DE19983882B4 - Fiber material with high specific volume, high strength and permanent fiber morphology - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for producing a fiber having a permanently modified fiber morphology, the process comprising:
(a) performing mechanical deformation on a papermaking fiber without substantial fiber breakage resulting in a fiber having a transition fiber morphology having a crimp index of at least 0.15;
(b) performing treatment of the fiber with the transition fiber morphology with steam at temperature above atmospheric and pressure above atmospheric for a time sufficient to make the fiber morphology permanent; and
(c) explosively venting the steam at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure and higher than atmospheric temperature;
wherein the fiber resulting from this process has a permanent curl index of at least 0.2.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The This invention relates generally to fiber materials, and more particularly Fiber materials made from wood products. Farther For example, the invention relates to a mixture of materials that have been de-spun Fibers and ground fibers, and both a high specific Has volume as well as a high strength. Furthermore the invention processes which permanently deflate the fiber morphology of one Change wood fiber, which leads to wood fiber products, which is a non-changing, have high specific volume, a maximized surface, and a low density. These properties occur as a result of permanent Property of entanglement, twisting, curling or other curvilinear deformations on, which are caused by the fiber. The mixed fibers according to the invention can in paper towels, Distribution layers, filter papers and other applications be, in which advantageously the high specific Volume, the big one surface and use the low density due to the fiber morphology occur.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of steam or explosive decompression to comminute wood fibers is well known in the art. For example, Mason describes the general methods of steam explosion treatments in US Pat US 1,586,159 A ; US 1,578,609 A ; US 1,655,618 A ; US 1,824,221 A ; US 1,872,996 A ; and US 1,922,313 A , All of these patents generally relate to the digestion of primarily cellulosic materials, such as wood chips.

Later patents describe gradual improvements and refinements in steam explosion treatments. For example, concerns US 2,516,847 A Boehm a device for gluing the exploded fibers. Mitscherling beats in US 1,793,711 A the use of a vacuum source to remove volatile resins prior to the pressurization and explosion decompression steps. Birdseye refined in US 2,711,369 A the explosion decompression treatment by adding a series of explosion steps. Apparently, this supports the more uniform digestion of the fibers. This series of explosive steps allows the use of lower pressures and temperatures.

Maurers et al. US 4,163,687 A relates to a uniquely designed nozzle for assisting the release of fibers from cellulosic material during wood digestion by means of an explosion. The nozzle has a plurality of inner rods which form a tortuous path through which material must pass. O'Connor beats in US 3,707,436 A to use ammonia instead of steam. Apparently compounds such as ammonia are effective to swell and soften wood. Morgan, US 2,234,188 A relates to the production of lightly colored cellulose fibers. This is accomplished by first treating the chips or other small pieces of wood with an alkaline sulfite of an alkali metal, for example, sodium sulfite or potassium sulfite.

US 4,488,932 A by Robert J. Eber et al. describes improved specific bulk and softness achieved by using de-spun fibers. However, the ripples and entanglements relax significantly during the wet-making process. As a result, the patent describes the foam molding process of making paper towels. The de-spun fibers are dispersed in an aqueous foam which minimizes the absorption of water and therefore the return of the treated fibers to their original form.

US 5,102,501 A also by Robert J. Eber et al. describes the improvement in specific volume and softness by depositing the de-spun fibers on the forming wire, and dewatering in a sufficiently shorter period of time that the de-spun fibers retain their specific volume increasing properties.

Though have attempts in the past to provide methods of controlling the Size, Absorption and properties in terms of specific volume, however there is hardly, if any, an apprenticeship with regard to methods that are useful to the crimping and To improve entangling properties of the entsprippten fibers and maintain. About that Nothing in the past suggests that a mixture the deflaked and steam-blasted fibers with strong milled fibers a higher specific volume web produced without loss of strength.

Therefore is need according to a material which has a high specific volume has, while maintaining a high strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• (a) Durchführung einer mechanischen Verformung bei einer Papierherstellungsfaser ohne wesentlichen Faserbruch, was zu einer Faser mit einer Übergangsfasermorphologie führt, die einen Kräuselindex von zumindest 0,15 aufweist;
• (b) Durchführung einer Behandlung bei der Faser mit der Übergangsfasermorphologie mit Dampf oberhalb von Atmosphärentemperatur und oberhalb von Atmosphärendruck über einen ausreichenden Zeitraum, um die Fasermorphologie permanent auszubilden; und
• (c) explosionsartiges Ablassen des Dampfdrucks oberhalb Atmosphärendruck.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for producing a fiber having a permanently modified fiber morphology. The process includes:

• (a) performing mechanical deformation on a papermaking fiber without substantial fiber breakage resulting in a fiber having a transition fiber morphology having a crimp index of at least 0.15;
• (b) performing a treatment on the fiber having the transition fiber morphology with vapor above atmospheric temperature and above atmospheric pressure for a time sufficient to permanently form the fiber morphology; and
• (c) explosive release of vapor pressure above atmospheric pressure.

The Fiber resulting in this process has a permanent crimp of at least 0.2.

• (a) Durchführung von Hammermahlen bei einer Papierherstellungsfaser ohne wesentlichen Faserbruch, was zu einer Faser mit einer krummlinigen Struktur führt, die einen Kräuselindex von zumindest 0,2 aufweist;
• (b) Durchführung einer Behandlung bei der Faser mit der krummlinigen Struktur mit Dampf auf Temperatur oberhalb Atmosphärentemperatur und auf einem Druck oberhalb Atmosphärendruck über einen Zeitraum von etwa 0,5 Minuten bis etwa 20 Minuten, wodurch die Fasermorphologie permanent wird; und
• (c) explosionsartiges Ablassen des Dampfdrucks von oberhalb Atmosphärendruck.

Another aspect of the invention is a process for making a fiber with a permanently modified fiber morphology. The process includes:

• (a) performing hammer milling on a papermaking fiber without substantial fiber breakage, resulting in a fiber having a curvilinear structure having a crimp index of at least 0.2;
• (b) subjecting the fiber of the curvilinear structure to treatment at temperature above atmospheric and at a pressure above atmospheric for a period of time from about 0.5 minutes to about 20 minutes, thereby rendering the fiber morphology permanent; and
• (c) explosively releasing the vapor pressure from above atmospheric pressure.

The Fiber resulting in this process has a permanent crimp of at least 0.2.

Another aspect of the invention is an improved fibrous material having an increased specific volume comprising a blend of permanent fiber morphology fibers having a crimp index of at least 0.2. This modified fiber is the result of a process of first mechanically deforming a papermaking wood fiber and, with the resulting fiber, treating with steam at a temperature above atmospheric and at a pressure above atmospheric to increase the permanent fiber morphology receive. This modified fiber is blended with a ground papermaking wood fiber. There are about 0.01 to about 100 parts of the permanent fiber morphology fiber for each part by weight of the milled papermaking fiber. This improved fiber material has a specific volume of more than 3.0 cm ³ / g.

The Fiber material can be webs with high specific volume and high Form strength. This fiber material can be used in paper towels be in towel or saturation paper base sheets. About that In addition, this material can be used as a wick distribution material become. The invention further relates to a fiber material, the is made from a mixture of dipped and ground fibers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES.

1 is a graph of the tensile strain index as a function of the specific volume. Three lines are plotted in the graph. One line represents the control data (untreated). Another line represents the steam explosion data. A final line represents the defrost / steam explosion data.

2 has the title of curling power, and it is applied with the crimp index depending on the digestion time. Three groups of data are plotted in the graphs. One group is the de-stippage data. One group is the steam explosion data. One final group is the defrost / steam explosion data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

• (a) Durchführung einer mechanischen Verformung einer Papierherstellungsfaser ohne wesentlichen Faserbruch, was zu einer Faser führt, die eine Übergangsfasermorphologie mit einem Kräuselindex von zumindest 0,15 aufweist:
• (b) Durchführung einer Behandlung bei der Faser mit der Übergangsfasermorphologie mit Dampf auf Druck oberhalb von Atmosphärendruck und Temperatur oberhalb Atmosphärentemperatur über einen ausreichend langen Zeitraum, so daß die Fasermorphologie permanent wird und
• (c) explosivartiges Ablassen des Dampfdrucks oberhalb von Atmosphärendruck.

A process for the production of a fiber with a permanently modified fiber morphology. The process includes:

• (a) Perform mechanical deformation of a papermaking fiber without substantial fiber breakage resulting in a fiber having a transition fiber morphology with a crimp index of at least 0.15:
• (b) performing a treatment on the fiber having the transition fiber morphology with steam at pressure above atmospheric pressure and temperature above atmospheric temperature for a sufficiently long period of time so that the fiber morphology becomes permanent and
• (c) explosive release of vapor pressure above atmospheric pressure.

The Fiber resulting in this process has a permanent crimp of at least 0.2.

It it was found that under Use of a process with mechanical deformation and steam explosion for the treatment of cellulose fibers under the appropriate treatment conditions modified cellulosic fibers showing desired properties be produced through an efficient and effective process can.

Lots different cellulose fibers can in the process according to the invention be used. Examples of cellulose fibers include, but are not limited to, wood and wood products, for example, wood pulp fibers, woodfree papermaking fibers cotton, straw and grass, such as rice and esparto grass, from reed and cane, for example sugar cane residues Bamboo, of stalks with bast fibers, for example jute, flax, Hibiscus, Kanabis, linen and ramie, and from leaf fibers, for example Manila hemp and sisal. It is also possible to mix one or two to use several cellulose fibers. Suitably comes the cellulose fiber from a wood source. Include suitable wood sources Softwood sources, such as pines, spruces, and firs, as well Hardwood sources such as oak, eucalyptus, poplar, Beech and aspens.

Of the As used herein, "fiber" or "fibrous" is intended to be a particulate material denote, in which the ratio of length to diameter of this particulate Material larger than is about 10. In contrast, a "non-fibrous" or "fiber-free" material is intended to be a particulate material denote, in which the ratio of length to diameter of the particulate Material is about 10 or less, or more like two or less.

at the invention is desired that the Cellulose fibers are used in a form in which the cellulose fibers already ground to a groundwood. Ansich lie the Cellulose fibers substantially in the form of individual cellulose fibers although such single cellulosic fibers are in unified form can, for example as a wood grinding track. The present process is in conflict to known steam explosion processes, commonly cellulosic fibers Treat, typically in the form of virgin wood chips or the like. The present process is therefore a cellulose fiber modification process the groundwood compared to known steam explosion processes, the usual for the Wood pulp production with high yield or waste recycling processes be used.

The Cellulose fibers used in the steam explosion process are more desirable Way cellulose fibers with low yield. Here are under Cellulose fibers with "lower Yield "such Cellulose fibers are understood by wood pulp processes producing a yield of about 85% or less, suitable about 80% or less, and especially suitable about 55% Or less. In contrast, "high yield" cellulosic fibers are such cellulosic fibers, which are produced by wood pulp processes, which in advantageous Way yield of about 85% or more. In such Wood pulping processes remain with the resulting cellulosic fibers a high level of lignin is left over.

Of the term used here "permanent Fiber morphology "is Defined as a fiber property that remains after the fiber up to 300 minutes, and preferably between 150 and 300 minutes, was unlocked. The term transitional or temporary Fiber morphology "is Defined as a fiber property that does not remain after the fiber was unlocked for up to 150 minutes.

In the process according to the invention it has been found that the use of a mechanical Ver Forming, followed by a steam explosion, produces fibers that show a permanent Kräuselmorphologie. This permanent change in fiber morphology has beneficial effects on the bulk and absorption properties of webs made from such fibers. This fiber-crimp morphology becomes a permanent property of the fiber that does not relax over time, through contact with other treatments or in use.

The Fibers can be mechanically deformed to achieve a temporary Kräuselmorphologie. These Mechanical deformation should not cause significant fiber breakage. Various grinding and hammer milling methods known in the art are, can to provide a temporary curl morphology be used. The preferred device for mechanical deformation the fiber represents the hammer mill represents.

Usually the fibers enter the hammer mill with an equilibrium moisture content of 15% by weight. The fibers leave the hammer mill an equilibrium moisture content of 1 to 5 weight percent. The hammer mill works in the temperature range of usually between 50 ° C and 100 ° C.

The temporary curl morphology, through the hammer mill is generated mainly by shear caused by the fibers when between the anvil and the Rotary hammer go through. The mean residence time of the fibers in the hammer mill is generally less than 1 second. After the mechanical Deformation, the fiber has a Kräuselindex, which is usually greater than 0.15, and usually greater than Is 0.2. The temporary curl morphology The fiber is made by the subsequent steam explosion treatment reinforced and permanently trained.

To the mechanical deformation becomes a steam explosion treatment with the fibers carried out. Furthermore, the use of a steam explosion alone may be sufficient be in effect to modify cellulose fibers so that the modified Cellulose fibers desired Have properties, in particular the desired liquid absorption properties. In general, it is desirable that the cellulose fibers in a saturated environment Steam are cooked, which is substantially free of air. The Presence of air in the pressurized cooking environment can lead to oxidation of the cellulose fibers. Of course, it is desirable that the cellulose fibers in a saturated steam environment boiled, preferably less than about 5 weight percent Air, suitably less than about 3 weight percent, and particularly suitable less than about 1 weight percent, based on the Total weight of the gas environment in the pressurization environment is available.

The single cellulosic fibers are steamed at high temperature and cooked under high pressure. In general, every combination is from a high pressure, a high temperature and a time to Use suitable in the invention, which is sufficient to a desired Extent To achieve modification without unwanted damage to the Cellulose fibers, so that the Cellulose fibers the here described, desired fiber curling properties exhibit.

in the general occurs when the temperature used is too low, no substantial and / or effective modification of the cellulose fibers on. If the temperature used is too high, in general a considerable impairment the cellulose fibers occur which negatively affect the properties affected which show the treated cellulose fibers. Ansich, as a general Usually, the cellulose fibers are kept at a temperature within of the range of about 130 ° C up to about 250 ° C treated, suitable from about 150 ° C at about 225 ° C, especially suitable from about 160 ° C at about 225 ° C, and most suitably about 160 ° C up to about 200 ° C.

in the Generally, the cellulosic fibers become elevated in pressure above atmospheric pressure Period in the range of about 0.1 minutes to about 30 minutes, preferably from about 0.5 minutes to about 20 minutes, and especially suitable from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes. In general, The higher the temperature used is the shorter the period generally required to achieve a desired level of modification to reach the cellulose fibers. This may be possible in the Substantially equivalent degrees of modification for different Cellulose fiber samples by using different combinations high temperatures and times to achieve.

If the pressure used is too low, generally no substantial and / or effective modification of the cellulosic fibers will occur. In addition, if the pressure used is too high, there may generally be a considerable deterioration of the cellulose fibers, which negatively affects the properties affected by cross-linked cellulose fibers. As a general rule, the cellulosic fibers are treated at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure (ie above normal atmospheric pressure), preferably within the range of about 277 kPa to about 2792 kPa (from about 40 to about 405 pounds per square inch), more preferably from about 277 kPa to 1586 kPa (from about 40 to 230 pounds per square inch), and most suitably from about 621 kPa to about 1586 kPa (from about 90 to about 230 pounds per square inch).

Of the used here term "consistency" is the concentration of the cellulose fibers present in an aqueous mixture are. The consistency is given in weight percent, namely as Weight amount of cellulose fiber used in an aqueous Mixture present divided by the total weight of the cellulose fibers and the water present in such a mixture multiplied by 100.

in the general can the cellulose fibers in the process according to the invention either in the dry or when wet. However, you can it desirable be a watery one To produce a mixture containing the cellulose fibers, wherein the watery Mixture is set in motion, stirred or mixed to effective to distribute the cellulose fibers in the water. In one embodiment of the Invention it is desirable that the Cellulose fibers are cooked with steam when the cellulose fibers in Form of an aqueous Wood pulp mixture are present, preferably a consistency between about 10 to 100 weight percent, more preferably between about 20 and 80 weight percent, and most preferably between about 25 and about 75 weight percent cellulosic fibers, based on the total weight percentage of the aqueous pulp mixture.

The Cellulose fibers are typically mixed with an aqueous one solution preferably at least about 30 weight percent water contains most preferably 50 weight percent water, more preferably about 75 weight percent water, and most preferably 100 weight percent Water. If another liquid is used together with the water, such other, suitable liquids Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and acetone. The use or the However, the presence of such other non-aqueous liquids can be Training disturb a substantially homogeneous mixture, so that the Cellulose fibers are not effectively dispersed in the aqueous solution, and effective or uniform mix with the water. Such a mixture should be general be generated under conditions sufficient to allow the Cellulose fibers and the water can mix effectively. In general, include Such conditions require the use of a temperature between about 10 ° C and about 100 ° C lies.

in the Generally, cellulose fibers are broken down or otherwise Produced manufacturing processes in which the cellulose fibers in one aqueous solution available. For use in steam explosion treatment according to the invention It may therefore be possible be a watery one solution directly from such manufacturing processes without the cellulose fibers recovered separately Need to become.

To steaming cellulose fibers, the pressure is released, and the cellulose fibers explode into a drain tank. The pressure can be released by blowing off, or by different, known in the art.

The equipment or process used to use the cellulosic fibers by means of steam explosion are generally not critical. Suitable equipment and methods for the steam explosion can be found, for example, in CA 1,070,537 A dated January 29, 1980; in CA 1,070,464 A dated January 29, 1980; in CA 1,119,033 A dated March 2, 1982; in CA 1,138,708 A dated January 4, 1983; and in US 5,262,003 A , issued Nov. 16, 1993, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Of the Steam explosion process leads in general, that the Cellulose fibers are modified. Without this being restricted it is believed that the Process of mechanical deformation and steam explosion leads, that at the cellulose fibers have a curling effect occurs. The steam explosion treated cellulose fibers, additionally to her have been modified have exhibited as improved properties which treated such steam explosion Cellulose fibers suitable for use in liquid absorption or Fluid management applications.

Cellulose fibers, which are suitable for use in the invention have, in general not a considerable one Extent of ripple before the process of mechanical deformation and steam explosion on (im generally a smaller curl index as 0.2). After such a process of mechanical deformation and steam explosion generally have the treated cellulosic fibers a desired one Level of stable crimp (generally a crimp index from bigger than 0.2). Ansich needed the process according to the invention generally not the use of any additional Additives to the cellulose fibers during the steam explosion process or any post-treatment steps after the steam explosion the fibers to the desired Ripples to achieve.

at an embodiment The cellulose fibers are considered to be effective by the steam explosion process treated when the cellulose fibers have an effective wet crimp value from bigger than 0.2.

The crimp of a fiber can be quantified by a crimp value which measures the shortening rates of a fiber due to entanglements, twists, and / or bends in the fiber. For purposes of the present invention, the crimp value of a fiber is measured from a two-dimensional plane and determined by observing the fiber in a two-dimensional plane. To determine the crimp value of a fiber, both the projected length of a fiber as the longest dimension of a two-dimensional rectangle containing the fiber, namely I, and the actual length L of the fiber are measured. An image inspection method can be used to measure L and I. A suitable image inspection method is in US 4,898,642 A which is incorporated by reference in its entirety by reference.

The crimp value of a fiber can then be calculated from the equation: Crimp value = (L / I) - 1

Depending on the way of rippling a cellulose fiber, such a crimp can be stable when the Cellulose fiber is dry, but unstable when the cellulose fiber is wet. For the cellulose fibers produced by the process according to the invention have been found to have a substantially stable fiber ripple exhibit when they are wet. This property of cellulose fibers can by a Naßkräuselwert quantified, measured by the test method described here, namely as with the length weighted crimp average a fixed number of fibers, for example about 4000 a fiber sample. Here, the Naßkräuselwert is the sum of the individual Naßkräuselwerte for every Fiber, multiplied by the actual length L of the fiber, divided by the sum of the actual lengths the fibers. It should be noted that the Naßkräuselwert so determined is calculated that only the required values for those fibers with a length of more than about 0.4 mm.

in this connection The cellulose fibers are considered to be effective by the steam explosion treatment treated when the cellulose fibers have a wet crimp value that is larger than is about 0.2, preferably about 0.2 to about 0.4, especially preferably about 0.2 to about 0.35, more preferably about 0.22 to is about 0.33, and most preferably about 0.25 to about 0.33. In contrast, point Cellulosic fibers that have not been treated generally have a Wet Curl value which is less than about 0, 2.

After this with the cellulose fibers an effective mechanical deformation and Steam explosion performed was, the treated cellulose fibers are suitable for use in many different applications. Depending on the intended use The treated cellulose fibers may contain these treated cellulose fibers be washed with water. If additional machining operations are planned due to the particular use for which the treated cellulosic fibers are meant to be other recovery and post-treatment steps are well known.

New fiber materials can be made by blending heavily ground fibers with the high specific volume fibers treated by mechanical deformation and steam blast. Highly ground fibers are raw fibers which have been ground to a freeness of about 300 to 500 CSF. As in Tables 2 and 3 and 1 For example, at certain blending ratios, the blended fibers form a higher specific volume web without losing strength compared to webs of untreated fiber.

The with the process according to the invention treated cellulosic fibers are for use in disposable absorbent products diapers, products for incontinent adults, and Mattress; in menstrual products such as bandages and tampons; other absorbent products, such as wipes, bibs, Wound dressings, and surgical gowns or surgical drapes; and products based on paper towels, For example, facial or bath towels, household towels, wipes and related products. Therefore, in another aspect, the Invention a disposable absorbent product containing the cellulose fibers comprising, according to the process of the invention were treated.

at an embodiment According to the invention, the treated fibers corresponding to the Process according to the invention were made into a hand-made sheet, the represent a product based on a paper towel can. Such a handmade Leaf can either be through a wet creation process or an air creation process be formed. A wet by hand scooped Sheet can be made by the method described here in the Section Test procedure is described.

It was found to be a wet from Hand-scooped Sheet made from the treated cellulose fibers, the according to the process of the invention may have a density which is lower as in a wet of Hand-scooped Sheet made of cellulose fibers that does not match the inventive process were treated.

Farther was found to be a wet from Hand-scooped Sheet made from the treated cellulose fibers, the according to the process of the invention generated, an increased specific volume and higher absorbency may have as a wet of Hand drawn leaf, which was made from cellulose fibers that are not adequate the process of the invention were treated.

at an embodiment The invention relates to the treated cellulosic fibers produced after inventive process produced as a fiber matrix for incorporation into an absorbent Arrangement formed. A fiber matrix can be, for example, the Have the form of a lump of pulverized wood pulp fluff, a paper toweling layer, one matted by the action of water Leaf, or a mechanically softened groundwood leaf.

A Fiber matrix useful in the invention can be obtained by a Air deposition process or a Naßablagerungsprozess trained or by essentially every other process, the professionals known in the art for forming a fiber matrix.

at an embodiment According to the invention, an absorbent throw-away product is produced, the one liquid permeable upper Layer, one on the liquid-permeable upper Layer attached backsheet, and an absorbent structure, the between the liquid-permeable upper layer and the back layer is disposed, wherein the absorbent Structure treated cellulosic fibers using the process of the invention were manufactured.

Examples of disposable absorbent products are generally in US 4,710,187 A ; US 4,762,521 A ; US 4,770,656 A ; and in the US 4,798,603 A which references are incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety.

professionals In this area, materials will be recognized for use are suitable as upper and lower layers. Examples of materials, suitable for use as the top layer are liquid pervious materials, For example, spin nonwoven made of polypropylene or polyethylene, the a basis weight of about 15 to about 25 grams per square meter having. examples for Materials suitable for use as the backsheet are, are liquid-impermeable materials, for example, polyolefin films, as well as vapor permeable materials, for example, microporous Polyolefin films.

absorbent Products and arrangements according to all Aspects of the invention will generally become more numerous in use Attacks of a body fluid exposed. Therefore, they are desirable the absorbent products and arrangements capable to do several Attacks of body fluids in quantities to which the absorbent products and Arrangements are exposed in use. The attacks are usually separated from each other by a period of time.

TEST PROCEDURES

Naßkräuselung

Of the Naßkräuselungswert for the Fibers were determined using a device which is fast, exact and automatic the quality determined by fibers, this device from OpTest Equipment Inc., Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada under the name Fiber Quality Analyzer, OpTest Product Code DA93 is available.

It a sample of dried cellulose fibers was obtained. The Cellulose fiber sample was placed in a plastic sample cup with a capacity of 600 milliliters used in the fiber quality examination apparatus shall be. The fiber sample in the beaker was filled with tap water diluted to the fiber concentration in the cup about 10 to about 25 fibers per second for evaluation by the fiber quality testing facility.

One empty plastic sample cup was filled with tap water, and into the examination chamber of the fiber quality examination device used. Then, the [System Check] key of the fiber quality inspector became pressed. Was the sample cup made of plastic that was filled with tap water, properly in the Examined chamber then became the [OK] button of the fiber quality examination device actuated. Then leads the fiber quality inspection device a self-diagnosis through. There was no warning on the screen displayed after the self-diagnosis, the machine was ready for Examination of the fiber sample.

Of the Plastic sample cups filled with tap water, was removed from the examination chamber, and was removed by the Mug for replaced the fiber sample. The [Measurement] key of the fiber quality inspection device was then pressed. Then, the [new measurement] key of the fiber quality examiner became actuated. An identification of the fiber sample was then made into the fiber quality examiner typed. Then, the [OK] key of the fiber quality inspector became actuated. Thereupon, the [Options] button of the fiber quality inspection device became actuated. The fiber count was set to 4000. The parameters for scaling a printout Graphene can automatically or to desired Values are set. Then, the button [before] became the fiber quality inspector actuated. Thereafter, the [Start] key of the fiber quality inspection device was operated. was the beaker with the fiber sample properly in the examination chamber Then, the [OK] button of the fiber quality inspection device was turned on actuated. Then the fiber quality inspection facility started with the examination and display of the fibers that passed through the flow cell were. The fiber quality inspection device then also showed the frequency the fibers that passed through the flow cell, the should be about 10 to about 25 fibers per second. Is that lying fiber frequency outside In this area, the [Stop] button should be used for the Fiber Quality Examiner actuated and should the fiber sample be diluted or should it be added more fibers be to the fiber frequency in the desired To bring area. If the fiber frequency is sufficient, so examined the fiber quality inspection device the fiber sample until it counts of 4000 fibers at which the fiber quality testing facility automatically stops.

Then became the [Results] key of the fiber quality inspector actuated. The fiber quality inspection device calculates the wet crimp value the fiber sample expressed by the button [Finished] the fiber quality inspection device actuated becomes.

Procedures for the production of ground fibers

ground Fibers were made using a Labor Valley Dutchman according to TAPPI (Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry) test method (T200 om-89). The C.S. freeness of the fiber is the measurement of the extent of the Grinding the fiber, and is made according to TAPPI (Technical Association of pulp and paper industry, test procedure T227 om-92).

Creation of a hand-drawn bow

• A) Preparation of the hand-scooped sheet A hand-drawn 19.05 cm (7 1/2 inch) by 19.05 cm (7 1/2 inch) sheet with a basis weight of about 60 grams per square meter was placed under Use of a valley hand 20.32 cm by 20.32 cm (8 × 8 inches). The wire-forming wire forming machine is a 90 × 90 mesh stainless steel wire cloth having a 0.0022 inch (0.0055 inch) wire screen diameter. The rear wire has a screen size of 14 × 14 mesh with a 0.023 cm (0.021 inch) wire screen diameter, and is made of bronze. With a sufficient amount of the sufficiently blended stock to produce a hand-made sheet of about 60 grams per square meter, the sheet stock container was clamped in place on the wire. Several centimeters (inches) of water were allowed to rise above the wire. The measured stock was added and the mold was padded with water to a mark 15.24 cm (6 inches) above the wire. The perforated mixing plate was introduced into the mixture in the mold and slowly moved up and down 7 times. The drain valve was opened immediately. When the mixture of water and pulp had emptied and removed from the wire, the drain valve was closed. The lid of the leaf shape has been raised. A clean, dry blotter was carefully applied to the fibers produced. A dry squeegee was placed on the leading edge of the blotter paper. The fibers adhering to the blotter paper were squeezed from the wire through a nip pass, without pressure, from front to back of the wire.
• B) pressing the hand-drawn leaf The blotter with the fiber mat attached to it was placed in the hydraulic press spent, with the leaf up, on two used, again dried Extinguishing papers. Two new blotter papers were added on top of the hand-made Leaf arranged. The press was closed and clamped together. Such a pressure was applied that the gauge was 517 kPa (75 psi) with respect to on the surface of blotting paper which was influenced by the press. This pressure was maintained for exactly one minute. Then the pressure of the press solved. The press was opened and the hand-made leaves were removed.
• C) Drying of hand-scooped leaves The hands-scooped leaves were placed on the polished surface of the sheet dryer (Valley hot-plate). The canvas cover was lowered carefully over the bow. The 5.90 kg (13 lb.) dead weight was attached to the lead-filled brass tube. The sheet was allowed to dry for 2 minutes. The surface temperature, with the cover removed, was 100.5 plus or minus 1 degree C. The sheet was removed from the dryer and cut to 19.05 x 19.05 cm ² (7 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches) , Then the bow was bent immediately.
• D) Examination of the handmade bows The hand-made bows were made at 50% humidity and 22.8 ° C (73 degrees F). The specific volume, the bursting resistance, the tear resistance and the draft index of the handsheets were measured according to the Test Method (T220 om-88) of TAPPI (Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry).

Specific volume and density an absorbent structure

Out a hand-drawn Sheet created according to the procedure described here became a strip of material about 5.08 cm wide (2 inches) and a length about 38.1 cm (15 inches) using a textile saw, for example, from Eastman, Machine Corp., Buffalo, New York available is. The sample strip was removed at least about 2.54 cm (1 inch) from the edge of the hand-made Sheet cut to eliminate edge effects. The sample strip was in intervals of about 10 millimeters using a water-soluble Ink marked.

Around to measure the specific volume of the sample strip became Measuring device for the specific volume used that has an accuracy of at least about 0.01 millimeters has, for example, a meter for the specific Volume that can be obtained from Mitutoyo Corporation. A A plate approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) in diameter was added used to measure the specific volume, with the plate in parallel to the base of the meter for the specific Volume was arranged. The specific volume of the sample was at intervals measured about 50 millimeters along the length of the sample strip, and then averaged. The average specific volume of the Sample strip was then used to calculate the dry density of the Sample strip used, using the weight and the Dimensions of the sample strip. The wet density of the sample strip can be determined accordingly after the sample strip evaluated in terms of liquid flow values has been.

TEST RESULTS

The basic raw material was northern softwood kraft paper (eg LL19) from Kimberly-Clark. The fibers were split into two parts. Part of the raw fiber was de-spiked using a laboratory Pullman stamper; then a steam explosion treatment was performed on the de-spun fibers. These combined treatments can produce fibers which produce very high specific volume bows, but which are very weak. The remainder of the raw fiber was subjected to a very low freeness milling process (about 300 mL of CSF) using a Labor Valley Dutchman. New fiber materials can be produced by blending the highly milled fibers with the high specific volume fibers which are weak at different bond ratios. At certain blending ratios, the blended fibers experience a significantly higher specific volume without losing strength compared to untreated fibers.

table Figure 1 shows the properties of the fiber (LL-19) as it is ground between them 0 to 60 minutes in a Valley Dutchman.

table Figure 2 shows the physical properties of various mixtures 60 minutes of ground fibers (LL-19) and steam explosion treated fibers (LL-19).

table 3 shows the physical properties of various mixtures 60-minute ground fibers (LL-19) and de-stemmed and steam explosion treated fibers (LL-19).

The above description, the above examples and data form a complete description the preparation and use of the composition according to the invention. Because numerous embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope deviate from the invention, the invention results from the following Claims.

Claims (20)

Process for producing a fiber with a permanent modified fiber morphology, the process comprising: (A) execution a mechanical deformation in a papermaking fiber without substantial fiber breakage, resulting in a fiber with a transition fiber morphology leads, the one crimp index of at least 0.15; (b) carrying out a treatment of Fiber with transition fiber morphology with steam at temperature above atmospheric temperature and pressure above from atmospheric pressure for one sufficient time for the fiber morphology to become permanent; and (c) explosive release of the vapor at higher pressure as atmospheric pressure and higher Temperature as atmospheric temperature; in which the fiber resulting from this process has a permanent crimp index of at least 0.2. The process of claim 1, wherein the fiber is a purified papermaking wood fiber or recycled papermaking wood fiber includes. Process according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical Deformation includes a hammer mill process that sufficient to deform the fibers without substantial fiber breakage, resulting in a fiber with a curvilinear structure. Process according to claim 1, wherein the temperature above atmospheric temperature a temperature of about 130 ° C up to 250 ° C includes. Process according to claim 1, wherein the pressure above atmospheric pressure a pressure of about 276 kPa (40 psi) to 2792 kPa (405 psi). Process according to claim 1, wherein the sufficient Period includes a time interval of about 0.1 minutes to 30 minutes. The process of claim 1, wherein the This fiber gives a permanent crimp index from about 0.2 to 0.35. Process according to claim 1, in which This fiber gives a permanent crimp index from about 0.22 to 0.33. The process of claim 1, wherein the fiber comprises a permanent fiber morphology with a purified papermaking wood fiber in a relationship from about 1 part papermaking wood fiber per each 0.01 to 1000 parts of the fiber mixed with the permanent fiber morphology becomes. Process for producing a fiber with a permanent modified fiber morphology, the process comprising: (A) execution hammer milling in a papermaking fiber without substantial Fiber breakage, resulting in a fiber with a curvilinear structure, the a crimp index of at least 0.2; (b) performing a treatment the fiber with the curvilinear structure with steam at temperature above atmospheric temperature and at a pressure above atmospheric pressure of about 0.5 minutes to about 20 minutes, making the fiber morphology permanent; and (c) explosive discharge of the steam at temperature above atmospheric temperature and pressure above atmospheric pressure; in which the fiber resulting from this process has a permanent crimp index of at least 0.2. The process of claim 10, wherein the fiber a purified papermaking wood fiber. Process according to claim 10, wherein the temperature above atmospheric temperature a temperature of about 150 to 220 ° C within a sealed container for one continuous process. Process according to claim 10, wherein the pressure above atmospheric pressure a pressure of about 276 kPa (40 psi) to 1586 kPa (230 psi) within a sealed container for one continuous process. The process of claim 10, wherein the treatment fiber with curvilinear structure with steam on temperature above atmospheric temperature and pressure above atmospheric pressure about 1 minute to about 10 minutes inside a sealed container for one continuous process takes place. The process of claim 10, wherein the fiber with a permanent fiber morphology with a purified papermaking wood fiber in a relationship from about 1 part of papermaking wood fiber per every 1 to 100 parts of the fiber mixed with the permanent fiber morphology becomes. An improved fibrous material having an increased specific volume comprising a mixture of a fiber having a permanent fiber morphology with a crimp index of at least 0.2; the fiber being the product of a process of first mechanically deforming a papermaking wood fiber, and exposing the resulting fiber to temperature above atmospheric and pressure above atmospheric pressure to obtain the permanent fiber morphology; with a milled papermaking wood fiber, wherein there are about 0.1 to 100 parts of the fiber having a permanent fiber morphology per one part by weight of the milled papermaking fiber, and the improved fiber material has a specific volume of more than 3.0 cm ³ / g. Paper toweling material of the fibrous material according to claim 16th Towel material made from a fiber material which comprises the fibrous material of claim 16. Wick material made of the fiber material of claim 16 is made. Absorbent article that is the wick material of claim 19.