management roles.

 Women make up a mere 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs.
 Only 1 in 18 women earns a 6-figure salary in the US—versus 1 in 7 men.
 For women of colour, this wage and leadership gap is even wider.
 Progress has been slow or stagnant in the percentages of women reaching senior, top, and director-
level positions in all countries in which benchmarking studies have been conducted.
Yet the business case for advancing women leaders is compelling. In addition to doubling a company’s talent
pool, recruiting women increases financial performance:
 Fortune 500 companies with the highest representation of women on boards financially outperform
those with the fewest female board members.
 A recent Gallup study found that gender-diverse business units have higher average revenue than
less diverse business units.
 Having larger percentages of women in an organization also predicts greater job satisfaction, higher
levels of employee engagement, and decreased rates of burnout—for all workers, regardless of
gender, age, ethnicity, or leadership level.
In short, having more women in the workplace is associated with positive outcomes for both women and
men.
So, how can women advance their careers, and how can organizations ensure they’re making the most of all
their talent?
A key strategy is to prioritize the mentoring and sponsorship of women—particularly by influential (often
male) leaders.
Both mentors and sponsors are critical to helping aspiring women leaders gain the perspective and
connections they need to take on larger roles and advance their careers.
What’s the Difference Between a Mentor and a Sponsor?
By the time they reach mid-career, most leaders can name a handful of advisors—bosses, coaches,
colleagues, and friends—who’ve helped them build confidence and develop needed skills. These advisors
may be mentors and/or sponsors.
While both guide professional development, there are important differences between mentors and sponsors:
MENTOR SPONSOR
Role Experienced person at any level Senior leader in the organization
Goal Provide guidance for career choices Use influence to help employee obtain
and decisions high-visibility assignments
Who drives the Both mentee and mentor; requires The sponsor, who chooses to advocate
relationship? mentor to be responsive to the needs for “sponsoree,” including behind closed
of the “mentee” doors with other leaders
Actions Helps mentee determine paths to Advocates for sponsoree’s advancement;
meet specific career goals champions her potential
Mentors vs. Sponsors
Mentors provide guidance and support, whether around a specific need or for ongoing development.
They listen to their mentees’ experiences and give constructive, direct, and honest feedback.

PAPERmaking!
Our research with the Leaders’ Counsel found that people who are mentored:
 Are better prepared for promotions and have higher success rates;
 Stay with their organizations longer;
 Feel more satisfied with their jobs and careers; and
 Rate higher on performance measures.
We also found that “mentees” have greater impact in their organizations, are perceived as being more
innovative and creative, show higher resilience to setbacks, and have stronger networks.
A mentor may also be a sponsor—but not necessarily. A sponsor is a specific type of mentor who goes
above and beyond giving advice.
Sponsors are advocates who actively work to advance the career of their “sponsoree,” touting their
accomplishments and potential, connecting them to others in their network, and recommending them for
bigger roles. A sponsor pushes their “sponsoree” to take on challenging assignments and actively advances
their career progression—including in off-the-record or closed-door meetings with other leaders.
Since the people who can advocate and create opportunities for others have some level of authority in an
organization, they are likely upper-level leaders—people in power. And as the statistics above noted, in most
organizations, that pool of influencers is still primarily male.
So “while sponsors are important for men, they are critical for women,” says Martineau. “Yet men are more
likely than women to have sponsors.”
Mentoring at all career stages is important, but without sponsors who take that next step to advocate on their
behalf, women—especially women of color—are at a disadvantage.
Why Is There an Imbalance in Sponsorship Between Men & Women?

There are several reasons why more men are sponsors and more men are sponsored.
Like attracts like.
Since people naturally tend to gravitate to other people who are like them, male leaders may unconsciously
be inclined to mentor and champion other men.
Similarly, women may not feel comfortable asking somebody several levels up—especially someone who
doesn’t look like them—for advice or sponsorship. So even with no other factors at play, more men than
women are sponsored, and leadership power structures remain largely unchanged.
Unconscious bias also plays a role.
“Historically, images and ideals of leadership have been associated with stereotypically ‘male’ qualities, and
so because of that, women are less likely to be perceived as ‘leadership material,’ as compared to men,”
notes senior CCL researcher Cathleen Clerkin.
Research shows that women face a double bind of being seen as competent or likable—but not both.
Research has also found that women receive fewer stretch assignments and more vague, personal, and
unhelpful feedback than men—preventing them from getting clear information about their performance that
would push them to learn, grow, and improve.
Assumptions are problematic.
“Often, women have the right qualifications and the personal readiness but are not considered for a
promotion or critical assignment,” says Laura Santana, who works closely with female leaders in CCL’s
Women’s Leadership Experience and other leadership development programs.

PAPERmaking!
“People make assumptions about women’s capabilities and interests and then make decisions for them:
 She’s too nice; she wouldn’t want this job…

 She has young children; the travel schedule will be too demanding…
 She won’t want this promotion; she’d have to relocate her family…
 She hasn’t done this before; she won’t feel up for the challenge…
“These assumptions may not be conscious or spoken, but they cause women to be overlooked for roles they
would be great at.”
“Queen Bee Syndrome” contributes, too.
The few women who have broken through the glass ceiling often still find themselves feeling stuck because
of gender bias. While many women do sponsor, promote, or support the career advancement of other
women, those who don’t are sometimes called “queen bees” and are considered unsupportive of other
women.
But our research has found that when women executives do advocate for diversity and promote other
women, they receive lower competency and performance ratings. So it’s understandable that senior women
may hesitate to advance the careers of more junior women—it may feel as if it comes at too great a personal
cost. Men who sponsor or promote women are not similarly penalized—and may even be rewarded for
supporting diversity.
To mitigate power and bias, both men and women in positions of power should mentor and sponsor talent—
regardless of gender. With awareness of the reality of power and bias in everyday actions, leaders should
check their thinking, adjust as needed, and call out bias whenever they see it.
Aspiring Women Leaders: Don’t Go It Alone

Think you might need a mentor or sponsor? If you don’t already have one, the answer is yes.
“You absolutely need mentors and sponsors! You just need them for different things at different times,” says
Kelly Simmons, who developed CCL’s Advancing Technical Women program.
“In new roles, you need to learn new skills, find out what you don’t know, and learn. If you’re not moving
ahead or are feeling stuck or confused about your situation, get help—it’s not all on you. Don’t put all the
responsibility on yourself to advance in your career or succeed in a new role.”
You might be thinking:
 “If I do a good job, people will notice. If I do just a little more, work a little harder, it will happen. I
don’t need a mentor or sponsor.”
 Or, “I want to earn that promotion myself; it feels like cheating or pulling rank if I have a senior
decision-maker on my side.”
 Or, “The timing isn’t right, right now; I’ll go for the next opportunity.”
Many women wrestle with these same concerns.
But without access to the people who can set you up for the experiences you need—and support you
through the inevitable challenges—your career progress is likely to stall, leading to short-term frustration and
long-term consequences.
Wherever you are in your career, you need a network of champions—colleagues but also mentors and
sponsors—to help you shift the way you think and act.

PAPERmaking!
Can Men Really Be Good Mentors to Women?

Yes! Men in leadership roles are ideally positioned to strengthen the leadership pipeline in their
organizations by helping to retain and advance talented women.
Plus, mentoring and sponsoring others offers benefits to both parties. Research from our work with the
Leaders’ Counsel found that leaders who mentor and advocate for others have:
 A stronger commitment to their organization;

 An enhanced perception of their leadership by others; and
 A greater sense of well-being, including increased job and personal satisfaction.
Through mentoring and sponsoring, our research also found you can and build and enhance your own
networks, more quickly access job-related and organizational news, and become a better leader yourself.
You also gain a chance to reflect upon and articulate your own expertise and experience—something you
may not take time to do otherwise.
Some men think they wouldn’t be good at mentoring someone who is different from them. Others have said
they’re wary of perceptions or misinterpretation of their work relationships with women.
But if you’re a man who is hesitant to seriously mentor or sponsor a woman, don’t say no yet. Check out
Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women, a book by two men and take advantage of our
free resources to help you get started mentoring or sponsoring.
Take some time to learn how you can make a difference to the talented women around you—and help your
organization thrive.
What Are You Waiting For?

Ideally, women would have the mentors they need to help them navigate their careers, and senior leaders
would see their skills and potential and enthusiastically sponsor them. But, since this isn’t happening by
default in most organizations, there’s a leaky pipeline of talent.
What can be done?
Establishing a mentoring or sponsoring relationship may not be easy to do. It can feel a bit awkward and
confusing to get started, but it doesn’t have to be.
We offer our free mentoring resources for aspiring women leaders, potential mentors and sponsors, and HR
executives, including:

PAPERmaking!
8 Networking Skills that Every Professional

Needs to Have
Gregory Ciotti
When it comes to most advice on networking, many business publications place too much emphasis on
“what’s easy” rather than “what works”.
This has only been amplified by the recent dominant presence of social media.
With useless “tips” like:
‘Set up a LinkedIn profile!’

‘Get active on Twitter!’
‘And… um, email people I guess!’
…it’s no wonder people get frustrated when they look for information on how to properly network with others.
Networking also has a somewhat ‘sleazy’ association to it: people picture the grease-ball haircut on the really
loud guy with 800 business cards who’s all talk and no action.
The thing is, good networking does not have to be this way, not at all.
So set aside your bias against networking, and step into ‘natural networking’ for building real relationships
with people who can help you get where you want to be.
https://www.bidsketch.com
1.) Make
the generalNetworking a Regular
benefit of its members Activity– both individual and corporate – dedicated to promoting and
This is myFormed
industry. solution in
to one
1960, of itthe most common
serves questions
the Industry, bothabout networking:and
manufacturers howsuppliers,
do I get started?
by providing a
If you’reallworried
cover aboutofjumping
aspects in to networking
papermaking science.or how you can
It also keep it as
publishes a habit,
the just follow
prestigious this onePaper
journal simple
strategy — every other day (or every day, or twice a week, etc.), reach out to
Technology International and the PITA Annual Review, both sent free to members, and a range ofone person who’s work you
find interesting.
That’s it!
Page 1 of 5 Article 11 – Networking

PAPERmaking!
Networking Skills that Work

If you’ve struggled with sincere networking in the past (as I have), definitely give this list a run-through and
take notes when you notice an area where you can improve your own networking habits.
As a last bit of advice before we get into the list, be sure to network outside of your industry from time to
time!
We often get so focused with business related networking that we never reach out to people who may be
doing cool stuff in other fields of work… and you never know what may come of it.
1.) Make Networking a Regular Activity

This is my solution to one of the most common questions about networking: how do I get started?
If you’re worried about jumping in to networking or how you can keep it as a habit, just follow this one simple
strategy — every other day (or every day, or twice a week, etc.), reach out to one person who’s work you
find interesting.
That’s it!
Don’t ask for anything (more on that in a minute), just reach out with an email that shows your mutual
respect/interest in what they do, and that you just wanted to say “Hey” to a person doing cool things.
That way, you have no fear of coming off as sleazy/begging, will consistently reach out to new people (not
just for a week before you quit), and you’ll likely come across a lot of interesting folks in your industry, which
is always a plus.
No more excuses!
2.) Stop Being an Internet Panhandler

As a guy who loves studying behavioral psychology, one of the most interesting topics to me is what exactly
changes in people’s personalities when they interact with others online. Not much has been published on the
subject, but the online disinhibition effect is one that we all probably recognize in one way or another.
The point is this: People on the internet tend to lack diplomacy & tact, and one of the ways that this rears its
ugly head is that people will ask for things on the internet that they’d never expect someone to give them in
“real life.”
While most people on the street would be hesitant to ask a stranger for $10, on the internet people will ask
for THE WORLD and then get upset when you don’t deliver!
As an example… when I recently wrote a huge article on productivity, I got a lot of good emails after it was
published from people who enjoyed it (more on that in a bit).
On the other hand, I got a lot of TERRIBLE intro emails from people essentially demanding that I help them
with their productivity problems. One guy even told me that he wanted a “quick” analysis of his productivity
problems over an hour long Skype call!
“Sure thing, my time is apparently worth nothing to you so let me drop everything I’m doing and call you up!”
As freelancers, many of us know this feeling all too well, yet a lot of us still suffer from “internet pandhandler
syndrome” when trying to network with people. I wrote in my previous post on freelance marketing about how
I was able to land features on big publications through email, and I included a single tip that can help you
avoid this annoying habit…
Don’t ask for anything in the first email!
Genuine networking doesn’t start with your hands out during the first contact.

PAPERmaking!
3.) Know Who You’re Reaching Out To
This should be a no-brainer, but if you’ve ever gotten an unsolicited email that felt like a spam message but
actually wasn’t, you know what I mean here.
The most important thing to remember here is that if you are trying to connect with an influential person, this
becomes even more important — not because they are inherently more important, but because they
probably have people trying to reach out all the time.
You can stand out by doing your homework and actually getting to know some facts about the person you’re
about to reach out to, beyond the “surface level” stuff that everybody already knows.
People reach out to me a lot of discuss content strategy, and I’m flattered when they bring up some work of
mine that they saw on Help Scout, Bidsketch, or any other place I regularly appear.
As basic as that may seem, remember point #2… on the internet, everyone comes across as: “Blah blah
blah enough about you, let’s get back to me!“
Separate yourself from the pack and actually come prepared knowing about the person’s passion projects,
and I guarantee you’ll get remembered.
4.) Use Positive Language

I actually talked about this in my list of customer service skills, and this is true for building proposals (as
described in this example eBook about software development proposals), but it goes far beyond dealing with
customers — it’s great for networking too.
This is especially true when you consider that so much communication today is done via text, and it’s hard to
display emotions and other subtle cues without the other person’s face being in sight.
For instance, compare these two similar requests…
“Hey. I want to do an interview with you on your new project by this Friday, we have very similar audiences.”
vs.
“Hey, I’d love it if we could do a quick interview sometime soon on your new project, my audience loves your
work.”
While “saying” the same thing, you likely immediately realized that #2 was far more inviting and using
positive language to get the same message across, but without the bluntness (which can be misinterpreted
for rudeness via text) of the first example.
When in doubt about the tone of your message, it is best to keep this rule in mind and evaluate whether or
not you are using positive language, there is essentially no downside (just don’t be overly chipper or “Whoo
hoo!” for every single message) and it is a great way to avoid communication problems that stem from using
harsher language.
5.) Cultivate Your “Power” Contacts

As much as many people may not like to hear it, “All contacts are equal, but some are more equal than
others.”
You’re going to come across people who become power contacts as you become more connected with
those in your industry. These people will be the ones who are constantly introducing you to new/interesting
contacts, referring you to others for more work, and just generally pushing your business forward.
I can name one supernetworker of mine in Leo Widrich, co-founder of the BufferApp.
Although we’re both busy, I try to stay in regular contact with Leo, make contributing to the Buffer blog a
monthly priority, and constantly make mentions of Leo wherever I post (hint hint).

PAPERmaking!
These are simply the contacts you’ll form where the “give and take” has reached a fairly high level, and
you’re both willing to support the other where possible.
Be sure to keep an eye on these people, networking isn’t always Pareto principle in practice, but in many
instances your most frequent contacts will be the ones that really matter.
You don’t need to know the most people, just the right people.
6.) Learn How to Email

Real business gets done over email.
A tweet may get someone’s attention, but when it comes to establishing real relationships, the conversation
truly begins when you start the reciprocity via email.
That said, you should know how to write a good email, both during the “outreach” stages of networking and
when you’ve already established a connection.
Let’s break some advice down for each stage…
#1 — Outreach
When you’re looking to initially get someone’s attention, you need to tread carefully.
Here are 3 good pieces of advice for outreach emails:
 KISS: Keep it short, stupid. I wrote about this in my guide on How to Email Busy People, but the #1
killer in outreach emails is sending people a book when all they want is a paragraph. You’re the one
reaching out, so don’t waste their time with a wall-o-text, 3 short paragraphs ought to do it.
 Make it about them: You can give a quick spiel as to why you’re an interesting guy/gal to connect
with, but since you’re hitting their inbox first, make the first email mostly about them.
 Find a mutual connection: This could either be a mutual friend or a mutual interest, but one of the
best ways to personalize an outreach email is to find a legitimate thing in common that you and
receiving party have.
#2 — Established connections
Once you’ve established contact, the conversation begins to shift quite a bit (obviously). It’s similar to when
you make a new friend vs. talking to a friend you’ve had for 2 years, you’re familiarity changes what you talk
about.
That said, don’t let your good connections go to waste over a bad email.
Here’s how you can improve the next stage…
1. NO CONSTANT PANHANDLING!: That’s right, this is making another appearance. If the only time
you contact this person is to get something out of them, you’re doing it wrong.
2. Send them interesting emails: What should you be emailing them then? Interesting content that
they may enjoy, mentions that you’ve given them, insightful questions or thoughts that appeal to both
of your businesses/interests, etc.
Pretty simple right?
Use email to stay in touch with those important people in your networks, staying connected is often much
more important than getting connected.
7.) Don’t Expect Anything

This “skill” is actually one of the most important of all, because with the right mindset you can usually avoid
many of the big networking mistakes out there.
When you are always out to get something, you are not truly networking with people, you’re just running a
long-term manipulation game.

PAPERmaking!
The RIGHT mindset is to know that creating a big network is the smart thing to do, but also understanding
that whatever comes should just come, you don’t need to actively be pestering your connections for
everything.
It’s great when a new connection works out from a professional standpoint, but it’s hard to measure some
other things that having a large network can bring, like…
1. More information & great conversation with smart people

2. Introductions to others
3. Creating a presence of being “that guy that everybody knows and likes”
Just because a connection doesn’t result in more direct dollars in your bank account doesn’t mean it was
fruitless, and you shouldn’t be pursuing connections with people just to wring something out of them.
Speaking of which…
8.) Burn Useless Bridges

Yikes, somewhat of a controversial point to place on a post about networking, no?
The thing is, this skill is an absolute must to learn.
Eventually, you’re going to come across “leeches,” people who you’ve connected with but don’t see the
relationship as give-and-take, more like, “How much can I get out of you?”
Networking is supposed to help you grow your business by meeting genuinely awesome people, not create a
network of vultures who only reach out to you when they need something.
Cut these people off, and fast, you don’t need anyone holding you back.
Note that this isn’t the same as people who want to help you, but can’t and don’t ask much from you. This
advice is for the greedy, those hitting your inbox with favour after favour that never gets returned.

PAPERmaking!
101 Time Management Tips to Boost

Productivity Every Day
John Rampton
For most of us, time management and staying productive is a daily struggle. Sometimes that’s not the end of
the world. But, if you don’t address this sooner then later, the things you were supposed to do today get
pushed to tomorrow, then the next day. Eventually, you could end-up several weeks behind.
That’s not good for business or your stress-level. Thankfully, you can prevent that from happening by using
these 101 time management and productivity tips. Let's start to gain yourself more time.
https://www.entrepreneur.com
Page 1 of 10 Article 12 – Time Management

PAPERmaking!
1. Just breathe.
Here’s an interesting fact from Tom Evans, host of the Zone Show podcast. A tortoise’s life expectancy is
around 120 to 140 years, while an elephant lives for around 80 to 90 years. Even though our own life
expectancy is increasing, it used to be just between 50 and 60 years.
While there are a number of factors that influence the life expectancy of these animals, Evans notes that, "a
tortoise breathes around four times every minute. An elephant breathes around eight times every minute and
we breathe around 12 to 15 times every minute.”
As such, Evans, suggests that if you want to change your relationship with time then you should start
breathing more slowly. “To begin we need to use our diaphragm and to do belly breaths. This of course is
how a baby breathes. We’ve just got out of the habit.”
“Now you don’t have to do it all the time but just doing seven to nine deep and slow breaths at the start of the
day is enough to slow things down. You can also do it before any creative task or if you have been stressed.
It works especially well if you are running late for a meeting. By breathing more slowly, we ‘expand’ time.”
2. Measure twice, cut once.

My dad used to tell me, “Measure twice, cut once.” This is actually a famous proverb for anyone involved in
carpentry or building since it advices to do things right the first time around.
Double-check your work so that you don’t spend the time going back and correcting your mistakes.
3. Turn off the TV.

It’s been found that we spend eight years and ten months of our lives watching TV - plus an additional eight
months discussing plot holes and characters. Instead of watching so much television, spend that time on
higher-leverage tasks.
4. Eat the frog first.

“Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the
day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worse things that is going to happen to you all
day long,” writes Brian Tracy.
“Your ‘frog’ is your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t
do something about it.”
5. Schedule according to energy.

Speaking of eating that frog, do that when you have the most amount of energy and focus - aka your “magic
hours.” This is typically 2.5 hours after you wake-up. By creating a schedule based around your energy you
can create a routine that ensures your as productive as possible. Make sure to schedule out time on your
Calendar.
6. Wake-up earlier.
Want more time? Then start waking-up earlier. This way you have the time to read, exercise, respond to
emails, and plan out your day properly.
7. Keep a time diary.

A time diary a simple way to find out how you spend your time. By recording how you spend your time for a
month or two, you’ll see where you’re wasting time and what influences productivity.
8. Make use of waiting time.

Let’s say you have a doctor’s appointment. Have something with you to do. This could be reading a book,
catching up on correspondence, or writing your upcoming eBook.
9. Make a list and get it out of your head.

Don’t let everything you have to do swirl around in your head. Jot them done so that it clears your brain and
prevents you from getting overwhelmed.
10. Think “half-time.”

For example, if you’re cooking dinner, make the twice the amount and freeze half of it. This way you’re not
spending that time again preparing and cleaning your meal on another night.

PAPERmaking!
11. Ditch commitments that waste your time, energy and attention.
One of the most effective ways to gain more time is to eliminate those commitments that are, well, a waste of
your time. Identify these commitments that are unproductive and don’t schedule them into your calendar
growing forward.
12. Be decisive.
That time you spend flip-flopping on a decision could be spent on something that’s actually productive. Make
a decision, live with it, and move on.
13. Cross something off.

We’re familiar with crossing items off to-do-lists. But, you should also start crossing off items that you’re not
going to do. This keeps your to-do lists from getting out of control. It also prevents you from overcommitting.
14. Lighten your cleaning standards.

Obviously you want your home and office to be clean and organized. But, settling on “dirt removal” instead of
“spotless” will definitely save you a ton of time and energy in the end. For example, as opposed to scrubbing
your shower stall every week, wipe it down everytime you use it.
15. Establish “maintenance days.”

Group your cleaning, laundry, and errands on specific days. This way they’re not lingering over your head
when working on more pressing matters.
16. Schedule your work in batches.

Speaking of grouping, start batching similar tasks together. For example, spend one day solely dedicated to
writing, another to meetings.
17. Combine efforts.

If you’re volunteering or meeting a client for lunch, then run errands that are nearby This way you’re cutting
down on the time spend going back and forth all day.
18. Learn keyboard shortcuts.

Online users between the ages of 18 to 24 years old spend an average of 1,979 minutes online per month.
With that in mind, it makes sense to learn keyboard shortcuts and touch type so that you can save some
time when browsing online. Here are some Office 365 Calendar hacks, Yahoo Calendar tips and Google
Calendar hacks to help along the way.
19. Shorten your emails.

Keep your emails short and to the point. I try to keep all of my emails under five sentences.
20. Delegate or outsource.

Instead of doing tasks yourself, delegate or outsource them to someone else so that you can focus on more
important tasks.
21. Automate repetitive tasks.

There’s also certain tasks, like scheduling meetings and recurring billing, that you can automate via software.
22. Schedule less.

I know what you’re thinking. This is pretty obvious. But, you’re probably spreading yourself too thin without
even knowing it.
Review all of your activities and see which ones aren’t helping your reach your goals. You should also look
at the activities that no longer fit into your schedule.
23. Work four hours a day.

Science has found that you should only work four hours a day. This doesn’t mean you can goof off the rest of
the day. It’s all about focusing on your most important tasks when you’re most productive. Spend the rest of
your days resting, practicing your skills, and completing less challenging tasks.

PAPERmaking!
24. Stop multitasking.

Multitasking doesn’t work. In fact, it takes longer to complete a task when we multitasks because our minds
are shifting back-and-forth. Instead, focus on one task at a time. Train your brain to slow down a little. It's like
running, the more train your body, the faster you'll become.
25. Don’t beat yourself up.

What happens if you spend a Saturday morning binge-watching Stranger Things? Stop wasting your time
feeling guilty about it. Sometimes that happens. Do your best not to make that a habit and move-on instead
of living in the past.
To make the most of your time, here are tips for implementing a productivity system.
26. The “Pomodoro Technique.”

The “Pomodoro Technique” is where you use a timer and schedule short breaks, usually five minutes, after
25 minutes of focused work.
27. Seinfeld’s “Don’t break the chain” method.

Jerry Seinfeld would use a wall calendar and red marker to stay focused. He would cross out the days on the
calendar when he wrote.
“After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like
seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job next is to not break
the chain.”
28. David Allen’s “two-minute rule.”

According to David Allen, author of the best-selling Getting Things Done, if a task takes under two-minutes to
complete -- do it now -- so that it’s out of the way.
29. Break your day into five-minute slots like Elon Musk.
How does Elon Musk run both Tesla and SpaceX? He breaks his entire day into five-minute slots - even his
lunch. Doing so keeps him productive since it ensues that he stays on-track and doesn’t waste his time.
30. Jay Shirley’s “Must, Should Want Method.”

Here’s a simple exercise from Jay Shirley. Every morning start your day by answering three questions: What
must your do to create the most impact today? What should your do to build a better future? What do you
want to do so that you can enjoy today and life more completely?
This gets your day started on the right foot, while increasing your productivity and happiness.
31. The Eisenhower Matrix.

This strategy was developed by Dwight Eisenhower. As explained by James Clear, “Eisenhower’s strategy
for taking action and organizing your tasks is simple. Using the decision matrix below, you will separate your
actions based on four possibilities.
1. Urgent and important (tasks you will do immediately).

2. Important, but not urgent (tasks you will schedule to do later).
3. Urgent, but not important (tasks you will delegate to someone else).
4. Neither urgent nor important (tasks that you will eliminate).”
This matrix “can be used for broad productivity plans (‘How should I spend my time each week?’) and for
smaller, daily plans (‘What should I do today?).”
32. Airplane days.

“Some years ago, Hughes AirWest, a regional airline that once served the western U.S., hired a consulting
firm to compare the efficiency of flying first-class with flying economy-class, and with working in a normal
office,” writes Brian Tracy.
“What they found was that one hour of uninterrupted work time in an airplane yielded the equivalent of three
hours of work in a normal work environment. The keyword was ‘’uninterrupted.’’ If you plan ahead and
organize your work before you leave for the airport, you can increase productivity by accomplishing an
enormous amount while you are in the air.”

PAPERmaking!
Of course, you can apply this to your daily life as well since it highlights the importance of planning and
organization.
33. Follow your ultradian rhythms.

Coined by psycho-physiologist Peretz Lavie, ultradian rhythms are simply the natural rhythms that the body
cycles through every 90-120 minutes. It can get pretty complex, but the idea is that you should concentrate
when your energy levels are highest, but to rest when you feel drained.
34. The “big rocks system.”

Based on the principles outlined by Stephen R. Covey, author The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,
this is where you schedule time for your most important priorities first by imagining them as “big rocks” filling
a bucket or jar. If you start with “big rocks,” and then put in sand or smaller rocks, all the gaps and cracks will
get filled.
35. “No Meetings Wednesdays.”

Companies like Facebook and Asana have a rule where there are no meetings on Wednesdays. Other
companies have this rule for other days of the week, but the idea is the same. As opposed to wasting your
time in a meeting, you can focus on important individual tasks. I've implemented this two days a week at my
company Calendar. It works like a charm. We've seen an increase in code deployed and bugs by 14% since
implementing this eight months ago.
36. The “anti to-do-list.”

Instead of composing just a to-do list, create a to-done list where you write down everything you've already
accomplished. It’s a powerful way to keep you motivated when you need a boost.
37. Sunday check-ins.

There are some entrepreneurs and CEO’s who briefly check-in with their teams on Sunday's. This way
everything is ready to go on Monday morning. If you’re a flying solo, you can schedule a Sunday check-in
with yourself to make sure you have everything in-order for Monday and the rest of the week. We got this via
Slack to make it easier for everyone and not be too formal.
What brings this altogether is focus and attention. The following tips can be a big help.
38. Get you environment right.

Work in an environment that has your auditory sweet spot (some prefer silence, others like background),
organized, comfortable, free of distractions, and comfortable. Also make sure you have all the tools and
resources readily available. And, paint your workplace a color that improves your productivity.
39. Turn off notifications.

Turn off all notifications for email, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels when eating that frog.
40. Plan for interruptions.

Try all you might, there will occasionally be interruptions. Plan for these in advance by having some flexibility
in your schedule so that you don’t get log jammed.
41. Shrink your mental deadlines.
If you believe it’s going to take you an hour to do something, give yourself 40 minutes instead. By shrinking
your mental deadline you’ll work faster, as well as improve your focus.
42. Make a procrastination list.

This is a list of high-leverage activities that you can chip away at whenever you’re procrastinating or have
down time. Examples include reading industry magazines, organizing folders, or reviewing your contact lists.
43. Create a stop doing list.

This is a list of those bad habits that waste your time or hinder your productivity. Write these habits down so
that you can develop a realistic plan to replace these bad habits with good habits.

PAPERmaking!
44. Use Brainwave Entrainment.

Brainwave entrainment isn’t a new development. In fact, it’s a 100+ year old science that uses special tones
and sounds to influence an individual’s brainwave patterns. This has scientifically been proven to help
change a person’s state of mind.
45. Focus@Will.
Focus@Will is an app that not only removes distractions, it also increases productivity. How? It discovers the
type of music to put your brain into a “flow state.”
46. Use a password manager.

The average person has 27 discrete online logins. That takes-up a lot of real estate in our brains. And, trying
to recover lost logins is time-consuming. Invest in a password manager, like LastPass or 1Password to
rectify this problem.
47. Hack your vision.

Blue wavelengths from fluorescent lights and electronic devices can fatigue your eyes and accelerate eye
aging. To combat this start by taking a couple of small steps like blinking more and reducing your exposure
before bed. You may also want to consider getting protective lenses.
48. Actively listen.

Active listening is when you all of your attention and focus is at the conversation at-hand. As a result, you’ll
free-up and boost productivity since you’re avoiding misunderstandings and not having the other party stop
and repeat themselves.
49. Have a cut-off time.

Set a specific time to completely check-out from work so that you can avoid further exposure to blue light
and recharge your batteries. Doing so ensures you’ll be fully energized the following day.
The foundation of our productivity is our health, so here are physical productivity tips to simplify getting and
staying in shape.
50. Exercise.
"I definitely can achieve twice as much by keeping fit," Richard Branson tells FourHourBodyPress. "It keeps
the brain functioning well."
When does someone like Richard Branson find the time to exercise? By waking up at 5:00 am everyday.
51. Fuel-up wisely.

“Keep your energy high by eating the right foods that fuel your body instead of dragging it down,”
recommends Rieva Lesonsky on the OPEN Forum. “Avoid sugar, simple carbohydrates like pasta and
bread, and junk food -- they can give you a temporary energy high, but then you may crash.”
52. Drink caffeine intelligently and stay hydrated.

“Use caffeine strategically: It can take about 20 minutes for a cup of coffee to kick in, so drink it 20 minutes
before you need to power up, and you should be good to go,” adds Lesonsky.
“Above all, try to stay hydrated. Often, when you feel tired or hungry, all you really need may be a big glass
of water to get back in the game.”
53. Get 7-to-9 hours of sleep.

You might be able to get by with a couple of hours of sleep when you’re younger, but that won’t fly as you
get older. Remember, getting seven-to-nine hours of quality sleep every night improves your attention,
concentration, creativity, decision-making, and health. It also reduces stress and impulsiveness.
54. Skip the nightcap.

Drinking alcohol before bed prevents your from getting a quality night’s rest. If you do have an alcoholic
beverage, have one several hours before your hit the hay.
55. Stop and smell...the lemons.

Via Rodale’s Organic Life;

PAPERmaking!
“Research from Ohio State University found that sniffing lemon improved people’s moods and raised levels
of norepinephrine, a brain chemical linked to executive decision-making and motivation. Another study found
that students exposed to a citrus-scented cleaner were more likely to clean up after themselves, while in a
Japanese study the scent of lemon improved typing accuracy, with workers making 54 percent fewer errors.”
56. Meditate
As mentioned in a previous Calendar post, “Meditation at its simplest form is the ability to focus on a single
point typically your breath. In order to truly meditate you need to remove everything else from thought.”
57. Strike a power pose.

“Strike Power Pose for More Productive Day: A 'Power Pose' is a method of telling your body to start
moving,” states Murray Newlands.
“Productivity is all about telling the brain: 'I am in charge, I feel good to go.' A 'power pose' actually can
cause a burst of testosterone, that's responsible for feelings of dominance. Having a power pose in place for
around 2 minutes may assist with confidence, decrease stress, and encourage a greater tolerance for risk.”
If you want to learn some awesome power poses, then check out Murray’s 7 body positions and gestures
that can improve productivity.
58. Take a nap.

When you feel like you’re dragging, go ahead a take a short nap - preferably in the afternoon. This doesn’t
just recharge your batteries, napping can improve your memory, alertness, and creativity.
59. Set the right temperature.

Productivity decreases when you’re either too hot or too cold. That makes sense since you’re focused on
how much you’re sweating or shivering. While there are several factors to consider, keeping the temperature
between 70º–72ºF (21–22ºC) is usually ideal.
60. Soak up the sun.

Natural light increases your energy levels, helps you focus, reduces stress, and assists in better sleep.
61. Smile!
According to A Life of Productivity, smiling makes you more productive because it boosts your immunity,
makes your happier, handle stress better, and helps you focus on the big picture.
62. Bring your dog to work.

Studies have found that we “become more trusting, relaxed and nicer towards each after interacting with a
canine.” Furthermore, playing with your best friend reduces stress. This isn’t a problem if you work from
home, but what if you can’t bring your dog to work? Looking at pictures of animals can have similar effects.
63. Standing and walking meetings.

Some meetings are essential. But instead of sitting - like you’ve been doing all day - start having standing or
walking meetings. It’s not just better for your health, these types of meetings reduce distractions, promote
collaboration, and saves time.
Success requires being equally fit physically and mentally. Try these mental productivity tips:
64. Have a plan.

Let’s say you’re building your dream home. Obviously you would have an architect design your home. This
ensures that it’s built correctly and that you have all the materials needed to get the job done on time.
Start by identifying a daily mantra, your short-term goal, and your long-term goal.
65. Take five.

This isn’t taking a five-minute break. It’s actually taking five minutes before any call or task to determine what
you want to attain. As noted in Entrepreneur, "This will help you know what success looks like before you
start. And it will also slow time down."
After the call or task, decide on whether or not the desired result was achieved. If not, figure out what’s
missing for the next time around.

PAPERmaking!
66. Develop a growth mindset.

Discovered by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, those with a growth mindset “believe that their most basic
abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.
This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”
67. Regularly review the past week.

This is a time management habit championed by David Allen by taking the following steps;
1. Get clear by emptying your inbox, wrapping up any loose end, and tidying up.
2. Now you want to get current by reviewing your upcoming calendar, projects, actions lists, and
checklists and ditching the inessentials.
3. Finally, get creative. Find unique ways to slip projects you’ve been putting off into your schedule.
68. Write in your happiness journal.

Every night write down the three things you’re grateful for that occurred within the last 24 hours. As
explained in Daring to Live Fully, “This brings your brain into better balance. It also retrains your brain so that
it will start seeing more possibilities.”
You can also write about one positive experience you had in the last 24 hours and jot down at least four
details about this experience. “This is helpful because when you take a moment to remember a positive
experience, your brain labels it as meaningful, which deepens the imprint.”
69. Get an easy win.

While you should usually focus on tackling the hardest tasks first, sometimes you need an instant victory, like
making your bed when you wake-up. It’s a simple way to feel accomplished and build momentum for the rest
of the day.
70. Learn to say 'no' effectively.

When starting out in your career, it’s not uncommon to say “yes” to new responsibilities. There comes a
point, however, that you can’t keep this pace-up. The Power of No: Because One Little Word Can Bring
Health, Abundance, and Happiness by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher is an excellent book to
help you learn how to say “no” more effectively.
71. Find your groove.

A flow state is where you’re completely absorbed in what you’re doing at the moment. To get into this flow
state, you should work on activities that are challenging, but also equal to the skills you possess.
72. Schedule breaks throughout the day.

“There’s a lot to be said about the power of rest throughout the workday,” writes Renzo Costarella. “If you
power through the day without taking the time to decompress you’ll do yourself more harm than good.”
“The best way to take breaks is to schedule them throughout your day. That way you can truly control the
flow of work.”
73. Disconnect
Sometimes you need to completely unplug and disconnect in order to recharge and avoid burnout. For
instance, on Saturday afternoons shut off you phone for a couple of hours so that you aren’t answering
phone calls, texts, or emails.
74. Rehearse situations.

Rehearse your commute home, for example. What can you grab for dinner? Is there a Salad Works along
the way? If so you can stop there than McDonald's. This way you can resist temptations.
75. Bargain with yourself.

“If you don't want to do something, make a deal with yourself to do at least five minutes of it,” says Instagram
founder Kevin Systrom. “After five minutes, you'll end up doing the whole thing.”
76. Identify your keystone habits.

Charles Duhigg, author of "The Power of Habit," defines “keystone habits” as those that can transform your
life. Examples include planning out your days, exercising, and having strong willpower.

PAPERmaking!
77. Establish S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time based. This makes it easier to
define and achieve them.
78. Stop tracking your progress on goals.

According to psychologist Kelly McGonigal, “although it runs counter to everything we believe about
achieving our goals, focusing on progress can hold us back from success.” Instead, McGonigal suggests that
you, “View your actions as evidence that you are committed to your goal” and remind yourself why you want
to reach your goal.
79. Set “process goals.”

A process goal is what you actually need to achieve in order to achieve a larger goal. For example, if you
want to increase sales by 25%, then your process goal would be to call 5 potential clients daily.
80. Anticipate obstacles.

While you can’t expect for every unexpected occurrence, you should anticipate certain obstacles. This way
you can have a contingency plan so that you can keep going forward no matter what.
81. Own your mistakes, then move on.

We all mistakes. Learn from them so that you won’t repeat these same mistakes in the future.
82. End your day on a high-note.

Did you get that blog post written ahead of schedule? Did you then call your best friend since you now have
the spare time? That feels awesome, right? Ending your day on a high note encourages you to do the same
the next day.
Success always is a team sport, so here are organization and prioritization tips:
83. Schedule your entire day.

Benjamin Franklin said, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!" With that in mind, kick-off every morning
by planning your entire day. This includes everything from your most important tasks to meetings to
commute times.
84. Keep your desk clear.

When you have a cluttered desk that sends a visual cue to your brain that causes stress. Spend the last
couple minutes of your day cleaning and organizing your desk so it’s clear for the next day.
85. Use an online calendar and calendar tool.

With an online calendar you can access it from multiple devices, schedule meetings/appointments, set up
reminders, block time, and set up recurring events.
On top of an online calendar, a calendar tool creates a daily routine, puts time limits on tasks, keeps your
time in-check, and helps you plan for breaks.
86. Declutter your calendar.

Calendars are paramount to time management and productivity. But, they’re not effective when they’re so full
that they’re bursting at the seams.
Clear the clutter from your calendar by only adding priorities that are date-specific. Don’t fill it with minute
activities or events that no longer fit into your lifestyle.
87. Consolidate your tools and apps.

Even though there thousands of tools and apps that can assist you with time management and productivity,
don’t go hog wild. Having too many of these tools and apps are counter-productive. Limit yourself to the
essentials.
88. Share your calendar.

Share your calendar with clients and colleagues so that you can schedule productive meetings and be aware
of deadlines without the back-and-forth emails. You can also share your calendar with your family so that
they know where you are and that you can delegate household chores.

PAPERmaking!
89. Set a maximum of three priority tasks per day.

Lengthy to-do lists aren’t effective. That’s because you simply don’t have the time or energy to cross
everything off your list. Instead, keep your to-do lists lean and mean by choosing your three most important
tasks for the day.
90. Define three daily outcomes every morning.

This isn’t your to-do list. These are three outcomes that you want to accomplish by the end of the day.
91. Jot down “forgettables.”

What happens when something pops in your mind while you’re working on an important task? Have a pen
and paper nearby so that you can jot it down. This gets the thought out of your head, without doing much
damage to your flow.
92. Schedule buffer and travel time.

Don’t jump directly from task-to-task or meeting-to-meeting. You need time to recharge, refocus, and/or
commute. It also prevents you from running late, which eats into the time you’ve set aside for another task or
appointment.
93. Break larger projects into bite-sized pieces.

It’s almost impossible to set the light at the end of the tunnel when working on a large project. That’s why
breaking these projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. The University of Georgia has published a
handy article to get your started.
94. Set deadlines.

Setting deadlines on everything is a useful trick to keep you on track and avoid procrastination. Personally, if
I need to have a blog post submitted by Friday, I set the deadline for Thursday. It alleviates stress while
giving me time to review it.
95. Tap into the power of visualization.

“Mental practice can get you closer to where you want to be in life, and it can prepare you for success!,”
writes AJ Adams, MAPP in Psychology Today.
For example, in a study of weight trainers, those “who carried out virtual workouts in their heads” increased
muscle strength by almost half as much when compared to those who didn’t.
96. Set-out visual reminders.

These could be inspiring quotes that you print and display around your home or office to keep you motivated.
97. Find a mentor.

A mentor will share with you the tips and tricks that have worked for them, as well as the mistakes to avoid.
98. Enhance or develop skills.

Learning or strengthening skills can help you complete tasks faster. This is because you not only have the
knowledge, you also have new approaches to solve problems. It also boosts your confidence.
99. Take one step at a time.

Baby steps. It’s probably one of the easiest and most powerful time management and productivity tips.
Instead of focusing on the task, focus on what you’re doing now.
For example, when I was writing this massive article, I focused on one point at a time and then moved-on, as
opposed to worrying about all 101 tips at once.
100. Don’t worry about perfection.

Stop worrying about something being “perfect.” It doesn’t exist. It’s only a figment of your imagination that
can never become a reality. Do your best and keep on moving forward.
101. Reward yourself.

It’s no secret that rewarding yourself when you’ve reached a goal or milestone is an effective way to keep
you motivated and productive. The trick is being smart with your rewards. Skip the sugary treats for
something like a massage. This avoids sugar crashes, but reduces anxiety and stress.

PAPERmaking!
Report Writing: An introductory guide

Reports are documents used to convey information in a relevant format. This guide will provide some hints
and tips about what reports are, how they differ from essays and how best to structure them to create
professional looking documents.
https://my.cumbria.ac.uk
Page 1 of 8 Article 13 – Report Writing

Report Writing
An introductory guide
The Skills Team, University of Cumbria

August 2018
skills@cumbria.ac.uk
UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA
Summary
Reports are documents used to convey
information in a relevant format. This guide
will provide some hints and tips about what
reports are, how they differ from essays
and how best to structure them to create
professional looking documents.
Disclaimer
Please Note: This guide has been written in the
style of a report. However, there are many ways
to layout a report. Check your module guide for
individual tutor requirements.
1|Page
Skills@Cumbria
Contents
Summary Page 2
Disclaimer Page 2
Introduction Page 3
1. Differences and purpose Page 3
2. Importance of the brief Page 3
3. Format or layout Page 3
4. Writing skills Page 4
5. Visual media Page 5
6. Examples of reports Page 5
7. References Page 5
8. Further reading Page 6
Figures and Tables
Fig.1 Suggested sections for a scientific report Page 4

Fig.2 Suggested sections for a business report Page 4
2|Page
Skills@Cumbria
Introduction
Reports are used in many professions including health, medical, science,
government, business, and the police. As they are used to provide key
information, they are considered to be a highly effective communication tool. But
they need careful planning to create maximum impact. This guide will outline
some of the formatting and style issues to consider.
1. Differences and Purpose

1.1 The main difference from essays is that reports can make use of the
following to enhance their look and feel:
 labelled sections
 headings and subheadings
 bullet points or short paragraphs
 images, tables and diagrams
1.2 Good report writing is a key employability skill. Reports are used to provide
information, make recommendations, feedback on surveys or outline strategy.
Therefore, a good report should be accessible, readable and attractive.
2. Importance of the Brief
2.1 Reports are usually the result of a specific brief or assignment. The format of
the report therefore needs to reflect what your tutor is asking for.
2.2 Read the brief carefully and if need be ask your tutor which layout they wish
to see. They may leave that decision up to you as it can depend on your
findings.
Here are some basics to get you started:
3. Format or Layout
3.1 Below are some suggested sections for a scientific or laboratory report and a
business or policing report. The key is to be flexible so only include those
sections relevant to the brief. Therefore, use these suggestions as guidelines and
add to, change or omit sections as needed.
3|Page
Skills@Cumbria
Figure 1: Suggested sections for a scientific report
Figure 2: Suggested sections for a business or policing report
3.2 Readers of reports will often 'dip' into a report initially to get the overall
messges. Which sections might they read first? Most likely: Executive
Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations
3.3 Microsoft applications provide formatting tools such as cover pages, page
numbering, headers and footers etc. to enhance the look and feel of the report.
4. Writing skills
4.1 You still need to use formal well-written text. However, unlike essays, the
text can be divided up effectively into short sub-sections or bullet or numbered
points to ensure your key messages are accessible.
4.2 You still need to make use of well-structured sentences and paragraphs and
use signposting to aid the flow of your text. Check out our general writing tips.
4|Page
Skills@Cumbria
5. Visual media to illustrate your reports
5.1 Enhance the impact of your report by including images, figures or
illustrations, diagrams, tables, infographics etc. A few golden rules though:
1. They must all be relevant and have a purpose

2. This purpose must be explained
3. They must be referenced if not your own - Check Cite them Right for
styles
4. They must be labelled
5. They can be listed in the contents page so they are easy to find
5.2 If appropriate add an image or colour to the title page or front cover of your
report. You can also use colour within the main body of your report.
6. Example of Reports
6.1 Scientific
 Invertebrate Survey (Telfer, 2013)

 The Clean Growth Strategy (HM Government, 2017)
6.2 Business / Policing
 Smart Cities (McKinsey & Co, 2018)

 Report of the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry (Macpherson, 1999)
7. References
HM Government (2017) The clean growth strategy: leading the way to a low barbon
future. Available at:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachme
nt_data/file/700496/clean-growth-strategy-correction-april-2018.pdf (Accessed: 9
August 2018).
Macpherson, W. (1999) Report of the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry. Available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-stephen-lawrence-inquiry (Accessed:
9 August 2018).
McKinsey (2018) Smart cities: digital solutions for a more livable future. Available at:
https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Capital%20Projects%20and%
20Infrastructure/Our%20Insights/Smart%20cities%20Digital%20solutions%20for%20a
%20more%20livable%20future/MGI-Smart-Cities-Full-Report.ashx (Accessed: 9 August
2018).
Telfer, M.G. (2013) Invertebrate survey of Northstowe, Cambridgeshire. Available at:

https://www.scambs.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/ES%20Appendix%20F_Part_8
_0.pdf (Accessed: 9 August 2018).
5|Page
Skills@Cumbria
8. Further reading
Check Onesearch for the full range of titles available. Some will be aimed at
general audiences, others at specific subject areas.
Bogg, D. (2016) Report writing for social workers. 2nd edn. London: Open
University Press.
Bowden, J. (2011) Writing a report: how to prepare, write and present really
effective reports. 9th edn. Oxford: How to Books.
Forsyth, P. (2016) How to write reports and proposals. 4th edn. London: Kogan
Page.
Price, M. (2013) Lab reports and projects in sport and exercise science: a guide
for students. Harlow: Pearson.
Reid, M. (2012) Report writing. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
6|Page
Skills@Cumbria
PAPERmaking!
Products & Services

PITA CORPORATE SUPPLIER MEMBERS
Page 2 ABB
Page 11 Archroma
Page 12 Jarshire
Page 15 Valmet
OTHER SUPPLIERS
Page 16 Materials Handling
Page 19 Safety
Page 21 Testing / Analysis
Page 25 Miscellaneous
Page 1 of 27 Products & Services

PAPERmaking!
ABB OFFERS A NEW APPLICATION TO HELP CUSTOMERS WORK

SMARTER NOT HARDER
Pioneering digital technology company ABB has a new application that will help customers
achieve higher levels of productivity and improve economic return to meet their performance
and quality objectives.
The Asset Management Application is a digital solution that enables process industries to
manage and protect their assets through predictive and preventative maintenance to avoid
costly failures. Cost effective management becomes a reality through the optimisation of
workflows and in-depth analysis of results, offering efficient asset management strategies
that enable smarter, more informed decisions.
The application offers industrial plants real-time condition monitoring of equipment,

connected devices and field devices to reduce unscheduled downtime, prevents equipment
failures and optimises operation and maintenance of the installed base. ABB enables
predictive and preventative maintenance by diagnosing asset conditions and predicting
looming equipment problems on premise and, for the first time, at an enterprise’s global level.
Moreover, the application enables the usage of advanced analytical methods such as
machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyse equipment problems and optimise the
performance.
As geographically dispersed production sites constantly grow, global connectivity, helped by

advanced cloud technologies, is an important feature. It brings added benefits of wider
collaboration across teams, management and operations.
ABB Ability™ Edge ensures a secure connection between assets and the cloud, efficiently
separating IT and OT. Edge technology can also act as a platform for applications to give
customers the option to operate solely on premise rather than in the cloud.
In the case of a problem, users can make informed and quick decisions, based on clear
recommendations. Actions range from immediate attention to scheduling maintenance in the
near future and the identification of issues that can be resolved during its routine
maintenance of equipment. The application is available for basic instrumentation equipment
across all processing and manufacturing industries, for detailed assets such as motor
transformers or circuit breakers and complex electrical or rotating equipment, and mechanical
handling equipment such as conveyor belts. By providing a precise cause of any equipment
problems, the application also enables speedy identification and recovery, further reducing
costs.
“One of our priorities when developing the Asset Management App was to provide customers
with complete control over knowledge of the process. In doing so we will, for the first time,
give them the flexibility to quickly create their own asset models from the intelligence they
gather.” says Neil Shah, Global Product Manager for Device Management & Asset
Optimization at ABB. “Asset analysis, including root-cause analysis, is another key factor in
helping customers to remain competitive in today’s industrial markets.”

PAPERmaking!
The Asset Management Application will be launched in the second half of 2019. It sits within
ABB Ability™, ABB’s digital offering, which includes more than 210 Industrial Internet
solutions and an Industrial Internet technology platform and cloud infrastructure. Drawing on
insights across 20 plus industries and more than 40 years of experience in digital technology,
ABB Ability™ helps customers to develop new processes and advance existing processes by
providing insights and by optimising planning and controlling for real-time operations. The
results can flow into control systems such as ABB Ability™ System 800xA and ABB Ability™
Symphony Plus to improve key performance metrics of plants and assets.
With over 70 million connected devices, more than 70,000 digital control systems and 6,000
enterprise software solutions, ABB is a trusted leader in creating digital solutions for
customers in the industrial space.

PAPERmaking!
ABB UNVEILS LATEST UPGRADE TO DCS FREELANCE

Security is a top priority in the age of Industry 4.0 and enhanced security is one of a range of
new features and benefits included in Freelance 2019.
Originally launched in 1994, Freelance is ABB’s cost-effective distributed control system

(DCS) solution for process industries. It combines the advantages of a DCS with
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and is characterised by ease of use, scalability,
flexibility and reliability. Freelance 2019 is the latest version of the DCS.
The Freelance suite of solutions comprises Freelance Operations for use at operator level, a
scalable process level option, and Freelance Engineering which is used to configure and
commission the system including the operator interface. The new version provides significant
improvements throughout the complete system.
New features and benefits of Freelance 2019

Improved usability: Freelance 2019 provides a significant increase in efficiency and usability
for its Operations and Engineering solution by adding advanced navigation, filter and sort
functionality. The user experience has been improved with a new, very modern UI.
Scalable: A new controller, PM 904F, expands the Freelance AC 900F controller family in the
upper range, supporting four communication interfaces. It also provides more application
memory and enables the reservation of specific memory. As for all Freelance controllers user
applications are 100% runtime-compatible which also enables smooth upgrade opportunities.
More connectivity: Up to four monitors can now be connected to a single operator workplace.
The available display types per monitor, as well as the arrangements of the monitors, are
easily configured and fulfil the typical requirements for occupational safety and operator
effectiveness.
Enhanced security: Freelance provides an additional alternative to its user management

capabilities known as “Security Lock” by a solution called “Extended User Management”. This
new option makes use of Windows user accounts, supporting both local and domain
accounts. As a result typical requests for options such as central password management,
rules for password complexity, or password aging can be fulfilled.

PAPERmaking!
Compatibility: Freelance 2019 can run on Windows 10 and Windows 7 in the same system
architecture. This allows customers to do a step-wise upgrade to modern IT infrastructure
which helps in reducing maintenance costs.
“Being user-friendly, cost-effective and robust has already made Freelance a popular choice
for businesses of process industries in more than 100 countries worldwide. Its flexibility and
extensive reach are demonstrated by the 1000s of installations of the solution in industries,”
said Ingo Mauritz, Global Product Line Manager for Freelance at ABB.
“Wacker Chemie in Germany uses Freelance with Freelance Operations as the tool to
efficiently operate and monitor their ketene plant. In China, Freelance provided uniform
configuration of field devices online at YunNan HongTa DianXI Cement obtaining the
maximum automation with minimum engineering. Freelance was also integral to the
modernisation of Glinojeck, a leading European sugar producer and was at the centre of one
of the most sophisticated reverse osmosis desalination projects in the Middle East,” added
Mauritz.
As in earlier versions of Freelance customers have the option of staying automatically up-to-
date by subscribing to the Automation Sentinel life cycle program by, for example, providing
automatic cyber security patches.
Available in a wide range of languages, Freelance takes five minutes to install on any
standard computer and can easily be self-learned. The intuitive operator interface enables
easy operation and diagnosis of the entire system and being just one file it is easy to back up
as the entire application fits on a small memory stick.

PAPERmaking!
ABB ACS6080 DRIVE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTOR CONTROL

ABB has expanded its all-compatible drives offering to include the ACS6080 medium voltage
(MV) drive for critical applications. The new drive introduces a breakthrough control
technology, developed by ABB, that brings high performance motor control to demanding
processes used in industries such as mining, metals and marine. The drive also enables
plants to operate more efficiently and produce higher quality output.
Traditionally, achieving high dynamic performance and excellent power quality required
hardware with multiple devices. However, this increase in components could decrease
reliability of the operation. The ACS6080 drive maintains the same highly reliable hardware
as its predecessor, the ACS6000, and includes the new advanced control capability, known
as Model Predictive Pulse Pattern Control (MP3C).
ABB’s MP3C technology combines model predictive control with optimised pulse pattern to
modulate the semiconductors. This means that at every point in time this control can
anticipate the best motor operation point by finding the perfect compromise between
dynamics, efficiency and harmonic distortion.
The new control enables system integrators and plant operators to maintain stability, while
reducing investment and operational costs by using a smaller drive or a smaller motor. The
increased power capability of the ACS6080’s single power module reduces the footprint of
the drive by up to 20 percent. The new control helps to reduce operational cost in two ways: it
is more energy efficient than other control solutions, and maintenance costs are reduced as
there is less mechanical and thermal stress on the equipment leading to longer lifetime of the
components.
The ACS6080 provides extensive input/output connectivity and supports all major fieldbus
protocols, making it easy to integrate into existing systems and processes. It is compatible
with ABB Ability™ condition monitoring services, allowing customers to obtain real-time data
about the status and performance of the monitored equipment from any location.
“The ACS6080 MV drive provides benefits which help deliver exceptional value to industrial
processes in terms of product quality, uptime, safety and energy efficiency,” says Mark Land,
Manager – MV Drives, ABB Limited.

PAPERmaking!
The new drive delivers a high level of safety for people and equipment via an arc-resistant
design and certified functional safety features. The ACS6080 is built on ABB’s common drive
architecture, enabling a faster and harmonised start-up, commissioning and monitoring. Once
a user has learned how to use one all-compatible drive, they can then operate any other
drive in ABB’s all-compatible offering.
The modular design of the ACS6080 enables it to be configured for single or multi-motor
applications. It controls all types of AC motors including induction, synchronous and
permanent magnet, without the need for different software. The ACS6080 can be tailored to
any heavy industrial application, and has a power range from five megawatt (MW) to 36 MW.
ABB Ltd., Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4BT

PAPERmaking!
ABB LAUNCHES UK-WIDE VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES HIRE FLEET

Users of low voltage variable speed drives (VSD) can now keep processes running, test new
applications or prove predicted energy savings before purchase, through a leasing program
provided by the ABB authorised value provider network.
ABB has invested significantly in the rollout of a variable speed drive hire fleet across the
United Kingdom and Ireland, with units extending from 3 kW up to several megawatts. Hire
drives can be delivered the same day, and installed and commissioned within a matter of
hours by engineers from one of twelve ABB authorised value providers. With a fast response,
24 hours a day, all year round, no other drive hire scheme offers such wide geographical
coverage across the UK and Ireland.
Customers can choose from a wide range of drives, including the ABB general purpose drive,
ABB machinery drive and ABB industrial drive. All are fully maintained and pre-loaded with
the latest firmware.
There are four scenarios where hiring a drive can deliver customer benefits:
Emergency or unexpected failure: Hiring a drive can be a quick, low cost way of keeping
critical processes running in the event of a breakdown. It reduces the cost of downtime whilst
providing time to repair the failed equipment or to source and allocate capital for a permanent
replacement.
Temporary capacity: Hire drives can be used for short-term, semi-permanent or seasonal
applications, allowing companies to ramp process capacity up or down with ease, while
eliminating storage and maintenance costs.
Prove predicted energy savings: If a variable speed application has not previously used a
drive, or if an existing drive is due for upgrade, hiring can be a low cost way to prove
predicted energy savings before purchase and in a real environment. This can help
customers to make more informed buying decisions.
Equipment testing: Testing houses may be called upon to test variable speed applications,
but may not have a suitable drive with which to pair it in-house. Hiring a drive can allow
testing to get underway at short notice and low cost.
Drives are hired at a fixed daily rate (minimum hire period may apply), which includes all
installation and maintenance for the duration of the hire. The ABB authorised value provider
network can be contacted by telephone on 0333 005 7001, or via
www.new.abb.com/uk/drives-for-hire.
ABB Ltd.,
Daresbury Park,
Daresbury,
Warrington,
WA4 4BT

PAPERmaking!
MAJOR UPGRADE OF ABB ABILITYTM SYSTEM 800XA

The new release of ABB’s Distributed Control System (DCS) 800xA 6.1 brings significant
value to capital projects with more flexible and efficient engineering.
ABB Ability™ System 800xA 6.1 provides significant innovations to the entire DCS
architecture and introduces technologies that shorten timescales for project execution,
reduce the impact of late changes and enhance the scalability of the system, bringing
substantial value to capital projects. This is achieved by the introduction of new Ethernet I/O
solutions, additional High Integrity controllers and a series of new engineering tools such as a
new Ethernet I/O Field Kit, an Ethernet I/O Wizard for field commissioning and the possibility
to engineer with signals in the Control Builder.
“Our new flexible I/O solutions and engineering workflow will significatly change the way
projects are delivered in future,” said Luis Duran, ABB’s System 800xA Product Manager.
“The new system can deliver major cost savings on large captial projects. Through greater
standardisation, tasks can be done in parallel allowing users to make late changes more
easily”.
The Select I/O is an Ethernet based single channel I/O that uses xStream engineering to
reduce project delivery schedules. Independent teams can work in parallel and then bind
together with precision and efficiency later. This reduces the impact of changes during the
project, particularly late changes and effectively reduces the commissioning time. Testing
efforts and the hardware footprint are considerably reduced as well. Pre-tested, standardised
cabinets can be wired directly to field devices and eliminate the needs for physical
marshalling cabinets, reducing drawings, equipment and labour. Testing efforts and the
hardware footprint are considerably reduced as well.
The new version supports IEC 61850 Ed 2 which means

that it is ready for new digital solutions, e.g. digital
substations. The electrical integration capabilities in
System 800xA offer detailed, real-time information on
power consumption down to the individual loads and
secure a reliable and steady electrical power supply.
The system prevents blackouts and disturbances of
operations – while controlling energy costs, enhancing
safety and mitigating both environmental and health
impacts. Moreover, it’s easier to configure and integrate
IEC 61850 networks within System 800xA’s engineering
environment providing additional project execution
flexibility and the further decoupling of project tasks
which in turn reduce design and commissioning time.
Select I/O: Modular, single

point, late binding, Ethernet I/O
solution that can be digitally
marshalled into the ABB
Ability™ System 800xA
architecture

PAPERmaking!
System 800xA’s hardware is equally effective for small hybrid systems as it is for large, high
availability, integrated automation applications. The modularity of the subsystem results in
higher return on assets by providing the flexibility to choose the specific functions necessary
to meet actual requirements.
The new system also includes support for two new safety controllers; PM857 and PM863.
providing even more flexibility for the most mission critical applications. These characteristics
in combination with new Select I/O Safety Single Channel Modules expand the existing
capabilities and increase the flexibility. The High Integrity controllers offer flexibility of network
design as they can be used for integrated but separate safety operations or for fully
integrated applications where safety and business critical process control are combined in
one controller without sacrificing safety integrity.
xStream Engineering: Innovative tools for digital marshalling and late binding remove
dependencies and enable multiple workstreams.
ABB AbilityTMSystem 800xAand its extended automation concept has over 11,000
installations world-wide, in practically every industry, automating processes, controlling and
monitoring electrical equipment, and reducing risk through high integrity safety systems. It is
part of the ABB AbilityTMplatform that enables customers to securely integrate and aggregate
their data, combine with wider industry data, apply big data and predictive analytics, and
generate insights that can help them drive performance and productivity improvements.
www.abb.com/800xA
Anna Mourieras, ABB Ltd, Affolternstrasse 44, Zurich, Swittzerland

Phone: +33 4 37 40 40 00 850 Email: anna.mourieras@fr.abb.com

PAPERmaking!
ARCHROMA LAUNCHES LEUCOPHOR® AFCN FOR FOOD CONTACT

Archroma announced the introduction of a new optical brightening agent (OBA) specially
designed for food packaging and paper, Leucophor® AFCN liq. The newly launched OBA
has been approved for food contact by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Urbanisation and digitalisation are rapidly changing our lifestyle. People around the globe are
increasingly purchasing and consuming on the go. A growing part of food containers are
made from renewable sources, such as paper and board. It is necessary to ensure that these
paper containers are free from substances that would be harmful for the consumer.
Archroma is committed to continuously challenge the status quo in the deep belief that we
can make our industry sustainable. We strive to introduce innovations that allow safe,
efficient and enhanced manufacturing processes - and end products.
Leucophor® AFCN liq was designed with these guiding principles in mind:
• Leucophor® AFCN liquid has approval for use in food-contact paper and
paperboard under FDA Food Contact Notification 1921, which became effective on
9 November 2018.
• Leucophor® AFCN liq is ideally suited for stock application and for use in coating
formulations that contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
or casein as a secondary binder.
• Leucophor® AFCN liq is a disulphonated OBA, with a characteristically high

substantivity in the wet-end delivering the papermaker cost savings through the
ability to make more rapid grade changes.
"There is a fast-growing demand for food packaging made with paper and board, and our
Leucophor® AFCN liquid OBA has been developed to help manufacturers to respond to that
demand”, comments Andrew Jackson, Global Product Manager Optical Brightening Agents,
Paper Solutions Business, Archroma.
“Complementing our FDA-compliant tetrasulphonated OBAs and shading colorants,

Leucophor® AFCN liquid provides our customers with greater flexibility to produce attractive,
white, paper-based packaging and containers for food applications. Because it’s our nature!”
Contact Details:
Muriel Werlé
Archroma
+65 68667422
muriel.werle@archroma.com

PAPERmaking!
JARSHIRE EXPLAINS HOW DOTEC EMBRACES INDUSTRY 4.00

When looking for a reel or roll handling solution, it is unlikely that Connectivity, the Internet of
Things, Big Data, AI or App-control are at the forefront of a customer’s mind. However,
experience has shown that it is not long before forward-looking prospective customers begin
to understand its importance and investigate.
Today, systems are becoming more and more complex due to the need for additional
functions and better safety features. This need has resulted in many more pneumatic
components and, as a result, building has become very labour intensive – especially since “in
industry 4.0”, everything is required to be connected.
Until now, Dotec has incorporated its own electronic platform in the range of LiftAssist
handlers. However, whilst researching suitable control components, Dotec’s R&D manager
came across the Festo Motion Terminal. The resultant close cooperation between Festo and
Dotec resulted in a system that has encapsulated the control of complex movement
combinations, safety, modern communication and digitalised pneumatics. A fully integrated
Digitized Pneumatics control, based on the Festo Motion Terminal VTEM, has come to
fruition.
Dotec’s main reasons for an upgrade:

 Key features of Dotec LiftAssist equipment are ergonomics and user convenience –
i.e. responsiveness, smoothness in operation, easy to use and to be fail-safe.
 Dotec was looking for more flexibility; only one type of control and software to
configure when customising to order; enabling monitoring and modifications on site, be
it a change in parameters or a firmware upgrade; interconnectivity was essential to
monitor the system wherever it is in the world, to collect big and small data for
predictive maintenance, and to better remote
assist.
 And, importantly, to be ready for the future. In an

era of robotics, computer vision and artificial
intelligence, at some point it is a logical step to
upgrade to a robot or autonomous system. This is
part of Dotec’s R&D agenda. Taking account of
industry 4.0 is the company’s challenge for a
successful future.
Contact details:
Jarshire Limited
Levels House
Bristol Way
Stoke Gardens,
Slough, SL1 3QE
01753 825122

PAPERmaking!
JARSHIRE ON HIGH PRESSURE WATER JET TAIL CUTTING

The Italian equipment specialist Weingrill has announced a new development within its range
of tail cutters claiming that its HP-Waterjet is the best alternative to dry-end tail cutters with
rotating blades, and that this new device offers major advantages over traditional cutting
systems.
Dry-end tail cutting

Modern paper machines demand high reliability and performance. Today most have dry-ends
equipped with fixed or rotating blade tail cutters, any of which provide an acceptable cut
quality under ideal operating conditions – i.e. limited base weight range, high paper dryness
and assuming a well sharpened blade.
High-pressure water-jet cutting

With the purpose of meeting evolving market demands, Weingrill has developed the HP-
Waterjet Tail Cutter, whose working principle is based on the use of high-pressure water. In
simple terms, the equipment is composed of one pumping station providing the water and
one nozzle turning the applied pressure into a high velocity water jet. Paper can then be “cold
cut” without any alteration of its chemical and physical properties.
Fully automatic, the tail cutter has been specifically designed to provide an alternative tail
cutting system to traditional blade tail cutters. The high-pressure water medium ensures no
mechanical contact with the paper leading to a dust- and drag-free cut, and reduced
threading downtimes. In addition, non-contact cutting eliminates the inconvenience of
inevitable wear and tear and replacement relating to rotating (or fixed) blades, and the
associated time losses.
It should also be noted that high-pressure water cutting exerts lower cutting forces on the
paper compared with traditional blade devices, which results in stronger sheet edges and
reduced web breaks.
With applications in all kinds of paper and board production, including coated grades, the HP-
Waterjet provides for very reliable and successful tail threading that quickly reacts to paper
breaks, so minimising associated production losses. In comparison with blade tail cutters the
HP-Waterjet ensures the following benefits:
• It is not subject to wear therefore not requiring continuous service (blade

sharpening).
• Airborne dust is eliminated significantly reducing paper breaks in addition to

improving air quality and the overall working environment.
• Due to its compact construction the water jet guarantees efficient paper cutting at
high speed without disturbing or breaking the sheet.
• The water jet exerts a lower cutting force on the paper. Consequently, the cutting
operation is faster and smoother with reduced cross-machine cutting time,
improving the efficiency of tail transfer from section to section.
• The water jet does not require physical adjustments and it is not influenced by
profile variations or sheet fluttering.

PAPERmaking!
• The cutting head has more flexible mounting options. It can be applied against
dryer fabrics, in proximity of dryer cylinders or in open draws. When applied to
open draws, a supporting plate is provided along with the cutting head.
• It is a compact cutting device, which can be installed in relatively old and narrow
dry-end fabric runs.
• The water jet produces sharper and stronger sheet edges than a knife or rotary
blade.
• It is provided with a pre-programmed control unit, which is automatic and user-

friendly.
Contact details:
Jarshire Limited
Levels House
Bristol Way
Stoke Gardens,
Slough, SL1 3QE
01753 825122

PAPERmaking!
VALMET INTRODUCES NEW FIBER FURNISH ANALYZER

Valmet introduces the completely redesigned Valmet Fiber Furnish Analyzer, which takes
advantage of Valmet's extensive field experience and new technology. Valmet Fiber Furnish
Analyzer provides fast and precise online measurement of key fibre and furnish properties for
paper, board and tissue makers.
New image analysis techniques enable the Valmet Fiber Furnish Analyzer to automatically
measure a wider range of furnish properties. Additional modules can also be added to the
Valmet Fiber Furnish Analyzer platform, with standardised measurements of Canadian
Standard Freeness or direct Shopper-Riegler as well as a chemistry module to monitor pH
and conductivity. The Analyzer is ideal for process control and, with the addition of a remote
manual sampling station, it is also a valuable laboratory tool providing fast and accurate
analyses.
Rather than relying on infrequent and time-consuming laboratory tests, machine operators
now have the information to act quickly and decisively. Better control of refining levels,
monitoring of incoming pulp quality or fibre blend optimisation are further improved with the
built in Valmet Data Modeler and Valmet Soft Sensor, which continuously predict pulp
strength properties from a combination of measured properties.
"Operators can now see fibre development and impact of process changes on pulp strength
in real-time. Without waiting for physical tests, shift to shift quality variations can be greatly
reduced to provide significant energy and raw material savings," says Ismo Joensuu, Product
Manager, Analyzers & Measurements, Automation Business Line, Valmet.
Technical information about Valmet Fiber Furnish Analyzer

With comprehensive self-diagnostics and Industrial Internet capabilities, including remote
product and application support, measurement reliability is assured. Valmet Fiber Furnish
Analyzer also enables operators to remotely activate the automatic collection of follow-up
samples for later laboratory verification and automatic validation of pulp strength modelling.
Connections to existing and future mill systems are securely supported by versatile
communication interfaces. The application
areas of Valmet Fiber Furnish Analyzer
have also been widened. A new sampler for
coarse pulps is now available as well as an
optional de-foamer addition to improve
measurement capabilities with certain
grades of pulp.
For further information, please contact:

Ismo Joensuu, Product Manager, Analyzers
& Measurements Automation Business
Line, Valmet, Tel. +358 40 700 6483
Jukka Nokelainen, Business Manager, Paper Analyzers

Automation Business Line, Valmet, Tel. +358 40 028 4150
Read more: www.valmet.com/valmetmap

PAPERmaking!
MATERIALS
HANDLING

PAPERmaking!
MIDLAND PALLET TRUCKS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO EXISTING

RANGE OF MOVING SKATES
Midland Pallet Trucks, nationwide leaders in the provision of high quality hand pallet trucks
and other materials handling equipment, has announced the introduction of a new range of
moving skates, also known as machinery skates, shifting skates, and load moving skates.
The five new models in the Midland Pallet Trucks collection are designed to work alongside
the firm’s selection of hydraulic lifting jacks to offer a simple, all-in-one solution for safe,
secure, and efficient moving of heavy machinery.
The new moving skate models include the X4-Y4 8000kg set, the X8-Y8 16000kg set, the
X12-Y12 24000kg set, the X16-Y16 32000kg set, and the X18-Y18 36000kg set. These
products have been added to Midland Pallet Trucks’ existing range of moving skates to
enhance and expand the collection and provide customers with greater choice. All models
are available now directly through the Midland Pallet Trucks website.
The five new introductions to the Midland Pallet Trucks moving skate collection can be used
within a variety of industrial environments, and are both steerable and adjustable for
complete ease of use and added safety within the workplace. Featuring flexible swivel action
due to the inclusion of a thrust bearing, and a powder-coated, durable finish, all of the latest
models are designed and manufactured to the highest quality, ensuring top performance in
warehouses.
“We’ve specialised in moving skates for many years now, but have previously focused
primarily on 6-18 ton weight capacities as these were what our customers were coming to us
for,” says Midland Pallet Trucks Managing Director Phil Chesworth. “At a time when the
needs of our customers are changing rapidly, we’ve taken measures to meet these new
demands by introducing a wider capacity range, all the way from an 8 ton machinery skate
set to a much more heavy duty 36 ton capability.
“Our ultimate aim is to continue expanding our range to give our customers greater choice.”
All skates within the new Midland Pallet Trucks range feature quality polyurethane skate
wheels; an alternative to the standard nylon wheels included on many forms of machinery
skate. The greater resistance of polyurethane compared to nylon ensures that this new skate
collection performs optimally and to a continually high standard even on rough, uneven
warehouse floor surfaces. Polyurethane is considered to be an effective material for skate
wheels, offering a high level of crack resistance, unrivalled durability for longevity, and a
minimal need for ongoing maintenance.

PAPERmaking!
DRIVER ENVIRONMENT FOCUS FOR HYSTER® LIFT TRUCKS

As the driving experience is an essential element of success in high intensity applications,
Hyster Europe is focussing on enhancing the operator environment according to the
application, including in the wood, metal, construction, ports and paper industries.
“When handling expensive, awkward and heavy loads, the driver environment matters more
than ever,” says Chris van de Werdt from Hyster Europe. “Every lift truck brand claims its
products are ergonomic, but you have to ask, ‘under what conditions?’ Intelligent Hyster® lift
truck design focuses on the driver environment in all applications, but this proves particularly
important for efficiency and driver comfort in extreme and demanding operating conditions.”
Wood handling
Throughout the wood supply chain, lift truck drivers may have to drive in reverse due to tall
loads obscuring forward visibility. These operations can be very uncomfortable if the design
of the driver environment doesn’t account for it.
The shape of the rear of the truck, including the position of the exhaust stack, can affect
visibility, while the seat needs to minimise body rotation to accommodate reversing. The
Hyster® H13XM-6 is a typical lift truck used in the wood industry and addresses these
challenges. With a clever rear design and the option of a swivel seat that turns 15/30
degrees, it aims to provide maximum comfort for the driver when driving in reverse.
Depending on the application needs, Hyster Europe can also fit lift trucks with full rotating
seats and drivers can be further assisted by camera systems.
In addition, TouchPoint™ mini-lever controls help reduce awkward shoulder and arm
postures by locating the hydraulic functions directly at the driver’s finger tips. This maintains
driver comfort and helps the driver to focus on reversing.
Paper Industry
In the paper supply chain, it is common to handle large, expensive and fragile paper reels
using giant clamps.
“It’s important for drivers in paper applications to use trucks and attachments that not only
minimise the risk of damage, but also optimise speed and performance,” says Chris.
“However, this should not be at the expense of driver comfort.”
A popular truck is the Hyster® S9.0FT which gives a 9-tonne lift on a 7-tonne chassis
footprint, providing the instant advantages of added space and manoeuvrability during
handling. The truck also offers a spacious driver environment, thanks to the design of the
overhead guard and optimised floorspace in the operator cabin.
The truck’s isolated drivetrain minimises the effects of powertrain vibration on the driver,
while features such as ergonomically designed hydraulic controls, a contoured arm rest and a
multi-function joystick also help to ensure comfort as well as lifting and handling accuracy.
“Lift truck driver comfort is about far more than having some general ‘ergonomic’ features
within the cab,” says Chris. “The best way to optimise the driver environment, even in the
toughest operating conditions, is to select an intelligently designed heavy-duty lift truck with
standard and additional features that meet both the demands of the application, and the
needs of the driver.”

PAPERmaking!
SAFETY

PAPERmaking!
WHAT IS ISO/TS 19837:2018 - TRAPPED KEY INTERLOCKING DEVICES?

ISO/TS 19837:2018 - Safety of Machinery – Trapped Key Interlocking Devices – Principles
for design, selection and configuration is the first international ISO document devoted
specifically to trapped key interlocking and answers many of the questions that have arisen
relating to performance levels, key coding, and power interlocking. It is a significant step
forward which will provide more choice for users of interlock devices and systems.
Trapped Key Interlocking has its roots in the rail and power distribution industries where
sequential control was, and still is, critical to safe, continuous operation. In the 1960’s trapped
key interlocking was gradually utilised by the manufacturing sector, where isolating
machinery before gaining access, was the requirement.
Machinery with multiple energy sources and access points can be easily safeguarded using
trapped key interlocks. Fortress Interlocks has developed specialised products over the years
which can isolate air and hydraulic supplies as well as electrical power in sequence before
allowing access points to be opened.
When ISO14119:2013 Safety of Machinery – Interlocking device associated with guards,

Principles for design and selection, was published trapped key interlocking had become no
more than an annex, even the scope was clear that it did not provide all the specific
requirements for trapped key systems. In many respects ISO14119:2013 served to confuse
users and potential users familiar with decades of trapped key interlocks installations.
ISO/TS 19837:2018, three years in the making, is a welcome addition to the existing suite of
machinery safety standards. Perhaps the most critical question addressed is where
mechanical or hybrid mechanical/electrical systems sit in relation to performance levels
introduced in ISO 13849.
Power Interlocking is now more properly referred to as “Isolation control through direct
mechanical action” and falls within the Safety Related Part of The Control System. This
coupled with the section “Validating performance level” makes evaluating performance levels
for trapped key systems much clearer.
The difference between actuators and keys is cleared up, following the confusion created in
ISO14119:2013, and both are addressed in the “Terms and definitions” and “Symbols and
abbreviated terms” sections.
The need for a schematic detailing the trapped key system operation and establishing key
coding appears under “Key Transfer Plan” and will provide users with an excellent tool in the
system design phase as well as a documented system layout after installation. Key coding
and management is also addressed extensively.
A much-needed standardisation of symbols to represent trapped key interlocks will make it

easier for customers to understand schematics, and the excellent pictorial examples
throughout the document are useful for those building a trapped key interlock system.
www.fortressinterlocks.com

PAPERmaking!
TESTING /
ANALYSIS

PAPERmaking!
EMTEC ELECTRONIC WITH ITS SUCCESSFUL INNOVATIONS AT THE

ZELLCHEMING EXPO
The pulp, paper and supplier industry will meet also this year at the Zellcheming Expo 2019
in Frankfurt/Main, Germany. From June 25th to 27th the company emtec Electronic will
present their innovative measuring devices in hall 4.1 at the booth no. G18, by which the
complete production process can be controlled and guided in the right direction.
At the beginning of this year, emtec Electronic celebrated a

great success: the 300th TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer
has been sold. The device is now used in 48 countries, in
each part of the world. Especially for tissue products, the
TSA gives reliable and objective information about the three
basic parameters, which determine the human feeling, the
softness, roughness and stiffness. From these three, an
overall hand feel value can be calculated. New for hand
sheet measurements: an updated version of the TSA and
an improved measuring method for hand sheets (made in
the lab) enables a reliable prediction of the final product
quality in the lab without expensive machine trials.
Two of the most-modern measuring systems for the wet-

end are the CAS touch! to measure the particle charge,
and the FPA touch! to measure the surface charge of
fibres. The small and light devices help to optimise the
utilization of chemicals with the target to stabilise the
process, to improve the product quality and to reduce
costs.
The ACA Ash Content Analyzer enables the determination of the mineral filler content without
combustion, that means without destruction of the samples, within seconds. Both, the total
mineral filler content, as well as the individual filler components (e.g. calcium carbonate,
kaolin/talcum, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) and their percentage distribution are measured.
Besides this, the EST12 emtec Surface & Sizing Tester is shown. A device to determine
important and for the converting relevant paper surface properties such as surface
hydrophobia / sizing as well as the surface porosity, which influence printability, coatability
and gluability of paper and board. The PDA.C02 Penetration Dynamics Analyzer as modular
system is the equivalent, that delivers additional information by the use of different modules.

PAPERmaking!
EXNER COMPACT SENSOR FOR RELIABLE TURBIDITY MEASUREMENT

The compact NIR backscattering sensor EXspect 271 has an innovative optical
measurement system and offers economical and reliable turbidity measurement.
In its EXspect 271 backscattering sensor, the company EXNER is launching a compact
measuring device for reliable and economical turbidity measurement. One major benefit of
the new sensor is in the spherical design of its optical measurement system. This minimises
the attachment of air bubbles and the build-up of deposits. The focussing of the beam due to
the sapphire lens allows for a measurement right on the barrier layer of the medium, meaning
only the reflection is measured, and not the proportion of the light beam absorbed. Both the
attachment of all kinds of things to the measurement system and the measurement of
absorbed proportions are drawbacks on the current market.
The measurement takes place in the near-infrared region (NIR) at a wavelength of 880nm,
which allows for colour-neutral measurement. The LED light source being used guarantees a
long-lasting and stable signal. The stainless-steel case of the EXspect 271 has a hygienic
design and is suitable for CIP/SIP. As another special feature, NIST-traceable reference
standards can be obtained for calibrating or checking the sensors in the field.
Due to its hygienic and robust design, the EXspect 271 sensor is suitable not only for many
applications in the food and drinks industries, but also for diverse applications in the
processing industry. This includes, for example, yeast recovery, phase separation,
purification processes in dairy plants, and the measurement of cellulose concentrations.
Contact details: Timo Hanselmann

Tel: +49 (7243) 94542925
E-Mail: timo.hanselmann@e-p-e.de

PAPERmaking!
SICK OL1 DELIVERS PRECISE DETECTION IN THE MICROMETER RANGE

The SICK OL1 Optical Micrometer is a highly-accurate, miniature and rugged addition to
SICK’s portfolio of displacement technologies for thread, material thickness and edge
measurements in continuous, sheet feeding and winding machines.
The SICK OL1 Optical Micrometer is a rugged instrument for integration into small spaces.
With a miniature sender and receiver placed up to 300mm apart, it uses light curtain
measurement technology, based on a multipixel, linear CMOS sensor, for high-precision,
high-repeatability measurement and process control in the micrometer range. The OL1 is
teamed with the SICK AOD1 Mini displacement evaluation unit for improved stability and
consistency of output.
With a 10mm light band and detection resolution down to 0.2mm, the OL1 Optical Micrometer
is a versatile and stable performer at short ranges, small tolerances and for handling thin
materials, so it can support precision applications in paper, printing and packaging machines.
“SICK was able to apply its world-leading expertise in light curtain technology to develop a
technology with micrometer accuracy that delivers high accuracy and efficiency in 1D and 2D
profiling and displacement measurement within very limited space,” says Neil Sandhu,
SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging.
“Whether designing new machines, or upgrading existing applications, the OL1 Optical
Micrometer provides a highly-reliable and accurate option for web or thread width
measurement, double layers, hole diameters or edge positioning and guidance. It is therefore
particularly useful in industries such as paper making, printing and packaging industries.
Whether it’s tiny objects, tubes, threads, wires, transparent or reflective web materials, the
OL1 delivers the reliability and fine tolerances required for high tech performance.”
The SICK OL1 Optical Micrometer is a sender and receiver in twin miniature (61 x 21 x
10mm) rugged metal housings. The SICK OL1 sender emits a Class 1 laser 10mm-wide
parallel light curtain, which is captured by the receiver on a high-resolution CMOS chip, with
any object in between registering as a precisely-measured shadow. The SICK OL1 is an
analogue measurement device and is combined with SICK’s AOD1 evaluation unit for
integration with the machine controller.
Alignment is simple with the integrated LED alignment aid at the sensor head.
Commissioning and integration with machine controls is quick and easy, via the display
configuration with individualised configuration and calculation through the AOD1 evaluation
unit. The AOD1 displacement evaluation unit functionality enables simple interfacing with
machine and SCADA factory control systems.
For more information on the SICK OL1 Optical

Micrometer, please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727
831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.
SICK (UK) LTD, Waldkirch House, 39 Hedley Road, St

Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5BN.

PAPERmaking!
MISCELLANEOUS

PAPERmaking!
HI-LINE HLI62 VERTICAL AIR RECEIVERS

As a company that listens carefully to changes in market demands and industry trends, Hi-
line Industries now holds a range of class-leading Vertical Air Receivers in stock. The top-
quality vessels are available immediately at highly competitive prices.
Currently, four sizes of Vertical Air Receivers are being stocked at Hi-line: 300, 500, 1000
and 2000 litre variants. The vessels are manufactured at Hi-line’s new factory, centrally
located in Burton-upon-Trent where the company has a storage facility populated with the
vessels ready for immediate shipping or collection.
Receivers provide valuable temporary storage for compressed air, particularly at facilities
with high air consumption. The vessels also serve to stabilise pressure peaks and provide
steady air flow. Not having one as part of a compressed air system can increase the
load/unload cycles on the compressor, making it work harder.
All of the Vertical Air Receivers stocked by Hi-line are powder-coat finished in compressed air
blue (RAL 5015) and are PED compliant to 2014/68/EU. Indeed, quality is the primary
attribute of the vessels, which are built by robots to ensure perfect and consistent welding
quality. In addition, high-quality 5mm plate and fittings are used throughout. As a result of this
build quality, the Vertical Air Receivers are twice the weight (pro rata) of standard catalogue
vessels.
All four models of Vertical Air Receiver being stocked by Hi-line Industries offer 11 bar
working pressure and come with a 10-year warranty. The vessels can be supplied with or
without fitting kits to suit individual preferences. Safety valves, gauges and drains are also
available as options.
As a member of the British Compressed Air Society, Hi-line is proud to be part of the ‘Made
in Britain’ campaign that promotes the best of British manufacturing.
Further information is available from:

Hi-line Industries Ltd,
Green Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3RT
Telephone: 01283 533377 www.hilineindustries.com

PAPERmaking!
SELECTRONIC’S SUNLIGHT SPECTRUM LEDS CLOSE TO SUNLIGHT

IMAGINE artificial lighting in a business or home setting with LEDs producing close to actual
sunlight all day long.
Well now you can get just that with the Sunlight Spectrum 2835 SMD packages from UK LED
specialists Selectronic and their Chinese partners HongliTronic.
The Witney, Oxfordshire, based Selectronic, celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, are
experts in opto-electronic technologies.
“We are pleased to introduce Hongli’s Sunlight Spectrum 2835, which is the perfect solution
to those wanting very close to natural light from an artificial source,” said Selectronic MD
Kevin Dry.
"The option to create lighting products that replicate daylight opens a new era of what can be
achieved in previously closed-off rooms or underground environments, not to forget the
health benefits in dark winter periods from creating artificial daylight particularly when linked
with a time clock to accurately reflect the various times of a bright sunny day."
“The Sunlight Spectrum 2835, which produces perfect colour, measuring more than 95 in the
range R1 to R15 and continuous saturation, is very close to the actual sunlight spectrum.
There is much less blue light and it is a first choice for protecting our eyes.”
The technology produces a spectrum of light that best matches sunlight’s natural spectrum,
giving the ideal solution whether it is for various industrial/retail applications as well as in
business, office or home lighting products.

PAPERmaking!
Installations
The following pages contain a summary of the various installations and orders from around
the world of papermaking, wood panel and saw mills, and bio-power generation, received
between November 2018 and the end of April 2019. Also included are new
announcements about plans to build new mills or install new machinery (in which case the
supplier will be noted as ‘TBA’).
Page 1 of 6 Installations
PAPERmaking!
COMPANY, SITE SUPPLIER ORDER DESCRIPTION START-UP

TM
Anon ABB Added ABB Ability Collaborative
East Java Operations to its service deliverables
Indonesia at a major paper mill in East Java -
with an annual capacity of 320,000
metric tons, the mill is one of the
world’s largest single-site producers
of writing stationery.
ABB - East Java
Anon Toscotec TAD tissue production line. H1 2019
Latin America Toscotec - Anon Latin America
ARCTIC PAPER Cellwood To supply rebuild of PM1 Couch- and Summer 2019
Kostrzyn Mill Machinery Press Pulper.
Poland Cellwood - Arctic Paper
AUSTROCEL Valmet To deliver pressure diffuser for the Fall 2019
Hallein’s Mill bleach plant washer.
Hallein Valmet - Hallein
Austria
BERLI JUCKER CELLOX A.Celli E-WIND T100 rewinder.
Prachinburi plant A.Celli - Berli Jucker
Thailand
BLUE PAPER SAS Valmet Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System
Strasbourg (WMS) and a Valmet IQ Web
France Inspection System (WIS) (PM1).
Valmet - Blue Paper SAS
CARTIERA CAMA S.R.L Toscotec Rebuild of the dryer section of its H2 2019
Lallio mill PM1 which produces core board and
Bergamo carton board from 650 to 1,200 gsm,
Italy using 100% waste fibres.
Toscotec - Cartiera Cama
CENTURY PULP AND PAPER Valmet Tissue production line (TM7) to
Lalkua include an Advantage ViscoNip press
India (the first in India).
Valmet - Century Pulp & Paper
DA ALIZAY SAS Valmet To convert a recovery boiler into a Early 2020
France biomass boiler utilizing bubbling
fluidized bed combustion technology.
Valmet - Da Alizay
DONGGUAN JINTIAN PAPER A.Celli E-WIND® P100 rewinder. Q1 2019
Sichuan Jintian Paper plant A,Celli - Dongguan Jintian
China
ELDORADO BRASIL Andritz To supply a biomass handling Mid-2021
Onça Pintada plant system for their new (50MWe)
Três Lagoas biomass energy plant
Mato Grosso do Sul Andritz - Eldorado
Brazil
ENCE CleanFlow To supply a new green liquor filtration Spring 2019
Pontevedra system.
Spain CleanFlow - ENCE
PAPERmaking!

GLOBAL HYGIÈNE A.Celli Tissue production line. Q4 2019
Charavines A.Celli - Global Hygiene
France
GS EPS CO., LTD. Valmet To supply automation technology to Q1 2020
Dangjin 4 Biomass Power Plant Phase 2 of this project.
South Korea Valmet - Dangiin
GS PAPERBOARD & Valmet To supply a containerboard line with 2021
PACKAGING SDN., BHD. automation solutions (PM3).
Selangor Valmet - GS Paperboard Packaging
Malaysia
HAMBURGER RIEGER Voith Three separate stock preparation Q2 2020
Spremberg lines with a total capacity of 2,450
Germany metric tons per day (PM2).
Voith - Hamburger
IGGESUND PAPERBOARD Andritz Modernise fibreline including: brown Q4 2019
Iggesund Mill stock washing; oxygen delignification
Sweden stage; relocation of screening; and
bleach plant modernisation.
Andritz - Iggesund
ILIM GROUP Andritz To supply wood processing plant with Mid-2021
Koryazhma mill two debarking and chipping lines,
Arkhangelsk region chip and bark handling equipment,
Russia and a Smart Woodyard advanced
control system.
Andritz - Ilim Group
ILIM GROUP Econet Wastewater treatment machinery - Summer
Koryazhma mill Group clarifiers and sludge thickeners with periods of
Arkhangelsk region sluice systems. 2019-2021.
Russia Econet - Ilim Group
JSC VOLGA Andritz To rebuild the existing groundwood Q3 2019
Balakhna reject line into a TMP (thermo-
Russia mechanical pulping) line.
Andritz - JSC Volga
KABEL PREMIUM PULP & PAPER Andritz A new ATMP (Advanced Thermo Q1 2019
Hagen Mechanical Pulp) line.
Germany Andritz - Kabel
LAAKIRCHEN PAPIER Voith Stabiliser boxes / Reel changing
Laakirchen system.
Austria Voith - Laakirchen Papier
LONDONENERGY LTD. Valmet Modernise the automation systems 2019
North London as well as the electrical and
UK instrumentation infrastructure of a
waste water treatment plant.
Valmet - London Energy
LUZHOU YONGFENG PULP AND Valmet A Valmet IQ Steam Profiler. Q4 2018
PAPER Valmet - Luzhou Yongfeng
China
MAYR-MELNHOF KARTON Valmet A Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System
Frohnleiten (WMS) with 51 cameras throughout
Austria the whole production process (KM3).
Valmet - Mayr-Melnhof
PAPERmaking!

MERCER GROUP Valmet On-line performance monitoring for
Stendal Pulp Mill nine Valmet TwinRoll wash presses.
Germany Valmet - Mercer Group
METSÄ GROUP Valmet To supply a new wood handling line Spring 2020
Joutseno pulp mill (capacity 470 m3/hour).
Finland Valmet - Metsa Group
METSÄ TISSUE Valmet An automation system update and Q2 2019
Mänttä Mill expansion for Gasum's project, in
Finland which the mill will replace liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) with Gasum's
low-emission liquefied natural gas
(LNG) in the burners of the drying
processes on the tissue machines.
Valmet - Metsa Tissue
MONDI SCP Valmet Old Corrugated Container (OCC) and End 2020
Ružomberok OptiConcept M containerboard
Slovakia making lines with a winder (PM19).
Valmet - Mondi SCP
PAPEL ARALAR Valmet Rewinder (nonwovens) for PM4. Q2 2019
Amézqueta Valmet - Papel Aralar
Spain
PAPELERA DEL PRINCIPADO Valmet A Valmet IQ Quality Control System,
Paprinsa a related reporting system and a
Spain recently launched Valmet DNA IQ
Dashboard.
Valmet - Papelere del Principado
PAPIERFABRIK PALM Valmet To supply a containerboard making 2021
Aalen-Neukochen Mill line (PM 5) with extensive packages
Germany of mill-wide automation and services.
(At 11.7m it will be the largest
containerboard machine in the
world.)
Valmet - Palm
PORI ENERGIA OY Valmet Automation technology. Summer 2020
Aittaluoto biomass power plant Valmet - Pro Energia
Finland
MOHAWK Greycon To roll out opt-Studio to the envelope
various sites and substrate converting business.
USA Greycon - Mohawk
NAINI PAPERS Valmet To supply cooking, fibreline and Q1 2020
India recausticising technology, as well as
a new lime kiln.
Valmet - Naini Papers
NORSKE SKOG Statkraft Long term power supply contract.
Skogn Mil Statkraft - Norsk Skog
Norway
NORSKE SKOG Statkraft Long term power supply contract.
Saugbrugs Mill Statkraft - Norsk Skog
Norway
PAPERmaking!

PARTEX STAR GROUP A.Celli New tissue machine with 15ft steel Q1 2019
Bangladesh Yankee
A.Celli - Partex
POLÍMEROS Y DERIVADOS Greycon Software (nonwovens) - opt-Studio
Guanajuato advanced functionality of block
Mexico schedule optimisation, to complete
the third and last phase of full project
implementation.
Greycon - Polimeros-y-Derivados
PT DAYASA ARIA PRIMA PMT Machine rebuild (PM1) to convert
Surabaya from printing grades to corrugated.
Indonesia PMT - PT Dayasa
RAKTA Papcel To modernise PM3 (Containerboard) Q2 2020
Egypt by delivering a new stock preparation
line, renovating the press and
upgrading the drying section. Also
adding a new size press, starch
preparation unit, steam and
condensation system.
Papcel - RAKTA
SAPPI Valmet A baling line and a cutter layboy Q3 2019
Saiccor Pulp Mill rebuild as part of the Vulindlela
South Africa project. Also a new magnesium
oxide (MgO) No.3 brown stock
washing and screening line.
Valmet - Sappi - baling and cuting
Valmet - Sappi - wash & screen
SHANGHAI BAILONGGANG Valmet To supply 21 Valmet Total Solids H1 2019
Wastewater treatment plant Measurements (Valmet TS) with
China high-pressure (PN100) option.
SHANGRAO CITY LULIN PAPER Valmet To supply grade conversion rebuild Early 2020
Shangrao to containerboard, with automation
China solutions, for PM5.
Valmet - Shangrao
SHANYING HUAZHONG PAPER A.Celli To supply two 8-metre E-WIND® Q3 2019
Industry P100 paper rewinders.
China A.Celli - Shanying
SKJERN PAPIRFABRIK A/S Toscotec To rebuild the dryer section of PM1 Q3 2019
Denmark (Coreboard).
Toscotec - Skjern
SMURFIT KAPPA Toscotec Rebuild of the entire dryer section of Q1 2020
Cellulose du Pin Mill the 6m wire (PM5).
Facture Toscotec - Smurfit Kappa
France
SOUTH INDIA PAPER MILLS PMP SA Two core technological items - Intelli- Early 2020
Nanjangud Jet V® Hydraulic Headbox and two
India Intelli-Nip® Shoe Presses in Tandem
configuration (PM6).
PMP - South India Paper Mills
SUZANO PAPEL E CELULOSE BTG Instrumentation / Process Control.
Limeira unit (Fibreline C)
Brazil
PAPERmaking!

SVEZA GROUP Pesmel MoU regarding an automated pulp
Vologda region storage of the planned greenfield
Russia pulp mill project.
Pesmel - Sveza Group
TEXHONG TEXTILE GROUP A.Celli Automated warehouses.
Vietnam A.Celli - Texhong Textile
TURUN SEUDUN Valmet Flue gas condensing and asphaltene End 2019
ENERGIANTUOTANTO combustion systems.
Naantali Valmet - Turun Seudun
Finland
URUMCHI JINGHUAN Valmet Two boiler plants fired with refuse- End 2019
ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY derived fuel (RDF) for a greenfield
Urumchi waste-to-energy plant.
China Valmet - Urumchi
VATTENFALL AB Andritz Biomass receiving, handling and End 2021
Uppsala storage silos, a biomass-fired boiler
Sweden with flue gas cleaning, and a flue gas
condenser.
Andritz - Vattenfall
VOITH (on behalf of) Pöyry To provide detailed engineering Mid-2019
Gondi Group services agreement for a new
Monterrey containerboard machine.
Mexico Poyry - Gondi Group
ZHEJIANG KINGSAFE A.Celli Nonwovens complete line comprising H1 2019
NONWOVENS FABRIC a STREAM® winder, a RAPID®
Huzhou rewinder, a Slittomatic, an extractor,
China and an automated roll handling and
packaging system.
A.Celli - Zhejiang
PAPERmaking!
Research Articles
Most journals and magazines devoted to the paper industry contain a mixture of news,
features and some technical articles. However, very few contain research items, and even
fewer of these are peer-reviewed.
This listing contains the most recent articles from the five main journals that publish
original research:
 APPITA JOURNAL
 IPPTA JOURNAL
 J-FOR
 NORDIC PULP & PAPER RESEARCH JOURNAL
 TAPPI JOURNAL
Page 1 of 5 Research Articles

PAPERmaking!
APPITA JOURNAL, Vol.71, No.4, October-December 2018

1. Comparison of polyvinyl alcohol and oxidised starch as surface sizing agents
2. Development and evaluation of suspension-polymerised latex additive for surface
sizing of paper
3. Improvement in pulp quality and effluent properties using methanol as carbohydrate
protector during ozone bleaching of wheat straw pulp
4. Analysis of sulfolane in biochar
APPITA JOURNAL, Vol.72, No.1, January-March 2019

1. Editorial - New directions for Appita Journal
2. Impact of dissolved organic matter in hydrogen peroxide reinforced alkaline
extraction stages
3. Colloidal stability of Pinus radiata wood extractives Part 1: Effect of extractives
composition and process variables
4. Grammage dependence of paper thickness
5. Neutral/alkaline sizing of paper with fortified, saponified wood rosin premixed with
alum and retained using cationic polymer
6. Transferring science to industrial application: Challenges in running commercial
trials
IPPTA JOURNAL, Vol.30, No.3, July-September 2018

1. Advanced Analytics for Optimization of Stage-Wise ISO Brightness Gain in Kraft
Pulp Bleaching
2. Advanced Analytics Improve Mill Performance and Reliability
3. Automation in Papermill Finishing House
4. Automation Solutions in Process, Productivity, and Quality in Pulp & Paper Industry
for Sustainable Paper Making
5. Business Process Automation for Process, Productivity, Quality & Marketing
Optimization at TNPL Board Machine Finishing House
6. Collection and Incineration of Non Condensable Gases (NCG) Through Automation
7. Continuous Improvements in Paper Manufacturing Automation at TNPL
8. Improving Papermaking with Integrated Web Monitoring and Web Inspection
Camera Systems
9. Inception of In-House Automation: A March Towards Industry 4.0
10. Increasing Productivity Through Automation
11. Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company Uses Automation and Online Real Time
Monitoring to Help on Productivity, Water and Energy Conservation
12. Optimized Automation and Centralized Mill Data Acquisition Techniques for Paper
Making
13. Optivision Centerline – Solution Note
14. Paper Mill Automation for Customer Satisfaction and Profit Maximization – Case
Studies of Paper Mills in India
15. Papermaking 4.0 by Voith
16. Reduction in Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) due to Blotches in Paper Machine using
Advanced Analytics
17. The Conception of Industry 4.0 in the Environment of Pulp and Paper Companies in
India
18. Yokogawa’s Synaptic Business Automation – An Approach to the Oprex Profit
Driven Operation Including IIOT and Digital transformation

PAPERmaking!
J-FOR, Vol.7, No.4, 2018

1. Non-covalent Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals by Polyethyleneimine
2. Apparent Structural Hydrophobicity of Cellulose Nanocrystals
3. Partnering for Lignin Biorefinery: Partner Evaluation and Selection Criteria
4. Production of Hydrocarbons from Fast Pyrolysis of Kraft Black Liquor: Integration
with a Kraft Mill
5. Biomimetic Adhesion of Phages on Cellulosic Fibres: A Feasibility Study
6. Exploring New Forms of Intermediation in the Forest Value Chain
NORDIC PULP & PAPER RESEARCH JOURNAL, Vol.33 No.4, December 2018
1. Paper technology: Through air drying assisted by infrared radiation: the influence of
radiator power on drying rates and temperature
2. Paper technology: New strength metrics for containerboards: influences of basic
papermaking factors
3. Paper technology: Selection of filler particle size for maximizing the critical
properties of cellulosic paper by filler pre-flocculation
4. Nanotechnology: Detection of iron and iron-cobalt labeled cellulose nanofibrils
using ICP-OES and XµCT
5. Paper physics: Variations of fiber structure and performance of ONP delinked pulp
after modified-laccase/glutamate treatment
6. Paper chemistry: On-line monitoring of cationic starch gelatinization and
retrogradation by 1H NMR-relaxometry
7. Paper chemistry: Wet-peel: a tool for comparing wet-strength resins
8. Paper chemistry: Improved dispersibility of once-dried cellulose nanofibers in the
presence of glycerol
9. Recycling: Recycled fiber treated with NaOH/urea aqueous solution: effects on
physical properties of paper sheets and on hornification
NORDIC PULP & PAPER RESEARCH JOURNAL, Vol.34 No.1, March 2019
1. Lignin: Method for predicting lignocellulose components in jute by transformed FT-
NIR spectroscopic data and chemometrics
2. Biorefinery: Short-term steam treatment of MFC gel with and without water-soluble
cellulose derivative
3. Chemical pulping: Method for analysis of ClO2 and Cl2 air emissions from pulp mill
4. Chemical pulping: Consequences in a softwood kraft pulp mill of initial high alkali
concentration in the impregnation stage
5. Mechanical pulping: Power–gap relationships in low consistency refining
6. Mechanical pulping: Theoretical analysis of LC-refining – pressure screening
systems in TMP
7. Paper technology: Calcination-carbonization two-step process to improve the
brightness of fly ash and its application in paper filling
8. Paper technology: Energy efficiency in low consistency refining: a study using a
Valley beater
9. Paper physics: Principles of developing physical test methods for disposable
consumer products
10. Paper chemistry: Switching off PAE wet strength
11. Coating: Improving fire retardancy of cellulosic thermal insulating materials by
coating with bio-based fire retardants
12. Printing: Time-dependent mechanical response of paper during web-fed high-speed
inkjet printing

PAPERmaking!
13. Packaging: Model to predict the top-to-bottom compressive strength of folding

cartons
14. Environmental impact: A solution for a treatment of bottom sludge from a log-
soaking pond for separation of sand
15. Environmental impact: Effects of temperature on white water treatment by the
dominant bacteria
16. Environmental impact: Performance of microaerobic granular sludge system for
pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation responding to PCP loading shock
17. Miscellaneous: Potential of kraft lignin as an additive in briquette production
18. Miscellaneous: Effect of wood flour and naphthenic oil on morphology, rheological
and mechanical properties of EPDM/PP/AL composite
TAPPI JOURNAL, November 2018

1. Editorial: 2018 TAPPI Journal features diverse content
2. Understanding the risks and rewards of using 50% vs. 10% strength peroxide in
pulp bleach plants,
3. Does the kappa number method accurately reflect lignin content in nonwood pulps?
4. Using multistage models to evaluate how pulp washing after the first extraction
stage impacts elemental chlorine-free bleach demand
5. Understanding the pulping and bleaching performances of eucalyptus woods
affected by physiological disturbance
TAPPI JOURNAL, January 2019

1. Editorial: Lignin: Nature’s versatile polymer as a potent chemical platform for 21st
century challenges
2. Adsorption performance of magnetic aminated lignin for the removal of Cu(II) and
Cd(II)
3. Magnetization of aminated lignin and characterization
4. Structural analysis of poplar and Masson pine lignocresols and comparison of their
bovine serum albumin adsorption characteristics
5. Synthesis and characterization of novel foams by pyrolysis of lignin
6. Characterization and evaluation of antioxidation of lignin from bamboo powder
using a formic acid-catalyzed ethanol organosolv process
7. Nano-magnesium oxide as hard template synthesis of lignin carbon-based solid
acids and its application for cellulose hyrdrolysis
8. Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid of kraft lignin to enhance aniline adsoprtion
from aqueous solution
TAPPI JOURNAL, February 2019

1. Editorial: Historical and evolving challenges in the coated paper industry
2. Discrete element method to model cracking for two layer systems
3. Optimazation of coating with water-based barriers
4. Operational limits of blade coating associated with high aspect ratio pigments: Part I
– bench top blade coater
5. Operational limits of blade coating assocciated with high aspect ratio pigments:
PartII – cylindrical laboratory coater
6. Improving the inkjet codability of folding boxboard
7. Cracking at the fold in double layer coated paper: the influence of latex and starch
composition

PAPERmaking!
TAPPI JOURNAL, March 2019

1. Editorial: TAPPI Journal 2018 Best Research Paper delves deeper into press
section rewet to address drying efficiency
2. Evaluating hardness and the S-test
3. Controllable anisotropic properties of wet-laid hydroentangled nonwovens
4. Size distribution analysis of microstickies treated by enzyme mixtures in
papermaking whitewater
5. A study of the softness of household tissues using a tissue softness analyzer and
hand-felt panels

PAPERmaking!
Technical Abstracts
The general peer-reviewed scientific and engineering press consists of several thousand
journals, conference proceedings and books published annually. In among the multitude of
articles, presentations and chapters is a small but select number of items that relate to
papermaking, environmental and waste processing, packaging, moulded pulp and wood
panel manufacture. The edited abstracts contained in this report show the most recently
published items likely to prove of interest to our readership, arranged as follows:
Page 2 3-D Printing

Coating
Energy / Environment
Page 3 Logistics
Moulded Pulp
Page 4 Nano-Science
Page 5 Novel Products
Page 6 Packaging Technology
Page 7 Papermaking
Page 8 Pulp / Pulping
Page 9 Recycling
Page 10 Starch
Testing
Waste Treatment
Page 11 Wood Panel
Page 1 of 13 Technical Abstracts

PAPERmaking!
3-D PRINTING
Composites of waterborne polyurethane and cellulose nanofibers for 3D printing
and bioapplications, Ren-De Chen et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.212.
Waterborne polyurethane (PU) is a green, high performance elastomer but the viscosity of
the dispersion is generally too low for direct three-dimensional (3D) printing. Composite
brings additional properties while reinforcing the substrate. In the study, printable PU
composites were successfully prepared by introducing cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and the
viscosity was effectively regulated by the amount of neutralising agent during in-situ
synthesis.
COATING
Study of chitosan with different degrees of acetylation as cardboard paper coating,
Mariane Gatto et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.210. The biodegradability of chitosan
is significant for packaging systems. Another relevant property of chitosan is its degree of
acetylation (DA), which affects other properties, such as crystallinity and hydrophobicity.
The DA can be modulated by chitin deacetylation or even chitosan reacetylation. The
novelty of this paper is the application of reacetylated chitosan as a coating for cardboard
paper surfaces to improve the barrier and mechanical properties of the paper. Chitosan
with 2% DA was reacetylated to yield chitosan with 48% DA. Both samples were applied
as cardboard paper coating, and the coated materials were characterised. The paper-film
system of chitosan with 2% DA had better water barrier and mechanical resistance.
ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT
Life cycle energy consumption analysis and green manufacture evolution for the
papermaking industry in China, Yi Man et al, Green Chemistry, Issue 5. Papermaking
is a highly energy-consuming industry. The growth in paper demand will further intensify
the need for energy and the stress of GHG emissions. Papermaking involves complex
processing routes, and energy is required for collecting raw materials, producing
chemicals, and pulp and papermaking. Previous investigations of energy consumption in
the papermaking industry have focused primarily on the analysis of one single product or
one single pathway, lacking a comprehensive and systematic comparison of various
products and pathways. Herein, the results of a life cycle energy consumption analysis of
major paper products in China using an extensive system boundary are presented. When
1 tonne of paper was produced in China in 2015, the maximum energy consumption was
38.17 GJ for tissue paper, with a minimum energy consumption of 15.90 GJ for corrugated
medium. This study also predicts energy-related GHG emissions and a mitigation target in
the papermaking industry in China by 2050.
Short term electric load forecasting model and its verification for process industrial
enterprises based on hybrid GA-PSO-BPNN algorithm—A case study of
papermaking process, Y Hu et al, Energy, Vol.170. Process industry consumes
tremendous amounts of electricity for production. Electric load forecasting could be
conducive to managing the electricity consumption, determining the optimal production
scheduling, and planning the maintenance schedule, which could improve the energy
efficiency and reduce the production cost. This paper proposed a short term electric load
forecasting model based on the hybrid GA-PSO-BPNN algorithm. Besides the proposed
GA-PSO-BPNN model, the GA-BPNN and PSO-BPNN based electric load forecasting
models are also studied as the contrasting cases. The verification results reveal that the
GA-PSO-BPNN model is superior to the other two hybrid forecasting models for future
application in the papermaking process since its MAPE is only 0.77%.

PAPERmaking!
Resource value flow analysis of paper-making enterprises: A Chinese case study, Z

Li et al, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol.213. Papermaking enterprises are currently
under both environmental pressure and economic pressure for sustainable development in
China. Thus, the efficiency, effectiveness, and benefits of resource utilisation need to be
improved. High-consumption and high-pollution companies should manufacture paper
using sustainable methods. This study highlights a resource value flow analysis from the
circular economy perspective, developing an extension of material flow cost accounting
and modifying it by accounting for environmental damage as well as economic benefits. In
general, applying a resource value flow analysis can both reduce resource consumption
and minimise environmental damage, enhancing the sustainable development of a
process industry with limited resources.
LOGISTICS
A Description of Supply Chain Planning Problems in the Paper Industry with
Literature Review, Florian Jaehn & Raisa Juopperi, Asia-Pacific Journal of
Operational Research, Vol.36 (1). The paper industry supply chain is highly complex and
consists of many processes and planning tasks. It starts with the collection of raw wood
and ends up in different paper products from paperboard to high class art papers.
Managing the supply chain is difficult and the permanently changing business environment
constantly brings new challenges. This paper starts with outlining the challenges in the
supply chain management of today’s paper industry. After that we evaluate the state of
research to determine planning problems covered by the literature. The purpose is to catch
up time-wise on the previous overview from 2009 and also to update the planning
problems. This overview paper summarises comprehensively the paper industry as of
today. It provides a reference work for researchers and other interested parties, and
uncovers areas for future research.
Warehouse Design and Operation using Augmented Reality technology: A

Papermaking Industry Case Study, D Mourtzis et al, Procedia CIRP, Vol.79. In
modern, high competitive markets, efficient warehousing is critical as it accounts for a
great part of logistics costs. Companies try to adopt highly adaptive and flexible
warehouse design that may support the integration of novel technologies such as
Augmented Reality (AR). This paper proposes a framework for warehouse design which
minimises inventory cost while keeping a high degree of service by supporting the
integration of an AR warehousing system. The AR system will support the effective
management of operations, by providing meaningful information. The proposed
methodology is tested and validated in a real-life case study of a papermaking industry.
MOULDED PULP
Research on the Preparation and Properties of Water Resistant and Oil Resistant
Paper Tableware Made by Bagasse Brown Pulp, Li Liu et al, Applied Sciences in
Graphic Communication and Packaging, pp.609-615. Part of the Lecture Notes in
Electrical Engineering book series (LNEE, Vol.477). Water-resistant and oil-resistant
paper tableware has broad application prospects. The mechanism of water resistance and
oil resistance properties of paper and the determination of oil resistance properties were
introduced. The water/oil resisted paper was made of bagasse brown pulp by beating and
adding oil-resistant agent, water-resistant agent and retention aid. The effects of water
repellent, oil repellent and other factors on the oil and water repellency of paper tableware
were studied.

PAPERmaking!
Molded Pulp Products Manufacturing: Process Development, Characterization and

Modeling, Mattia Didone, PhD Thesis, Manufacturing Engineering, Department of
Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, 2800,
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. The matter of this thesis is the development, characterisation
and ultimately modelling of the manufacturing process of moulded pulp products. In
particular, focus was placed on studying and optimising the drying step, as the cost of
energy required may be from eight to twenty times that needed for pre-forming.
NANO-SCIENCE
A bio-mechanical process for cellulose nanofiber production – Towards a greener
and energy conservation solution, Xiuyu Liu et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.208.
Enzyme pretreatment prior to mechanical grinding in cellulose nanofiberes production was
fully explored in order to save mechanical energy and to find an alternative to chemical
treatment, thus reducing the environmental impact of the process. Grinding energy was
determined in terms of total energy, effective energy, and was related to nanofibre yield.
Fibre morphology, crystalline and chemical structures were analysed to reveal the
mechanisms behind enzyme actions. The results showed that with enzyme pretreatment,
the effective energy was reduced by 60%, and yield of nanofibres was increased by 76%.
Comparative study of aramid nanofiber (ANF) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF), Bin
Yang et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.208. Cellulose nanofibre (CNF) has faced
challenges toward advanced applications due to the poor water resistance, wet strength,
and poor thermal stability. The fabrication methods, morphologies and dispersibility
between CNF and aramid nanofibre (ANF) were compared. Then the mechanical strength,
especially the retention of wet strength (RWS), optical property, UV shielding, wettability
and thermal stability of CNF and ANF nanopapers were further investigated. The results
show that ANF and ANF nanopaper have significant advantages in dispersibility, water
resistance, wet strength, thermal stability and UV-blocking ability over the CNF and CNF
nanopaper. This work demonstrates that the ANF could be an ideal alternative to CNF for
advanced nanocomposites.
A novel method for preparing microcrystalline cellulose from bleached chemical

pulp using transition metal ions enhanced high temperature liquid water process,
Xiaopeng Yue et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.208. A novel method for preparing
microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from bleached chemical pulp based on the transition
metal ion-enhanced high temperature liquid water (HTLW) process was established in this
study. Transition metal ions (Fe3+, Cu2+ or Cr3+) were used to enhance the
depolymerization effect of HTLW treatment on fibres. The transition metal ion-enhanced
HTLW treatment provides an acid free method for preparing MCC.
Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanofibrils from coconut coir fibers

and their reinforcements in biodegradable composite films, Jun Wu et al,
Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.211. Coconut waste husks were effectively utilised in this
study as a promising cellulose source for production of purified coir cellulose (PCC) after
multiple treatments, e.g., ultrasonic-assisted solvent immersion, alkaline treatment,
bleaching, etc. The cellulose nanofibrils were comprehensively characterised in terms of
their functional groups, crystallinity, morphology, and thermal stability. The potential
reinforcement of CCNFs as a filler for biodegradable PVA based films was investigated.

PAPERmaking!
Mango Kernel Starch Films as Affected by Starch Nanocrystals and Cellulose

Nanocrystals, Ana Priscila M. Silva et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.211. Mango
seeds have been used to obtain components for nanocomposite films, namely, starch and
starch nanocrystals (SNC) from seed kernels, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from seed
shells. Starch-based films were prepared with different contents and combinations of SNC
and CNC. The optimised conditions (1.5 wt% CNC and 8.5 wt% SNC on a starch basis)
resulted in a film with enhanced strength, modulus, and barrier to water vapour when
compared to the unfilled film, although the elongation has been impaired.
Preparation of cellulose nanomaterials via cellulose oxalates, Jonatan Henschen et

al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.213. The current work describes the use of a bulk
reaction between pulp and oxalic acid dihydrate to prepare cellulose oxalate followed by
homogenisation to produce nanocellulose. The presented results illustrate that cellulose
oxalates may be a low-cost method to prepare nanocellulose with properties reminiscent
of those of both cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose nanocrystals, which may open up new
application areas for cellulose nanomaterials.
Nanocellulose production from recycled paper mill sludge using ozonation

pretreatment followed by recyclable maleic acid hydrolysis, Roi Peretz et al,
Carbohydrate Polymers, online. Nanocellulose (NC) has garnered much interest
worldwide due to its physical and chemical properties. Nanocellulose is produced from
biomass materials by bleaching pretreatment, followed by acid hydrolysis. This work
demonstrated the production of NC from recycled paper sludge (RPS), a crystalline
cellulose rich waste, by ozonation pretreatment, followed by maleic acid hydrolysis. These
results demonstrate that ozonation can be used as an effective pretreatment for NC
production.
NOVEL PRODUCTS
Development of microporous cellulose-based smart xerogel reversible sensor via
freeze drying for naked-eye detection of ammonia gas, Tawfik A. Khattab et al,
Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.210. Microporous cellulose xerogel can be defined as low
density biomaterial that can be employed for a variety of promising applications of different
fields. The characteristics of xerogel are a consequence of their microstructure. An easy-
to-use and reversible solid-state colorimetric sensor for ammonia gas was developed by
embedding a bromocresol purple (BCP) pH-sensory chromophore into the environmental
friendly carboxymethyl cellulose as bio-based polymer (CMC) matrix. The vapochromic
xerogel provided an instant colour alteration signal from yellow to purple when exposed to
ammonia gas or an ammonium hydroxide aqueous environment as monitored by the
absorption maxima, colour coordinates and colour strength.
Stimuli-responsive cellulose paper materials, Zhijian Li et al, Carbohydrate

Polymers, Vol.210. Cellulose paper can be functionalised, such as modified with stimuli-
responsive polymers, small molecules or inorganic particles, papers may be sensitive to
external stimuli from environments and consequently find applications in wide ranges
including protein separation, controlled drug release, switchable surfaces, sensoring
devices and smart substrates with various colours, etc. However, there are no reviews
summarising the progress of such exciting research field. Here in this mini review, we
discuss the advantages of cellulose paper as stimuli-responsive substrate and summarise
the fabrication techniques, properties and applications of various stimuli-responsive papers
reported to date which are triggered by temperature, pH, humidity, ions, light, magnetic
field, solvent gas and biomolecules.

PAPERmaking!
Using cellulose fibers to fabricate transparent paper by microfibrillation, Zhenzhen

Li et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.214. Fabricating transparent paper from cellulose
nanofibres (CNFs) normally involves high energy or the use of expensive chemicals for the
extraction of CNFs from cellulose fibres and time-consuming paper formation processes
because of the slow filtration rate of CNFs. In this study, we reported a strategy for the
fabrication of transparent paper using microfibrillated cellulose fibres (MFCFs), which were
prepared by extracting nanosized fibrils from the cellulose fibre surfaces by a two-step
refining process. The transparent paper made from MFCFs shows higher thermal stability,
higher tensile strength, higher resistance to deformation, and more flexibility than the
nanopaper made from commercial CNFs. This work provides a promising method for the
manufacture of transparent paper from cellulose fibres.
Poly (lactic acid) composites reinforced with kraft pulp fibres: Production by a
papermaking process and characterisation, S Sousa et al, Composites Part A:
Applied Science and Manufacturing, Vol.121. Four different pulp fibres, representing
short and long cellulose fibres and chemically modified fibres, were tested as
reinforcements for poly(lactic acid) composites. A simple papermaking method was used
to form the composite sheets, which were further compression moulded. The effects of
morphological, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of kraft pulp fibres and their
contents on the PLA composite characteristics were investigated.
PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY
Fabrication and characterization of starch-based nanocomposites reinforced with
montmorillonite and cellulose nanofibers, Jiali Li et al, Carbohydrate Polymers,
Vol.210. In this study, one-dimensional (1D) cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) were used to
stabilise the dispersion of two-dimensional (2D) montmorillonite (MMT) plates in aqueous
system. Then the prepared MMT/CNF solution was simultaneously merged into water
soluble corn starch (CS) to obtain CS/MMT/CNF composite freestanding films through a
casting method. The reinforcing effect from building blocks of MMT and CNF, interfacial
interactions of hydrogen and covalent bonding together led to enhanced tensile strength
and Young’s modulus, reduced moisture susceptibility and increased transparency of the
ternary CS nanocomposites. These extraordinary properties of the ternary
nanocomposites clearly point towards a new strategy for designing and fabricating high-
performance starch-based nanocomposites by using binary fillers with different geometric
shapes and aspect ratio. This kind of ternary nanocomposite can be widely used in food
packing and preservation as a biodegradable and green film.
Effect of electrolyte on regenerated cellulose film as gold nanoparticle carrier,

Lijuan Liu et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.210. The catalytic performances of gold
nanoparticles immobilised on regenerated cellulose films were influenced by cellulose
structure. Cellulose was regenerated in aqueous coagulants containing different
electrolytes, to fabricate regenerated films with different coagulated network structure and
property. Hofmeister sequence can be used to describe regeneration, namely more
kosmotropic ions in the coagulants led to cellulose films with more homogeneous
coagulated network structure, possibly due to the dehydration of cellulose caused by the
ions. Gold nanoparticles were then immobilised on the films to prepare portable catalysts.
This work provided not only the fundamental information about the intermolecular
interactions between ions and macromolecules, but also an effective approach to
construct powerful catalysts.

PAPERmaking!
Fabrication of food-safe superhydrophobic cellulose paper with improved moisture

and air barrier properties, Hui Li et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.211. We
presented a facile method for preparing a food-safe superhydrophobic packaging paper
with improved moisture and air barrier properties in this study, which is combining
construction of polymer-nanoclay hybrid multilayers with subsequent carnauba wax
treatment. The obtained paper was used for strawberry packaging at ambient temperature,
and it was very effective at reducing the weight loss and maintaining titratable acidity
compared with the unpackaged strawberries, which might has a great potential as food
packaging materials.
Highly transparent and thermally stable cellulose nanofibril films functionalized with
colored metal ions for ultraviolet blocking activities, Weisheng Yang et al,
Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.213. Although many preparation methods have been
reported so far, it is still a great challenge for Ultraviolet (UV) protection films that
simultaneously have extremely high transparency and excellent UV shielding properties.
Herein, we reported a simple, eco-friendly process for preparing high transparency TOCN-
COOM (M: metal ions) films with diverse UV-shielding performances via adsorption of
coloured metal ions (Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+). The introduction of Fe3+ led to an
excellent UV blocking, especially almost 89% absorption of Ultraviolet A (UVA) and full
absorption of Ultraviolet B (UVB). The formation of metal-carboxylate complexes is also
advantageous for improving thermal stability. Hence, the obtained TOCN-COOM films
have wide application prospect in the field of UV shielding.
Role of the Relaxation State of Polymer Components in Wood When Making

Composite Packaging Materials (Corrugated Cardboard), E. L. Akim et al, Fibre
Chemistry, Vol.50 (4). We consider targeted variation of the relaxation state for polymer
components of wood in stages of the life cycle of corrugated cardboard. From the
standpoint of the structural physicochemistry of wood, we present a mechanism for the
processes occurring in traditional corrugated cardboard production technology. Our thesis
is that cellulose and hemicellulose can go from the glassy state to the rubbery (highly
elastic) state at 220°C, but under real conditions this transition occurs at room temperature
and even at negative temperatures in the case of plasticization by a sufficient amount of
water. Transition of lignin from the glassy state to the rubbery state occurs at a
temperature above 130°C, and at 70°C-120°C under conditions of sufficient hydration.
Formation of strong interfibre bonds is possible only when the polymers forming the
contact are in the rubbery or viscous-flow state.
PAPERMAKING
Study on the wet-web strength and pressability of paper sheet during the press
process with the addition of nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC), Zonghong Lu et al,
Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.210. The properties of wet-web strength and pressability of
base paper affect the frequency of sheet breaks and machine runnability during the paper-
making process. In this paper, the effect of nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) on the wet-web
strength and pressability of paper sheet during the press process of paper-making was
explored. It was found that the tensile energy absorption (TEA) of the sample was
increased from 6.32 to 10.93 J/m2 at 50% wet web solid content when 5% NFC was
added. The web solid content was decreased from 50.51% to 42.85% when 0%-5% NFC
was added under the same drainage and press conditions, indicating that the addition of
NFC during the paper-making process can retard the pressability of paper sheet. The
study put forwards a new view to discuss/study the effect of added NFC on the wet-web
strength and pressability of paper sheet.

PAPERmaking!
Carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils in papermaking: influence on filler

retention and paper properties, AF Lourenço et al, Cellulose, Vol.26 (5). The present
paper deals with the production of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) from bleached Eucalyptus
kraft pulp by carboxymethylation and TEMPO-mediated oxidation, followed by high
pressure homogenisation. The main purpose of the work was to increase the filler
retention and mechanical strength of printing and writing paper grades. Mineral fillers are
of utmost importance in papermaking and therefore a thorough study of the CNF influence
in filler-containing handsheets is mandatory. In this sense, flocculation studies revealed
the extraordinary ability of CNF to flocculate calcium carbonate, which was translated into
high filler retentions in the paper matrix. Moreover, the interactions between bleached
pulp, CNF, mineral fillers and common paper additives, such as cationic starch, alkenyl
succinic anhydride and cationic polyacrylamide, were investigated. The results show that,
depending on the materials applied, CNF are able to promote an adequate bonding
between fibres and filler aggregates, reducing the requirements for the additives. The
addition of carboxymethylated or TEMPO-oxidised CNF to the fibrous matrix led to
handsheets with better structural, mechanical and optical properties than those of
reference handsheets (without CNF and with additives).
Mechanisms of strength and stiffness improvement of paper after PFI refining with a
focus on the effect of fines, Hamid Reza Motamedian et al, Cellulose, Vol.26 (6).
Refining (i.e., mechanical beating of pulp) is a common procedure that is used in paper-
making to improve the mechanical properties of the final product. The improvements
caused by refining are mainly attributed to increased density and to a better bonding
between fibres. In this work, we study how various mechanisms that can be triggered by
refining affect the tensile behaviour of the sheets.
A paper sizing agent based on leather collagen hydrolysates modified by glycol

diglycidyl ether and its compound performance, X Wang et al, International Journal
of Biological Macromolecules, Vol.124. In this research, collagen hydrolysates with
different average molecular weights from leather collagen were chosen as raw materials.
Five environmental-friendly sizing agents (SA) were prepared by cross-linking collagen
hydrolysates with glycol diglycidyl ether (GDE) and further grafting them with butyl acrylate
(BA) and styrene (St). Then the compound sizing agents (SGDESA-x, x = 1, 2, 3 and 4)
were obtained by simple physical mixing of GDESA and starch. The surface sizing
performance of GDESA and compound sizing agents were studied. The coated corrugated
paper exhibited strong water resistance, good physical and mechanical properties even
after refolded for 20 times.
PULP / PULPING
Determining the repair and maintenance cost of wood chippers, Raffaele Spinelli et
al, Biomass and Bioenergy, Vol. 122. Chipping weighs heavily on the total delivered cost
of wood fuel, which calls for accurate chipping cost estimates. Chipper repair and
maintenance cost is perhaps the most obscure among the figures required for a reliable
estimate of chipping cost. To clarify this issue, the authors examined the long-term repair
and maintenance records for 51 wood chippers operated by 48 chipping service
contractors. The study also provides reference figures for the contribution of labour cost to
total maintenance cost. Farm tractors incur more repairs than preventive maintenance,
contrary to the other dedicated components of the chipping operation, where preventive
maintenance represents most of maintenance cost. Forestry users should make allowance
for the lower structural strength of tractors and select large models.

PAPERmaking!
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for cellulose dissolution: a mini-review, Yang-Lei

Chen et al, Cellulose, Vol.26 (1). Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which are a novel class
of sustainable designer solvents, have attracted considerable attention in the field of
cellulose chemistry. Due to their low cost and analogous physico-chemical properties to
ionic liquids, DESs are expected to be alternative solvents for dissolving cellulose.
However, at present, the solubility of cellulose in DESs is much lower than in most ionic
liquids. In this mini-review, we briefly summarise the current state of knowledge about
cellulose dissolution in DESs.
Non‐Wood Plant Fibers: Applications in Pulp and Papermaking, JE Atchison -

Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science (Print), 2019. Originally paper was being
made from non-wood materials such as papyrus, hemp and textile rags. With the
development of technologies for isolating pulp from wood, it resulted in abandoning paper
making from many non-wood materials. In this paper we have reviewed the trend in pulp
and paper production from different non-wood materials since the perception of the paper
making technology up to date through literature review and consultations with experts in
the area of pulp and paper production.
Cleaner approach for improving the papermaking from agro and hardwood blended
pulps using biopolymers, S Bhardwaj et al, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol.213.
Due to rapid deforestation, the paper industry is facing problems like shortage of forest
based raw materials, cost increment and negative effects on the environment including
increasing air, water and soil pollution. In India, agro residues utilised in stubble burning
could be used as a sustainable fibre resource for papermaking, but the paper made from
these possesses poor strength properties. Considering the multiple advantages of using
agro residues and weak strength properties of the paper made from these, this study was
conducted. The effect of blending hardwood pulp and agro pulp with cationic starch or
chitosan at wet-end of papermaking with and without subsequent surface sizing using
oxidized starch was explored.
Approaches for converting sugarcane trash, a promising agro residue, into pulp and
paper using soda pulping and elemental chlorine-free bleaching, NK Bhardwaj et al,
Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol.217. Industrialisation and urbanisation are the key
drivers to threaten the environmental quality and natural resources. Traditionally, pulp and
paper industry has been highly reliant on forest based resources for its escalation.
Shortage of forest based raw materials, strict environmental regulations and policies have
compelled the industry to seek for alternate raw materials for its production. Mills are now
focusing on exploring the potential of different agro wastes such as cereal straws and
bagasse etc. In present research, sugarcane trash, one of the most abundant agro
residues in India, was investigated for its capability in pulping and bleaching.
RECYCLING
Optimal scheduling ratio of recycling waste paper with NSGAII based on deinked-
pulp properties prediction, Wenhao Shen et al, Computers & Industrial Engineering,
Vol.132. The recycling of waste paper has been an effective way to achieve the
environmental-friendly growth of papermaking industry. Focusing on the mixed-pulping
process which has been generally employed, to ensure the required properties of the
deinking pulp (DIP) and minimise the purchase cost of waste paper, an intelligent model
scheduling the mixing ratio of waste paper was developed in the study.

PAPERmaking!
STARCH
Modification of retrogradation property of rice starch by improved extrusion
cooking technology, Yunfei Liu et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.213. Modifications
of molecular structure, and of short- and long-term retrogradation properties, in rice starch
by an “improved extrusion cooking technology” (IECT) were studied. These results show
that, under appropriate conditions, IECT is a type of extrusion which can be used to
change retrogradation properties of rice starch that have not been previously available.
Effect of Octenylsuccinylation of Oxidized Cassava Starch on Grease Resistance

and Waterproofing of Food Wrapping Paper, Li Zhong et al, Starch - Stärke, No.1-2,
2019. The surface of food wrapping paper is coated with octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA)‐
modified cassava starch to develop food packaging with high waterproofing and low
grease permeability. Oxidised cassava starch is modified using various concentrations of
OSA. The effects of OSA concentration, starch content, incubation time, and coating rate
on oil resistance and hydrophobicity, grease and water barrier properties are quantified.
The influence of octenylsuccinylation of oxidised cassava starch on the optical and
physical properties of paper is also investigated.
TESTING
Maximum Vibration Transmissibility of Paper Honeycomb Sandwich Structures, Rui
Yang et al, International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, Online. The
maximum vibration transmissibility of paper honeycomb sandwich structures with different
sizes of honeycomb core under various static stresses was investigated using the sine
frequency sweep test. The effects of the cell length of the honeycomb, the thickness of the
sandwich structure, and the static stress on the maximum vibration transmissibility were
evaluated.
Test method for enhanced mechanical shock fragility statistics accuracy, Shogo
Horiguchi & Katsuhiko Saito, Packaging Technology and Science, Vol.30 (4). An
optimum cushioning package, which is neither excessive nor inadequate, must be
designed to ensure cushioning performance that maintains an acceptable failure rate
during transportation while also minimising packaging costs. For this purpose, statistics
pertaining to transport hazards and product shock strength must be engaged. The
proposed study presents a test method to enhance the statistical accuracy of mechanical
shock fragility of products. An example of the application of experimental results to stress‐
strength models has also been described.
WASTE TREATMENT
Preparation of geopolymer inorganic membrane and purification of pulp-
papermaking green liquor, M Xu et al, Applied Clay Science, Vol.168. This paper
describes a low-cost and highly efficient metakaolin-based geopolymer composite
membrane (support + dense layer) at normal pressure and <70 °C. The support was
fabricated using geopolymer foam materials and shows a large water flux and good
mechanical properties. The dense layer was prepared using a dip-coating process with
geopolymer paste on the porous geopolymer support surface. The preliminary ultra-
filtration test (0.2 MPa operation pressure) demonstrates that the geopolymer-based
composite membrane can effectively treat suspended particles in wastewater and is
expected to be applied in the field of wastewater treatment. We then used the composite
membrane in the pulp-papermaking green liquor at different temperatures, and it was
found that the SS (suspended solids) of the filtrate can be decreased to far below the
industrial requirements of green liquor recycling (SS < 20 mg·L−1).

PAPERmaking!
Statistical analysis of sustainable production of algal biomass from wastewater

treatment process, Indu Ambat et al, Biomass and Bioenergy, Vol.120. Algal biodiesel
is one of the most promising renewable and eco-friendly source of energy for
transportation, when algae is produced from wastewater. During the process, both goals of
biodiesel production and wastewater treatment could be achieved simultaneously.
However, the optimal condition for algae production remained unanswered. Algal biodiesel
could be produced from various wastewater treatments. In this study the relationship
between biomass production versus lipid productivity in various wastewater sources is
statistically analysed.
A green composite hydrogel based on cellulose and clay as efficient absorbent of

colored organic effluent, Qiyang Wang et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.210. This
work has developed a convenient way of constructing wood cellulose and clay green
composite hydrogel as efficient adsorbent of coloured organic effluent. The simple
procedure and cost effective wood cellulose as raw material for the composite absorbent
construction presented in this research are favourable for industrial applications.
Phosphonium-Enhanced Chitosan for Cr(VI) Adsorption in Wastewater Treatment,

Sebastian Sessarego et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.211. Adsorption is a
commonly used method for industrial wastewater treatment because of its low-cost, easy
operation and high efficiency. In this work, chitosan was crosslinked and functionalised
with a low-cost phosphonium salt, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS), to
enhance its adsorption capacity for Cr(VI).
WOOD PANEL
Application of surface chemical functionalized cellulose nanocrystals to improve
the performance of UF adhesives used in wood based composites - MDF type,
Hossein Khanjanzadeh et al, Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol.206. The aim of this
research was to investigate the effect of functionalised cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) on
the performance of urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive for the production of medium density
fiberboard (MDF). Surface modification of CNC was performed using 3-
Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Some physical and thermal properties of reinforced
and neat UF as well as formaldehyde emission and some mechanical (modulus of rupture
(MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bond strength (IB)) and physical
properties (thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA)) of the resulting MDF
panels were determined.
Quasi-static and dynamic response of oriented strand boards based on balsa wood
waste, G.Barbirato et al, Composite Structures, Vol.219. This work presents an
evaluation of the performance of Oriented Strand Boards (OSB) panels based on balsa
wood (Ochroma Pyramidale) waste agglomerated with castor oil polyurethane resin. In this
study, were evaluated OSB panels with different densities (300 kg/m 3, 400 kg/m3 and
650 kg/m3), with 10 mm thickness and castor oil polyurethane resin in different contents
(11% and 15%). The OSB panels were preliminary characterised by physical and quasi-
static mechanical tests to identify the class of application of this material according to the
recommendations of standard EN 300: 2002. Subsequently, the OSB panels were
characterised by low velocity impact tests.

PAPERmaking!
Solid Wood and Wood Based Composites: The Challenge of Sustainability Looking
for a Short and Smart Supply Chain, M. Romagnoli et al, Digital Wood Design,
Chapter, pp.783-807. (Part of the Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering book series
(LNCE, volume 24).) The paper takes into account the most important wood based
products used in architecture, structural engineering and design. The amount of
roundwood, sawnwood and wood panel production is analysed and forest certification is
reported as possible tool to ensure a sustainable forest management, fighting illegal
logging and deforestation. A smart review of the most used wood-based products is
performed together with the chance to activate a modern short supply chain. The state of
art of the wood species actually used is considered together with most important actual
challenges addressed to obtain sustainable wood-based products referring to eco-friendly
process of gluing and increasing durability.
Preparation, characterization and properties of starch-based adhesive for wood-

based panels, YongGu et al, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules,
online. A new biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly starch-based
adhesive for wood-based panels was synthesised. The synthesis was conducted by
grafting polymerisation of vinyl acetate (VAC) monomer onto corn starch and crosslinking
polymerisation with N-methylol acrylamide (NMA). Compared with the traditional starch-
based wood adhesive, the water resistance of starch-based adhesive with NMA (SWA-N)
was greatly improved to more than 1 MPa; this exceeds the Chinese standard by 40%.
The complex network structure was found to inhibit excessive expansion of the adhesive
during high temperature pressing and water absorption. As a result, the adhesive
remained intact when subjected to hot pressing and placed in wet conditions.
Latex and rosin films as alternative waterproofing coatings for 3-layer sugarcane-
bamboo-based particleboards, Erika Yukari Nakanishi et al, Polymer Testing, Vol.75.
This paper studied two alternative polymeric films based on natural latex and rosin as a
waterproofing coating for 3-layer sugarcane-bamboo-based particleboards (3LP). To study
the roughness as well as evaluate the coating surfaces on the 3LP, scanning confocal
electron microscopy (SCEM) was used. The wettability performance of the coatings was
evaluated by the surface energy through the contact angle method. The 3LP coated
thermal, physical and mechanical properties were evaluated following ASTM-E1530: 2011
and ABNT NBR 14810 standards, respectively. Latex successfully formed a smooth and
continuous film which covered the surface pores of the 3LP, whereas rosin did not form a
smooth and continuous, forming only a thin film on the 3LP.
Dynamic accounting of greenhouse gas emissions from cascading utilisation of

wood waste, Giorgia Faraca et al, Science of The Total Environment, Vol.651 (2).
Cascading utilisation of post-consumer wood waste has recently gained increasing
attention in the European Union, aiming for a society in which the resource's properties are
optimised through sequential uses. To date, material utilisation of wood waste has been
limited to particleboard production, with additional niche alternatives being restricted by
quality requirements for wood waste. In this consequential life cycle assessment focusing
on post-consumer wood collected at Danish recycling centres, Global Warming Potential
(GWP) impacts from quality-driven choices for cascading management of wood waste
were compared with those from handling mixed wood waste qualities. The results
demonstrated that valuing quality over quantity in wood waste management can ensure
larger GWP savings, especially if recycling applications have a long lifetime and/or
substitute energy-intensive products; such results were confirmed under all scenario
analyses. More cascade steps of the wood waste resource ensured larger savings.

PAPERmaking!
Nanocellulose-Reinforced Adhesives for Wood-Based Panels, Elaine Cristina

Lengowski et al, Sustainable Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites, pp.1001-
1025. Considering that the solid wood, being a heterogeneous and anisotropic product,
presents several disadvantages such as unsatisfactory mechanical properties for certain
uses and limitations of wood due to dimensions of wood pieces, reconstituted wood
products have been developed by gluing of veneer, boards, lignocellulosic fibres, etc.,
which are joined using adhesives. It should be noted that changes in adhesion to wood are
desirable in terms of performance improvement and adhesive economy. Within the
constant search for better performance of adhesives, the use of nanocelluloses appears
as a viable option. Further, identification of reinforcement of adhesives with nanocellulose
is being considered as an opportunity among the several opportunities offered by
nanotechnology for the forest products industry. Use of nanocelluloses as reinforcements
in adhesives for the production of reconstituted wood panels has several benefits such as
possibility of altering the properties of adhesives, gain in mechanical and physical
properties of panels and reduction in formaldehyde emissions by panels using synthetic
adhesives. Despite all the advantages mentioned above, the Chapter ends with the
conclusion that there are still some problems to be looked into suggesting need for more
research either in the application of nanocellulose and its modification in different types of
resin, as well as application technologies appropriate to the new conditions of the
adhesives.
Resource quality of wood waste: The importance of physical and chemical

impurities in wood waste for recycling, Giorgia Faraca et al, Waste Management,
Vol.87. Recycling of post-consumer wood waste into particleboard may be hindered by the
presence of physical and chemical impurities in the waste stream, therefore calling for
increased attention on the quality of wood waste. However, wood waste comprises several
uses/types of wood, along with different levels of contamination. This study provides the
detailed sampling and characterisation of wood waste according to its source, type and
resource quality grade. The results showed that chemical contamination was significantly
higher for low-quality wood waste, thus clearly indicating that improvements in separate
collection, sorting and handling of wood waste may improve the resource quality of wood
waste and potentially achieve cleaner recycling practices.

PAPERmaking!
Volume 5 Number 1, 2019
Forthcoming Events
PITA ‘FOOD CONTACT’ COURSE (Bury) – Papers in this PDF
21 May 2019
info@pita.co.uk
PAPER & BIOREFINERY (Graz) – Papers in this PDF

5-6 June 2019
https://paper-biorefinery.com/
PITA ‘WASTEWATER TREATMENT’ COURSE (Bury) – Papers in this PDF

11-12 June 2019
info@pita.co.uk
TECHNOLOGIE KRING (Apeldoorn) – Papers in this PDF

19-20 June 2019
www.technologiekring.nl
ZELLCHEMING (Frankfurt am Main)

25-27 June 2019
https://zex.mesago.com/events/en.html
PITA ‘WEST END CHEMISTRY’ COURSE (Bury) – Papers in this PDF

2-3 July 2019
info@pita.co.uk
CPI BIENNIAL HEALTH, SAFETY & INDUSTRY CONFERENCE (Kenilworth) – Papers

in this PDF
9 July 2019
www.paper.org.uk/biennial
PITA ‘FUNDAMENTALS OF PAPERMAKING’ COURSE (Kappa SSK) – Papers in this

PDF
16-18 July 2019
info@pita.co.uk
PITA MILL TOUR & VISIT (Two Rivers Paper Mill, Watchet)
18 July 2019
info@pita.co.uk
Events
PAPERmaking!
PRIMA 2019 (Prague)

17-18 September 2019
www.prima-paper.com – PITA Members get 10% discount on Conference
PITA ‘MODERN PAPERMAKING’ COURSE (Bury)

17-18 September 2019
info@pita.co.uk
MIAC (Lucca)
9-11 October 2019
www.miac.info/en/
PITA ‘PUMP EFFICIENCY’ COURSE (Bury) – Papers in this PDF

15 October 2019
info@pita.co.uk
PITA ‘ENERGY OPTIMISATION’ COURSE (Bury) – Papers in this PDF

5-6 November 2019
info@pita.co.uk
DITP (Slovenia) – Papers in this PDF (call for papers)

20-21 November 2019
ditp@icp-lj.si
PAPER ONE SHOW (Dubai)

13-15 January 2020
https://paperoneshow.net/ – PITA Members get 20% discount on Stands
The full PITA Calendar of World Events can be found at:

https://www.pita.org.uk/what-we-do/events-activities/calendar-of-world-events
Events
PAPERmaking!
PITA
COURSES
Events
PITA Training & Conferences Paper
Industry
Cristina Lugli/Eugenio Cavallinio Ecol Studio presents. . . . Technical
“An Introduction to Food Contact for the Paper & Packaging Industry” Association
What you need to know about Paper & Board Materials for Food Contact
21st May 2019 in the PITA Office (Bury)
Cristina is a Key Account Manager & Consultant for the paper and board sector at Ecol
Studio, in particular for the European and International market. She is in charge of the
Technical and legislative Support. She has 20 years experience in the paper industry,
and she's involved in National and European Working Groups on paper and board, as
(CEN) TC 172 / WG3 -Analytical methods for the assessment of Poper ond
Board in contact with foodstuffs, Ecolabel (paper products), the Food
Contact Materials Working Group of Federchimica (Italian Federation
of the chemical industry).
Eugenio is a Senior Consultant for Ecol Studio in the field of Food Contact Materials & Articles.
He graduated in Chemistry and has been working in the Paper Industry for 35 years. Eugenio
is also a member of staff at CEPI, acting as the Technical Manager for food contact and safety
of paper products.
This course will focus on the scenario of paper and board materials and articles for Food Contact (P&B FCMs),
and it is intended specifically for all operators along the paper and board supply chain: producers, converters
and retailers; providing essential training for operators who wish to develop a better understanding of
technical and legislative requirements in the Food Contact materials market.
PART 1 – LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ON FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS AND ARTICLES

An introduction to the EU framework legislation:
 Reg.(EC) No 1935/04
 Reg.(EC) No 2023/06 on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
 EU Non-harmonized FCMs: regulatory situation and implications
 The role of national legislations
 Future perspectives
PART 2 – TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PAPER AND BOARD MATERIALS AND ARTICLES’ COMPLIANCE
Compliance for the Paper and Board sector in being compliant:
 Relevant documents for the Paper and Board Materials and Articles for Food Contact
 GMP for the Manufacture of Paper and Board for Food Contact (CEPI Guidance)
How to comply with Food Contact regulations in the EU:

 Overview, positive list, labelling & declaration of compliance for Food Contact materials
 Technical requirements on raw materials
 Testing on the finished products
 How to track the regulatory developments to ensure continued regulatory compliance 5 Frecheville Court
Bury
Lancashire
Only £499 (plus VAT) per person for the one day course, including full course BL9 0UF
notes, refreshments & six months complimentary membership of PITA
Tel: 0300 3020 150
Fax: 0300 3020 160
E-mail: info@pita.co.uk
For further details or to book your place on this course, contact Helen in the
PITA Office - (0300 3020 150 / info@pita.co.uk)
Industry
Technical
PITA & Graeme Finlayson present . . . .
“Fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment” Association
11th& 12th June 2019 / PITA Office / Bury
This Two Day course will focus on optimising biological treatment I liked the interactive
plants to meet BAT, reduce operating costs and generate revenue. nature and going
through calculations
and worked examples
The course will be of relevance to any paper industry site to apply the infor-
operating or considering investment in an activated sludge plant, mation we had just
learnt.
a biological filter or anaerobic digestion plant.
BAT8 covers the monitoring of ‘key process parameters and of
emissions to water and air’. Make sure you are ready for it with The best aspect of the
this course! training was that it
helped me to think
about treatment in a
more holistic way
 Wastewater Characteristics: What is COD, BOD, ammonia, phosphate? Many thanks for what
was a very well re-
ceived couple of days.
 Nutrient Addition: Balancing nitrogen and phosphorus to achieve consent The way you adapted
to the audience was
excellent, Matt clearly
 Aerobic or Anaerobic: Costs, income, reactor types has expertise that we
would like to call on at
some point
 Troubleshooting: Scaling, overloading, septicity
 Activated Sludge Processes: The importance of sludge age and how this affects
settlement rates
 Optimising Final Sedimentation Tanks: Getting the most out of the final tank when
settlement is poor
 Microscopic Analysis of Activated Sludge: What to look for and what it means
 Filamentous Bulking Control Strategies: Selectors and chemical addition
5 Frecheville Court
For further details & Bury
Lancashire
to book your place on this course, BL9 0UF
contact Helen in the PITA Office Tel: 0300 3020 150
(0300 3020 150 / helen@pita.org.uk) If calling from outside
the UK: +44 161 764 5858
Fax: 0300 3020 160
Industry
Mark Smith presents. . . .
Technical
“PITA’s Introduction to Modern Wet End Chemistry” Association
Everything you need to know about Colloid Chemistry on a Paper Machine
2nd & 3rd July in the PITA Office (Bury)
Mark gained a PhD in Colloid Science from the University of Bristol

and then spent a few years in the oil industry before joining and
working (for over 30 years) in Paper Industry. Having gained
experience at McMillan Bloedel Research, Mead Central Research, UK
Paper and Omya, he has been involved in problem-solving around
Wet End Chemistry on Paper Machines around the world. By
measuring colloidal properties and using these measurements, it is
possible to solve a wide range of papermaking issues.
Course Objective:
Gain an understanding of how colloidal materials can be used and controlled to give you desired
paper properties and improved paper machine efficiency.
Day 1—Morning: Day 2—Morning:

Understanding & measuring colloidal properties Use of colloidal material to give desired paper
 What are colloidal materials properties
How colloidal systems are stabilised & de-  Strength additives
stabilised Nanocellulose, starch, wet strength & dry
Measurements of colloidal properties & strength additives
other related chemical properties  Shade control, Dyes & OBAs
Use of these measurements to improve  Surface modifications additives
paper machine operations Wet end size, size press & coatings
Day 1—Afternoon: Day 2—Afternoon

Use of inorganic colloidal solids - Fillers Control of colloidal material to improve paper
 Type of fillers used in paper making machine efficiency
Effect of fillers on paper properties & paper  Control of undesirable colloidal materials
making Pitch, scaling & anionic trash
Recent developments to maximise filler use  Improve retention of desired colloidal
material
Retention & drainage aids
 Control of microbiological contaminants
5 Frecheville Court
 Yankee dryer chemistry
Bury
Lancashire
BL9 0UF
For further details or to book your
Tel: 0300 3020 150
place on this course, contact Helen Fax: 0300 3020 160
in the PITA Office - (0300 3020 150 / E-mail: info@pita.co.uk
info@pita.co.uk)
‘The Fundamentals of Papermaking’
An Introduction to the Operator Development Program
OVERVIEW
Date / Venue:
 16th – 18th July 2019 / Venue – Smurfit Kappa SSK, Birmingham
Outline:
 This 2 ½ day course provides a fast track introduction to papermaking (limited to operations between
‘Mixing Chest’ & ‘Reel Up’). The intention is to raise the knowledge of process, technician & support staff
to an intermediate level of shared understanding regarding modern Paper Machine operations.
 In addition to being valid as a standalone course, the course content also provides an introduction to the
‘Operator Development Program’ (ODP).
 Papierzentrum in Gernsbach also provides a bridge between the UK & German Training & Education
systems.
Target Audience:
Machine operators, wet end operators, shift supervisors & trainees.
Running a paper production facility efficiently today, requires excellent know how from people involved in the
process. This course will give participants up to date knowledge concerning all relevant processes involved. The
course contents include:
 Machinery,
 Paper Chemistry
 The interaction of other production areas, including their impact on product, quality & Machine
runability.
Course Fees1:
 Course Fees, including full course documentation & refreshments

£ 750.00 (plus Tax)
 Travel & Accommodation to be organised by the participant
1
Note:
Cancellation Policy
 Substitutions of Attendee may be made at any time.
 Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the course date, or failure to appear, will result in forfeiture of
the Course Fee.
 All Courses are subject to a ‘Minimum Attendance Level’ & delegates should avoid making non-refundable
travel arrangements until their place on the Course has been confirmed.
Outline Program & Prospectus
Proposed Course Schedule
Tuesday, 16th July 2019 (Course Commences at 09:00 hrs):
 Introduction to the Industry

 Overview to the pulp, paper & packaging industry
 Main figures of the national & international productions
 Raw material & resource development
 Changes in the raw materials, energy & production in the past
 Paper technology in the future, main barriers & challenges
 Stock Approach Flow

o Feed flow into the Stock Approach System
 Stock approach system as a black box: which components are added & removed in the stock
approach system & what is their influence on the paper making process.
 Which parameters can be used for controlling the feed flows into the stock approach system
 Effects of changes in the feed flows into the stock approach flow processing, overview
o Stock & water loops
 Stock flows & main parameters in the stock approach system
 Water circulation & its effect on the runability & quality, overview
o Machinery & build-up
 Machineries used in the stock approach system & goals of them
 Water circulation & its effect on the runability, wet end chemistry & quality
o Impact on quality & runability
 The influence on the stock & paper quality in the stock approach system.
 Typical runability & quality problems related to wet end
 Head box
o Distribution systems
 Cross flow header/tapered header & central distributor differences & functions
 Pulsation elimination tank
o Design & types
 Head box types limited to open, pressurised & hydraulic head boxes
 Distribution channels, stock dilution system, mixing chamber, turbulence generator & lamellas
o Efflux ratio
 Control & adjustment of efflux ratio
 Effect of the efflux ratio on the paper quality (fibre orientation & formation)
o Turbulence generation
 Different techniques for turbulence generation e.g. rectifier rolls & tube banks
 Influence of the turbulence generation on the formation, paper quality & dewatering
 Differences between macro & micro turbulences
o The ‘Slice’
 Functions of the slice
 Adjustment of the slice & its influence on the stock flow, paper quality & dewatering.
 Velocity forming vs. pressure forming
o Impact on paper machine runability & product quality
 Adjustments of the head box & their effect on the paper machine runability & the paper quality
 Chemical additives in the wet end

o Chemicals to enhance product quality
 Use of chemicals for improvement of e.g. strength or colour
 Dosage of chemicals: influences on the production
o Chemicals for runability improvement
 Addition of retention aids, defoaming/de-aerators or bentonite & their influence on runability
o Introduction into fibre & wet end chemistry
 Fundamentals of fibre chemistry: hydrogen bondages & reactive groups
 Chemical fundamentals of wet end chemicals, which requirements exist for the use of wet end
chemicals
Wednesday, 17th July 2019:
 Forming section
o Single & multi-layer designs
 Principles of different forming sections for different paper grades
o Sheet forming fundamentals
 Dewatering & concentration of particles through the forming section
 Two-sidedness & its influence on the quality
o Dewatering elements & vacuum system
 Design of the dewatering elements e.g. foils, forming roll, forming table, suction boxes... & their
influence on the dewatering & paper quality
 Pressure impulses & their adjustment to improve the paper quality & runability
o Retention
 First pass & total retention, ash retention & influence on the productivity & quality
o Impact on product quality & runability
 Wire section impacts on the paper machine runability & the stock & water loops
o Fabric considerations
 Forming fabric fundamentals
 The Press Section

o Press section designs
 Different press section designs e.g. 3 nip system, 3+1 nip or shoe press system & their influence
on the runability & quality
o Fundamentals of pressing
 Physics of pressing & dewatering in pressing section
 Parameters effecting the pressing result
o Press nips: grooved, blind drilled, shoe press
 Press cylinder designs & dewatering principles of them
o Press section impact on product quality & runability
 Press section adjustments & their impact on the paper quality & runability of the paper machine
o Press felts & conditioning
 Fundamentals of press felts
 The Dryer Section

o Fundamental of paper & board drying
 Dewatering of bound water & fundamentals of paper drying
 Paper grades & their impact on the drying result & steam consumption
o Build-up of dryer groups single/double tier
 Most typical cylinder drying systems & their differences
 Water removal from the paper & hood in drying section for different systems
o The Drying Cylinder
 Construction of a drying cylinder & principle of heat transfer
o Steam & condensate systems
 Fundamentals of a steam-condensate system
 Units & their principles in a steam-condensate system
o Pocket Ventilation
 Importance of pocket ventilation
o Dew point & 0-level
 Fundamentals of dew point & 0-level in a drying section
 Influence on the steam consumption & paper quality
o Dryer Section Operations
 Drying section adjustments
o The Dryer Fabric & cleaning
 Fundamentals of dryer fabrics
 Cleaning systems for dryer fabrics
 Finishing
o Online-Calendering fundamentals
 Calendering effects on the paper quality
 Parameters for adjusting calendering results
 Reel Up Systems
 Reeling up systems & their function
Thursday, 18th July 2019:
 Introduction to Process Control

o Computer Aided Process Simulation
o “From mixing chest to reel-up”
o Start-up the paper machine
o Working with closed control loops
o Adjust various machine parameters to improve product quality
 12:30 hrs – Lunch
 13:30 hrs – Course Review & Feedback
 14:30 hrs – Departure

Registration & Booking Form
Course: Fundamentals of Papermaking (UK) - 2½ Days
Course Date / Venue: 16th to 18th July 2019 / Venue TBC
Details of Attendees:
Name Position Years in Paper Industry E-mail Address
Do you have any Special Dietary requirements, if so please specify:
Specific Interests (please feel free to list topics on a separate sheet):
What are you looking to gain from this Course? (please feel free to continue on a separate sheet):
Invoicing Details:
Invoice Address: Purchase Order / Reference:
Invoice Contact: Telephone:
E-mail Address:
Note
 All Courses are subject to a ‘Minimum Attendance Level’ & delegates should avoid making
non-refundable travel arrangements until their place on the Course has been confirmed.
 Substitutions of Attendee may be made at any time.
 Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the course date, or failure to appear, will
result in forfeiture of the Course Fee.
Paper
PITA Training & Conferences Industry

Technical
Association
“Pumping Systems Energy Efficiency Workshop”
Essential Knowledge for Everyone Working with Pumps
15th October 2019 / PITA Office, Bury
Who should attend:

Energy Managers & Coordinators Energy efficiency of pumping systems is important in that energy
Operations Supervisors & Managers efficiency is one of the most important factors in determining pump
Plant & Process Engineers reliability and maintenance costs. Consequently, energy inefficiency in
Maintenance Personnel pump systems increases operating costs due to:
 Higher energy use and cost
 Increased maintenance costs
 Failure (reduced reliability affecting production
schedules)
There are many reasons for low energy efficiency of pump systems.
Several of these can be identified by simple measurements such as
flow, power consumption and total pump head. Other reasons for low
efficiency may require a detailed analysis of the pump system to
identify specific issues and what steps to take to resolve these issues.
This course is designed to show how to measure pump efficiency so that pump systems are operated at high
efficiency following remedial action when the data shows that there is a cost benefit from this action.
Contents
 The relationship between Energy Efficiency and Reliability
 How to assess Pump System Efficiency; what measurements need to be taken and the possible
problems in taking these
 How to use the data generated
 What surveys show in terms of Pump System Efficiency - typical efficiency in pump systems
 Options to improve efficiency after finding that a system is inefficient
 The pros and cons of Variable Speed Drives
 How to measure pump failure rates, so that
improvements can be tracked
5 Frecheville Court
Bury
Lancashire
For further details or to book your BL9 0UF
place on this course, Tel: 0300 3020 150

Fax: 0300 3020160
contact Helen in the PITA Office E-mail: info@pita.co.uk
(0300 3020 150 / info@pita.co.uk)
Industry
Kate Leach presents . . . . Technical
“Energy Optimisation” Association
Essential Cost Saving Knowledge for All involved in the Paper Industry
5th& 6th November 2019 / PITA Office / Bury
This Intensive Two Day Course focuses on Modern Energy Kate is an effective
Optimisation Techniques specifically relevant to the production of Paper, and entertaining
trainer with a thor-
Fibre-based Packaging Products and Converting. Starting from an up to ough and grounded
date overview of the Energy Market, the course provides essential knowledge of pa-
permaking processes
background knowledge for anyone (manufacturer or supplier) who is with good insight into
involved in the implementation of Energy Saving / Carbon Emissions the world of soft
tissue manufacture.
Reduction strategies throughout the Fibrous Forest Products Sector. The
content of this course is highly interactive, allowing the discussion to focus
on the key areas of interest relevant to the attendees.
I can honestly say
A great primer/motivator for those looking to increase Energy Efficiency. that after 38 years in
the paper industry
and having attended a
large number of
courses this was truly
one of the best both
 Energy & Trends: A look at energy trends locally and globally. in terms of content
and supporting mate-
rial.
 Motors: Understanding how motors work, to make them work more efficiently in our mills.
 Context & Scale: Looking at energy use in the Home, Office and Industry.
 Processing & Pumping Efficiency: Learning how to spot process inefficiencies in pumps.
 Dewatering: Relative costs of water removal throughout the papermaking process, how
small changes can bring about big savings.
 Employee Engagement: The importance of involving the whole workforce in energy

optimisation and some tools to do this.
 Compressed Air: How to ensure one of the largest single energy users in the mill is
working optimally.
 Refining: A background to refining leading on to an understanding of how to optimise

refining results whilst minimising energy requirements.
5 Frecheville Court
 Energy Generation: Generation options for the paper industry (including: heat exchangers
Bury
and steam systems). Lancashire
BL9 0UF
For further details & Tel: 0300 3020 150
to book your place on this course, If calling from outside
the UK: +44 161 764 5858
contact Helen in the PITA Office Fax: 0300 3020 160
(0300 3020 150 / helen@pita.org.uk)
PAPERmaking!
PAPER &
BIOREFINERY
Events





















 
 
 

 
 
 




 
 


 
 


PAPERmaking!
TECHNOLOGIE
KRING
Events
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR 2019
TECHNOLOGIEKRING Paper & Board Industry
‘Raw materials and stock preparation’
Location: Van der Valk Hotel Apeldoorn-De Cantharel, Van Golsteinlaan 20 7339 GT
Apeldoorn
June 19th (Wednesday afternoon) | June 20th (Thursday morning)
Preliminary program
June 19th (Afternoon, Day 1)

13:00 Welcome and opening by Jan Pille, Royal VNP
Introduction new website Technologie Kring
13:10 Setting the theme ‘Raw materials and stock preparation’ by the chairman
of the day, Walter Hulshof, managing director Industriewater Eerbeek
Masterclass Young Talent & General issues
13:30 Brexit – The Effect of the Big Blue Monster on Papermaking in the UK by
Andrew Large (Director General of the CPI)
13:50 3D printing of lignocellulosic materials: from nanofibre hydrogels to
structured biocarbons by Dr. Davide Beneventi, CNRS, Laboratoire de
Génie des Procédés Papetiers
14:10 Plant properties of the various wood fibers by Andries van Eckeveld, Van
Hall Larenstein/Innovita-Advies
Masterclass Water as raw material
14:30 Polishing bio-effluent to liner processwater by Walter Hulshof,
Industriewater Eerbeek
Making polished bio-effluent and paper machine production fit for liner
production purpose by Alfons Koelen, DS Smith
Discussion afterwards
15:15 Break & telsell
Masterclass Pulpers as raw material
15:45 Up-date pulpers by Oliver Lüdtke, Voith
16:05 Small investment with a big impact by Harald Bauer, ANDRITZ Pulping
Rebuilds
16:25 Repulping Aids – New opportunities for the Recovered Paper Industry by
Bernhard Nellessen, Solenis Technology Germany GmbH
16:45 Junk Trap or Trashwell? Reducing maintenance costs in pulper detrashing
by using fewer but better valves by Francois Rui, Kadant lamort
16:55 Break & Snack
17:15 * DS Smith De Hoop, Ben Kortekaas
Workshop
* Neenah Coldenhove, Gert van Beek
Pulping
* ESKA, Bert Uil
* Stora Enso Langerbrugge, Patrick de Wilde
* VPK, Ann Deschildre
* PF Doetinchem, Frank Uittenbogaard
18:15 Networking at the technology market
19:00 Informal BBQ in first class networking atmosphere
and official ceremony Technologie Kring Award June 2019
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR 2019
TECHNOLOGIEKRING Paper & Board Industry
‘Raw materials and stock preparation’
Location: Van der Valk Hotel Apeldoorn-De Cantharel, Van Golsteinlaan 20 7339 GT
Apeldoorn
June 19th (Wednesday afternoon) | June 20th (Thursday morning)
Preliminary program
June 20th (Morning, Day 2)

8:45 Opening by the chairman of the morning session by Leon Joore, Natural fiber
Application Center
Masterclass Starch
9:00 Effect of water quality on starch performance by Koen Homburg, ADM
9:30 Cationic starch booster by Franco Faleschini, Kemira
Masterclass Sorting, screaning & cleaning
9:50 Reconsidering screening technologies & fractionation with BoosTEK
desruptive innovation by Francois Rui, Kadant Lamort
10:20 Break & telsell
10:40 Profile control in relation to customer problems by Hugo Geerdinck, Neenah
Coldenhove
Masterclass Refining
11:00 Pulping and refining in combination with our new Mill Process Solution (since
the acquisition of GL&V) by Valmet
11:20 Robotization in paper industry by Improvia
11:40 End of seminar and take away lunch
Program updates: www.technologiekring.nl - Program is subject to changes

VNP Millvision seminar
19th en 20th of June 2019
Registrationform
Name: Invoice adress (in case different)
e- mail:
Company: Company:
Adress: Adress:
PC&City: PC&City:
Tel.no. Tel.no.
VAT no. VAT no.
I register for the seminar of the 19th and 20th of June 2019 and pay € 490,-
I will attend the dinner on day 1 (inclusive)
I register for the takeaway lunch on day 2 (inclusive)
Please make a hotelreservation for me (exclusive)
th th
Dinner 19 of June and lunch 20 of June are included, excl. VAT. Please note: hotel rooms can be reserved
through us until Wednesday, May 22nd 2019, after this day your room is not guaranteed!
Overnight stay hotel NOT included. Cancelling costs: hotelroom charges, if booked.
Signature:
E-mail to: e.freriks@vnp.nl

PAPERmaking!
CPI HEALTH,
SAFETY &
INDUSTRY
CONFERENCE
Events
CPI Biennial Health, Safety and
Industry Conference
‘Keeping our people safe, motivated and informed’
Tuesday 9 July 2019

Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth
PROGRAMME
Key Speakers
Opening Key Note Address PABIAC Strategy 2019 – 2023 Official Launch
Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive, Martin Temple CBE,
DS Smith plc HSE Chair
Plenary Session
Richard Stanton MBE
Richard (Rick) is a British civilian cave diver who specialises in rescues

through the Cave Rescue Organisation and the British Cave Rescue
Council.
In 2018 he played a leading role in the Tham Luang youth soccer team
cave rescue. Rick and diving partner John Volanthen were the first to
make contact with the team and played a leading role in the successful
rescue thereafter.
Rick will give an unforgettable presentation, drawing on his

experiences as a diver over many years. He will use the cave rescue
last year to illustrate how he managed the risks, planning, emergency
planning, teamwork, leadership, and the importance of the support
needed to carry out this delicate rescue.
Main Event Sponsors: Programme Sponsors:
Marquarie Investment Bank

SESSION 1 11:15
Leadership, engagement and collaboration
It is recognised that health, safety and well-being Speakers:
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME

management systems are most successful if they’re
embedded in an organisation’s culture – if Paul Freeman
CPI Biennial Health, Safety and Industry Conference Director
everyone, from the shop floor to the boardroom is
‘Keeping our people safe, motivated and informed’ engaged and committed to making it work. Top Paul Freeman
Enterprises
management leadership ensures that an
Programme of Events organisation has in place a sound, functional Terry Stears
management system that incorporates Risk Director
commitment, responsibility and accountability. Portals Overton
Monday 8 July 2019 In this session you will hear how you can develop, George Craig
lead and promote a positive health and safety EHS Manager
culture within your company, and how one company Portals Overton
Garden and Terrace
18:30 – 19:30 Drinks Reception gained ISO 45001 accreditation, and is applying the
19:30 – 21:30 BBQ new standard within the organisation.
SESSION 4 11:15
Tuesday 9 July 2019 Labour | Skills | Diversity
Changes in manufacturing technology, together with Speakers:
Kenilworth Foyer | The Grange the impact of Brexit on cross-European labour Phillipa Foster Back
08:00 – 09:00 Registration and Exhibition movement and the challenges of attracting new CBE
INDUSTRY PROGRAMME
recruits into manufacturing are all impacting on the Director, Institute of
Business Ethics
Events Centre Foyer future prospects of the UK’s Paper-based Industries.
08:00 – 09:00 Sponsors Breakfast Sessions David Nicholson
Group HR Director,
This session will look at how the industry will meet its James Cropper PLC
Kenilworth Suite future needs for labour and skills, with particular
reference to improving diversity and enabling the Professor Bill
09:15 – 09:20 Conference Introduction Sampson
Andrew Braund, Director of Health & Safety, CPI industry to recruit from all sections of society. Head of School of
Materials, University
of Manchester
09:20 – 09:50 Opening Key Note Address
Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive, DS Smith plc Janet Marshall
HR Manager
Arjowiggins
09:50 – 10:15 PABIAC Strategy 2019 – 2023 Official Launch
Martin Temple CBE, HSE Chair
SESSION 7 13:35
10:15 – 10:40 The Future of UK Manufacturing Leadership, engagement and collaboration
Niall Mackenzie, Director, Infrastructure &
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
Leadership, engagement and collaboration extends Speakers:

Materials, BEIS to more than just safety, and if we are to embrace
Seamus Nevin, Chief Economist, Make UK ill-health, stress and mental well-being as part of our Dr Carolyn Yeoman
agenda, we need to ensure we have the right Highley Yeoman
The Grange attitude and necessary skills. Limited
10:40 – 11:10 Coffee Break and Exhibition Bud Hudspith
The speakers in this session will discuss leadership,
National H&S Advisor
Syndicate Rooms engagement and collaboration in its broadest terms,
Unite the Union
and how a different approach to measuring a
11:15 – 12:30 Pre-booked sessions (see sessions opposite)
company’s health and safety performance goes
beyond measuring accident/incident rates.
The Grange
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch and Exhibition
Syndicate Rooms
13:35 – 14:45 Pre-booked sessions (see sessions opposite)
SESSION 10 13:35
Recyclability & Extended Producer Responsibility
The Grange
Since the last CPI Conference, a swathe of Speakers:
14:45 – 15:10 Coffee Break and Exhibition
environmental legislation has been passed or is being
Dr Adam Read
considered, which will impact our industry. Driven by External Affairs
Kenilworth Suite
INDUSTRY PROGRAMME
public and political sentiment, the EU Circular Director, SUEZ

15:15 – 16:00 Plenary Session Economy Package, which the UK Government has
Richard Stanton MBE Phil Conran
indicated it will transpose come what may with Brexit, Chair, Defra
demands increasing paper and board recycling rates Advisory Panel on
16:00 – 16:15 Challenges Ahead and a significant additional contribution to the Packaging (ACP)
Andrew Large, Director General, CPI funding of collections by producers.
Kevin Vyse
Director, OPRL Ltd
16:15 – 16:30 Closing Address In addition, the Resources and Waste Strategy,
Richard Coward, CPI President Deposit Return Schemes, the Single Use Plastics
directive, Consistent Collections and proposed
changes to the current EPR system are all likely to
have impact and bring change.
SESSION 2 11:15 SESSION 3 11:15
Work-related stress, health and well-being Vehicle, material movement and storage stability
We shouldn’t see health and well-being as Speakers: Over recent years there has been a steady Speakers:
something different than safety. With a safety increase in the number of transport and material
issue we look at protecting the person from a Dr Sarah Hattam related incidents, some of which have resulted in Mark Ryan
physical hazard, but organisations should look Concilio Health serious injury. Vehicle and material movement Group Health,
closely at what they are doing to protect the doesn’t stop when loads leave the site, and Safety and
person from a psychological hazard. Dr Cristina Ruscitto companies still have a responsibility for the Environment
Senior Researcher material they transport when on the road. Manager Logson
Dr Sarah Hattam is a practicing GP with a special Clockwork Research Group
interest in workplace health, well-being and This session will start with a case study and how,
especially mental health and work (and non-work) Andy Binns
following an incident, one company reviewed its Traffic Officer
related stress. In this interactive session, Sarah will whole internal transport procedures and the Highways England
talk about the common issues she deals with on a measures it has since implemented. This will be
daily basis, while Cristina will highlight the impact followed by Andy Binns who will give an insight
of fatigue and shift work on performance, and the into the role of Highways England and dealing
countermeasures that organisations can introduce. with the aftermath of a load shift incident.

Environmental Permitting Paper & Board in Food Contact
With high impact changes to environmental Speakers: Producers of food contact materials have always Speakers:
permitting on the horizon, this session will had a responsibility to manufacture their
Julie Dracup Adam Hardgrave
discuss the way forward for sector permits with materials in accordance with the ‘Framework’
Senior Advisor; Head of Food Contact
the integration of Abstraction Licencing into mill Abstraction, EA Regulation. But in the absence of specific (EU)
permits, defining UK BAT & BAT AELs, legislation for paper & board, how does industry Materials, FSA
requirements for hitherto exempt activities such Spence Seaman demonstrate the suitability of paper & board for
Senior Advisor; Paper, Tim Chandler,
as waste paper depots, to apply for permits. food contact? Senior Scientific
Pulp & Textiles, EA
Officer – Food Contact
Julia Turner In this session you will hear how the industry has Materials, FSA
Changes to sector permits brings in a
Executive Director, revised the longstanding voluntary Guideline and
requirement for sites to produce Fire Prevention Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as well as the Jori Ringman
Wood Recyclers
Plans. The session will hear from the Wood Association other steps that are being taken to demonstrate Deputy Director
Recyclers Association who have produced a compliance and prepare for potential General, CEPI
Sector Guide on writing Fire Prevention Plans in Peter Buckley legislation. And, importantly, where do we stand
collaboration with the EA. Senior Fire Advisor - in terms of UK legislation as we leave the Krassi Kazashka
FPPs, EA EU? Hear the position from experts as it develops Technical Director
post-Brexit. FEFCO

Work-related stress, health and well-being Machine procurement, safe interventions and control standards
Every year the Chartered Institute of Speakers: Each year the industry invests heavily on Speakers:
Personnel and Development (CIPD) publish purchasing machinery. Unfortunately, some
an annual survey that examines trends in Rachel Suff equipment when it arrives in the UK does not Paul Grady
work-related absence in UK workplaces. Senior Policy Advisor meet the required level of safety standards. Specialist Mechanical
CIPD Inspector, HSE
Drawing on the survey results, Rachel will New PABIAC guidance for the Procurement
Dan Shears and Installation of Machinery is designed to Matt Androsiuk
discuss the main reasons for absenteeism, Safety & Environment Principal Safety
including the effect of ‘presenteeism’ and assist all sites in the planning and
Director, GMB National Consultant, PILZ
‘leaveism’, while Dan will address the big Health
implementation of purchasing new machinery.
issues around mental health and well-being. In this session, delegates will have an Andy Godbold
opportunity to ask questions to a panel of Head of Health, Safety
experts on machinery procurement issues and Environment
relative to the guidance. DS Smith Packaging
North Europe

Supply Chain Energy efficiency in a bio-based economy
A consequence of the ubiquity of paper is Speakers: With a mandatory 2050 target for the UK to Speakers:
the high degree of complexity and wide reduce emissions by 80%, pressure to
Angela Coleshill Paul Nobel
range of both suppliers and customers that decarbonise production continues to Principal Consultant,
Competitiveness
must be engaged. Director, Food and grow. Added to rapidly increasing energy cost, Sustainable Energy Use
Drink Federation and a Roadmap charting potential Europe, DNV GL
The session will hear from stakeholders as opportunities, there’s a refocused attention on Arjan Geveke
diverse as finance directors and food Jane Bevis energy efficiency. Assistant Director of
Chair, OPRL Ltd Energy Policy, BEIS
industry customers and will examine how
the UK’s Paper-based Industries can Isabelle Maddock The speakers in this session will discuss the Ulrika Wising
improve their interaction across the totality Group Finance Director current energy efficency options and what Head of Solar &
of their supply chains. James Cropper PLC industry is doing. From a policy perspective, Battery Storage
Macquarie
we will find out about Government support, Investment Bank
Julian Freeman
Group Sales and and what additional support is available
William Hudson
Marketing Director, through the Industrial Energy Efficiency Manager, Policy &
Rigid Containers Ltd Accelerator and other funds. Innovation
The Carbon Trust
Confederation of Paper Industries
01793 889600 | cpi@paper.org.uk | www.paper.org.uk
PAPERmaking!
DITP
Events
Združenje slovenske papirne industrije Pulp and Paper Engineers and Technicians
Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Paper Association Association of Slovenia
PRVA NAJAVA IN VABILO ZA AKTIVNO UDELEŽBO FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT AND INVITATION FOR AN ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
na 46. Mednarodnem srečanju slovenskega papirništva, ki bo letos potekalo pod naslovom at the 46th International Meeting of Slovene Paper Industry under the heading
“MED KROŽNIM, BIO IN DIGITALNIM” “BETWEEN CIRCULAR, BIO AND DIGITAL”

20. – 21. november 2019 I Slovenija 21 – 21 November 2019 I Slovenia
Teme na letošnjem simpoziju bodo z naslednjih področij: Topics from the following areas:
> moderna priprava in čiščenje recikliranih vlaken > modern preparation and cleaning of recycled fibers,
> tehnološke novosti pri papirnih in kartonskih strojih > technological novelties on paper and paperboard machines,
> novi koncepti pri premazovanju papirja in kartona > new coating concepts,
> novi trendi v tiskarskih in dodelavnih tehnikah > trends in printing and finishing technics,
> možnosti znižanja porabe energije v papirništvu > possibilities of reducing the energy consumption at papermaking processes,
> uporabnost papirniških muljev in pepelov > usability of sludges and ashes,
> šolanje za prihodnost > education for the future,
> poti do novih znanj > ways to new knowledges,
> pogled tržnikov na svetovni trg papirja > commercial views on the global paper market,
> financiranje papirne industrije > financing in paper industry.
Predstavniki industrije, inštitutov in univerz izkoristite priložnost in se aktivno udeležite Representatives from the industry, institutes and universities are invited to participate with
Simpozija • a paper or
• s predavanjem ali • a poster
• s posterjem
To present your paper/poster you need to send a short abstract in English (25 typed lines max)
Prosimo vas, da pošljete izvleček predavanja/postra v slovenskem in angleškem jeziku to ditp@icp-lj.si, by 15 June 2019 at the latest.
(največ 25 tipkanih vrstic) najkasneje do 15. junija 2019 na naslov: ditp@icp-lj.si.
The official languages are Slovene and English with simultaneous translation.
Uradna jezika bosta slovenski in angleški s simultanim prevajanjem.
Za organizacijski odbor: For the Organizing Committee:

Marko Jagodič, univ.dipl.ing. Marko Jagodič, B.Sc.
Vabljeni na Bled! Welcome to Bled!

Papermaking Vol5 Nr1 2019 - Complete Issue - LR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Papermaking Vol5 Nr1 2019 - Complete Issue - LR

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Papermaking Vol5 Nr1 2019 - Complete Issue - LR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PAPERmaking!

The e-magazine for the Fibrous Forest Products Sector

Volume 5 / Number 1 / 2019

SUPPLIERS NEWS SECTION:

Section 2 – Other Suppliers

Dynamic soft sensing of organic pollutants in

Page 1 of 11 Article 1 – Wastewater

Dynamic soft sensing of organic pollutants in effluent from

Yajuan Xing1, Zhong Cheng2,*, Shengdao Shan3

*Corresponding author e-mail: chengzhong@zust.edu.cn

Abstract. With the rapid development of paper industry, the pressure of

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Process and Data Collection

1-Bar screener; 2-Blending pond; 3- Preliminary clarifier; 4-Pump; 5- Regulating container;

2.2. OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM Soft-sensor Method

2.2.2. Soft-sensor Optimization Model PSO-LSSVM

Off-line modeling with historical data

ynew  yˆ new  maxe {T , y}

Fig 2. Structure of the OCS-PCA-PSO-LSSVM soft sensor model

3.Results and Discussion

3.1. Model Performance Evaluation Indicator

3.2. Experimental Results and Analysis

Fig 3. Regularization factor optimizing curve using PSO

Fig 4. Kernel parameter optimizing curve using PSO

Biobleaching for pulp and paper industry in

Contact information: Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology, Panjab

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 17 (2019) 558–565.

Page 1 of 9 Article 2 – Biobleaching

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Biobleaching for pulp and paper industry in India: Emerging enzyme T

Fig. 1. Common manufacturing process of paper in Indian paper mills.

*First report from India, alkalophilic bacterial laccase was puriﬁed.

low pH-xylanase, provided by M/s Biocon India Pvt. Ltd. Subsequently,

bulletin on pulp and paper R&D, CPPRI Saharanpur (2011), evaluated

Chandralata R and Usha Devi/National Institute

Venkata R Sonti and group/Praj industries Ltd.

Vijay Sonawane/IMTECH, Chandigarh, India

Genomics and Integrative Biology at Delhi.

NationalChemical Laboratory, Pune, India.

of Oceanography Dona Paula, Goa, India.

Narayan B Bhosle/National institute of

was quite favorable to commercialize the biobleaching process (http://

www.cppri.org.in). Through the extensive literature search, there were

laboratories and industries up to the extent for the production of

mercial xyalnase under the name of Bleachzyme F for the deligniﬁca-

6. Heterologous expression of xylanase, laccase and protein

Garg et al. (2012) reported the cloning and expression of Cyathus

bulleri laccase in Pichia pastoris. In this study, complete cDNA encoding

PCR, cloned and expressed in P. pastoris under the control of alcohol

A process for the production of alkalo philic and

Goswami et al. (2014) reported cloning and heterologous expression of

Invention of process for production of enzyme

cellulase free thermostable xylanase from Bacillus brevis. Xylanase gene

was isolated and expressed in E. coli BL21. The recombinant xylanase

Production of polylactide polymers

nature (optimum working was at 55 °C, pH 7.0). Both rational design

teins in technically advanced molecular biology laboratories world-

ganisms, like fungi, molds, yeasts and several bacteria. Commonly

less speciﬁcity of enzymes towards their substrates. Therefore it is ne-

High lights Production of paper pulps in good paper properties