Dry fluff pulp sheet additive

[0001] The present invention relates to cellulose pulp sheets, processes for their production and their use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0002] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0003] Figure 1 is a diagram of an example of one embodiment of a suitable paper machine, wherein A is an headbox; B is a composition (e.g. containing fluff fibers) fed to table C from headbox B; D means forming spray; E is the suction box; F is the first press; G means second press or dryer switch do; I means forming spray; J is the roller on which the finished pulp web is wound. K and L is the arrow indicating the direction of product movement in the machine from filler box A to roller J.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS [0004] One embodiment of the subject matter claimed herein provides significantly reduced operational risk, e.g., breaking of the web, during the production of the web from pulp. Another embodiment of the subject claimed in the present invention results in an improvement in the quality of the milled pulp in the pulp web. Another embodiment of the subject matter claimed by the present invention improves the quality of the separation of pulp fibers in a pulp web. Another embodiment of the subject matter claimed by the present invention results in reduced fiberization energy of the pulp web. Another embodiment of the subject matter as claimed in the present invention results in good burst strength (Mullen value) for pulp webs. Another embodiment of the subject matter claimed by the present invention results in a cellulose web with reduced fiberising energy but maintaining good burst strength (Mullen value). Another embodiment of the subject matter claimed herein is a cellulose web with improved surfactant retention. Another embodiment of the subject matter claimed herein is a cellulose web or an absorbent product obtained therefrom with improved absorbency and a short absorption time. In one embodiment, the pulp web can be processed at high speed, without breaking the web or other processing problems. In another embodiment,

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ΕΡ 2,462,276 przedmiot1 object of the invention as claimed herein eliminates the disadvantages associated with the transmission of a mechanically weak web by a paper machine.

[0005] One embodiment of the invention relates to a process for producing a sheet of fluff pulp, as defined in claim 1.

[0006] In one embodiment, forming the web containing fluff fibers includes contacting the pulp mixture containing fluff pulp and water one or more times with a paper machine table, removing at least a portion of the water from the pulp mixture containing fluff fibers by means of a box suction machine placed under the table, at least partially drying the pulp mixture containing fluff fibers and water in a flotation dryer, heating the pulp mixture containing fluff fibers and water, heating the surfactant, or a combination of these activities.

[0007] The sizing surfactant can be appropriately sprayed onto the web, for example using a molding spray or sprinkler spray over the table.

[0008] In the claimed process, a surfactant sizing agent is sprayed onto the web.

[0009] In one embodiment, the spraying is performed using one or more forming sprays above the paper machine table.

[0010] In an embodiment, the web may be dried in a dryer to form a dried fluff web or sheet. The web can be dried appropriately in the drying section. Any drying method commonly known in the art of making pulp from paper can be used. The drying section may include and include tumble drying, flotation drying, roller drying, Condebelt drying process, radiant drying or any other method and drying mechanism known in the art. The pulp web can be dried to contain any specific amount of water. In one embodiment, the web is dried by a flotation dryer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the application comprises applying a surfactant sizing agent to the web.

[0012] In another embodiment, the tackifying surfactant can additionally and optionally be applied to a pulp web. The second surfactant that has been used in this way can be the same surfactant that has already been applied to the web or another. In one embodiment, a second surfactant sizing agent is applied to the pulp web after the final drying step. In one embodiment, a second surfactant sizing agent is applied to the cellulose web before the web is wound on a drum. The second surfactant sizing agent can be appropriately applied by spraying, for example, from a second forming spray or sprinkler disposed on the dry side.

[0013] The web can be dried to a moisture content of 0 to 70%. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 , 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 % or any combination or range within these limits. In one embodiment, the web is dried to

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ΕΡ 2,462,276 Β1 moisture content <70%. In another embodiment, the web is dried to a moisture content <50%. In another embodiment, the web is dried to a moisture content <25%. In another embodiment, the web is dried to a moisture content <10%. In another embodiment, the web is dried to a moisture content of 7%. In another embodiment, the web is dried to a moisture content of about 6.3%.

[0014] In one embodiment, the weight of the web is from 100 to 1100 g / m2². This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, for example 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 or any combination thereof or a range within these limits.

[0015] In one embodiment, the solids content of the fluff web or sheet at the points or points of use of the tackifier may preferably vary from 1 to 100%. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 , 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99, 100% or any combination thereof or range within these limits. In one embodiment, the solids content of the web or fluff sheet at the points or points of use of the surfactant sizing agent is> 1%. In another embodiment, the solids content of the web or fluff sheet at the points or points of use of the surfactant sizing agent is> 25%. In another embodiment, the solids content of the web or fluff sheet at the points or points of use of the surfactant sizing agent is> 50%.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fluff mixture additionally contains one or more additives, such as bleach, dye, pigment, optical brightening agent, wetting agent, binder, bleaching agent, other additive, or a combination of these activities. If an additive is present, its amount is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the additive may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.005 to about 50 percent by weight based on the weight of the fluff mixture. This range covers all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including approx. 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 weight percent or a combination thereof, based on the weight of the fluff pulp mixture.

[0017] In one embodiment, the web contains solids in an amount> 1% by weight. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 , 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2> 1%, or any combination or range within these limits.

[0018] In one embodiment, the surfactant sizing agent is administered clean, i.e. in the condition in which it was purchased. In another embodiment, the surfactant, the debonder, is used in combination with one or more subsequent surfactant, the debonder. In another embodiment, the surfactant sizing agent is used as a solution, dispersions, emulsions and the like if used as a solution, dispersions, emulsions or the like, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, if used as a solution, dispersion, emulsion or the like, a surfactant concentration

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ΕΡ 2,462,276 Β1 tackifier may advantageously range from 1 to 50% by weight solids surfactant solids to the weight of the solution, dispersion, emulsion and the like.

This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50% or any combination thereof or range within these limits.

[0019] In one embodiment, the surfactant sizing agent is in the form of a composition further comprising water and optionally one or more pH regulators, bleach, dye, pigment, optical brightening agent, wetting agent, binder, bleaching agent, trivalent metal cation, alum , another additive or a combination of these activities. If an additive is present, its amount is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the additive may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.005 to about 50 percent by weight based on the weight of the tackifier surfactant composition. This range covers all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including approx. 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 weight percent or a combination thereof, based on the weight of the surfactant sizing composition.

[0020] Surface-active bleaching agents are known in the field of pulp and pulp. The surfactant sizing agent used in the process of the invention contains one or more straight or branched monoalkyl amine, straight or branched dialkyl amine, straight or branched tertiary alkyl amine, ethoxylated alcohol, which is a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon surfactant. , fatty acid amide, fatty acid quaternary ammonium salt, dimethyl dialkyl quaternary ammonium salt, dialkyl imidazole quaternary ammonium salt, dialkyl ester quaternary ammonium salt, dialkyltriethanolamine fatty acid, dialkyl fatty acid amide, dialkyl fatty acid amide, unsaturated alkyl alcohol ethoxylates₁₆-C₁₈, commercially available agent with CAS registry number 68155-01-1, commercially available agent with CAS registry number 26316-40-5, or a combination of these.

[0021] Considering the considerations herein, and the knowledge of a specialist in the production of paper from fluff pulp, it is easy to determine how to apply a surfactant on the web and the amount, composition, temperature, retention time and the like to accomplish the subject of the present invention, e.g, the total amount of surfactant in the fluff web or finished fluff sheet can be increased or decreased or otherwise controlled by controlling various addition points, for example, the amount of surfactant used on the wet side can be increased or reduced, respectively reducing or increasing this amount on the dry side. In addition, one or more surfactants of the same or different types or a combination of these surfactants can be used at any point in the process. [0022] In another embodiment, the web further comprises water and optionally one or more surfactants, a pH regulator, bleach, dye, pigment, optical.

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ΕΡ 2,462 276 Β1 brightening agent, wetting agent, binder, bleaching agent, trivalent metal cation, alum, other additive or a combination thereof.

[0023] In one embodiment, the finished fluff sheet may be fiberized or ground in accordance with methods known in the art, for example fiberization or milling may be performed in a beater mill.

[0024] In one embodiment, a fluff sheet or fiberized or ground fluff sheet, or a combination of these forms, can be advantageously incorporated into one or more articles, such as an absorbent product, paper product, personal care product, medical product, insulation material, building material, structural material, cement, food product, veterinary product, packaging product, diapers, tampon, sanitary cloth, gauze, bandage, flame retardant or a combination of these activities. These products and the methods for their production and use are well known to the skilled person.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a fluff pulp sheet obtained by the process described herein.

[0026] A fluff pulp sheet made in the process according to claim 1 comprises:

web containing fluff fibers:

at least one surfactant bleaching agent as defined in claim 1 and fiberising energy <95 kJ / kg and Mullen burst strength> 90 psi.

[0027] The fiberising energy, sometimes called the energy of grinding, of fluff sheets is preferably less than 95 kJ / kg. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 , 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 kJ / kg or any combination thereof or range within these limits.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fluff sheet has an adsorption time according to SCAN-C 33:90 <4.0 s. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 1,1,1, 1, 2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 "2.3, 2, 4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2,

3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 <4.0 s or any range within these limits.

[0029] In one embodiment, the sieving fraction of the fluff sheet in% Good fraction is> 50%. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 50, 55, 60.65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100%, or any range within these limits.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sieving fraction of the fluff sheet in% Sifting is <40%. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40% or any combination thereof, or range within these limits.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sieving fraction of the fluff sheet in% Coarse fraction is <30%. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30%, or any combination or range within these limits .

[0032] The burst strength, Mullen, of fluff sheet is> 90 psi. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125,

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ΕΡ2 462 276 Β1

130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230,

235, 240, 245, 250 psi and more or any range within these limits.

[0033] In one embodiment, the fluff sheet contains a tackifier surfactant in an amount> 1 Ib (lb) of tackifier solids per ton of fluff fibers. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 , 2, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.0, 3 , 1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.0, 5, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9 , 10, 15, 20 Ib solids surfactant, per ton of fluff fibers and more, or any combination thereof or range within these limits. In one embodiment, if more than one surfactant is used, this range is the total amount of all surfactant that is present in the fluff sheet.

[0034] In one embodiment, the moisture content of the fluff sheet is 25% or less. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 , 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12,14, 16, 18, 20, 25% or any combination thereof or range within these limits. In another embodiment, the moisture content of the fluff sheet is 20% or less. In another embodiment, the moisture content of the fluff sheet is 10% or less. In another embodiment, the moisture content of the fluff sheet is 7% or less. In another embodiment, the moisture content of the fluff sheet is 6.3% or less.

[0035] In one embodiment, the density of the fluff sheet is 0.5 to 0.75 g / cm³. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7 and 0.75 g / cm³ or any range within these limits.

[0036] In one embodiment, the thickness of the fluff sheet is from 40 to 70 mm. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 mm, or any range within these limits.

[0037] In one embodiment, the basis weight of the fluff sheet can be from 100 to 1100 g / m². This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, for example 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 or any combination thereof or a range within these limits.

[0038] Another embodiment relates to an absorbent product, paper product, personal care product, medical product, insulation material, building material, structural material, cement, food product, veterinary product, packaging product, diaper, tampon, sanitary cloth, gauze, bandage , flame retardant or combinations thereof, containing fluff sheet or garnetted or crumbled fluff sheet or a combination of these operations.

[0039] Another embodiment relates to the use of an absorbent product, paper product, personal hygiene product, medical product, insulation material, building material, structural material, cement, food product, veterinary product, packaging product, diaper, tampon, sanitary cloth, gauze, bandage, flame retardant or combinations thereof, containing fluff sheet or garnetted or crumbled fluff sheet or a combination of these operations.

Ί

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ΕΡ2 462 276 Β1 [0040] Fluff pulp and fluff pulp fibers are known in the papermaking field. Any down mass or any down mass fibers are suitable for use in the present application, and their selection is within the knowledge of a specialist in the down mass and down mass fibers. One or more than one, or a combination thereof, of fluff pulp or fluff fibers may be used. The fluff pulp and the fluff pulp fibers may be refined or untreated and may optionally contain one or more additives or in combinations thereof which are known in the art. Considering the considerations in this document, the level of refining, if necessary and the amount of additives can be easily determined by a specialist in the production of fluff and fluff fibers.

[0041] Similarly, the formation of a web from fluff pulp or fluff fibers or from a mixture of fluff pulp or fiber stock on a table by the headbox of a paper machine is within the knowledge of the specialist in the fluff pulp and fluff fibers.

[0042] The type of fluff pulp or fluff fibers suitable for use in the present document should not be regarded as limiting. The down mass usually contains cellulose fibers. The type of cellulose fiber is not critical and any such fiber known or suitable for use in the production of fluff paper may be used, for example, the fluff may be made of pulp fibers from hardwoods, conifers or a combination of fibers from deciduous and coniferous trees. Fluff fibers may be prepared using one or more known or appropriate pulping, defibering or bleaching processes, such as known mechanical, thermomechanical, chemical or semi-chemical pulping processes or other well known pulping processes. The term "hardwood pulp" as used herein includes fibrous pulp obtained from the lignified substance of trees losing leaves for the winter (angiosperms), such as birch, oak, beech, maple and eucalyptus. The term "softwood pulp" used herein includes fibrous pulp obtained from the woody part of conifers (gymnosperms), such as different varieties of fir, spruce and pine, such as taeda pine, Elliot pine, silver spruce, balsam fir and Douglas fir. In some embodiments, at least some of the mass fibers may be derived from non-woody herbaceous plants including, without limitation, kenaf, hemp, jute, flax, sisal or abacus, although legal restrictions and other considerations may result in the use of hemp and other fiber sources impractical or impossible. Bleached and unbleached down pulp fibers can be used. Recycled pulp fibers are also suitable for use.

[0043] The fluff sheet may preferably contain from 1 to 99 wt. fluff fibers calculated on the total weight of the fluff sheet. In one embodiment, the fluff sheet may preferably contain from 5 to 95 wt. fluff fibers calculated on the total weight of the fluff sheet. These ranges include all values ​​and subranges within these limits, for example, 1.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 , 90, 95 and 99 wt.

[0044] The fluff sheet may optionally contain from 1 to 100 wt. pulp fibers derived from coniferous species, calculated on the total number of down pulp fibers in

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ΕΡ 2,462,276 Β1 fluff sheet. In one embodiment, the fluff sheet may contain from 10 to 60 wt. pulp fibers derived from coniferous species, calculated on the total quantity of fluff fibers in a fluff sheet. These ranges include 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100% by weight. and any other ranges and subranges within these values, calculated on the total amount of the fluff fibers in the fluff sheet.

[0045] All or part of the coniferous fibers may optionally be derived from coniferous species with a Canadian Standard (CSF) drainage capacity of 300 to 750. In one embodiment, the fluff sheet contains fibers from coniferous species with CSF from 400 up to 550. These ranges include all values ​​and subranges within these limits, for example, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470 , 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720 , 730, 740 and 750 CSF. Dehydration according to the Canadian standard is measured using the standard TAPPI T-227 test.

[0046] The fluff sheet may optionally contain from 1 to 100 wt. pulp fibers from hardwood species, calculated on the total quantity of fluff fibers in a fluff sheet. In one embodiment, the fluff sheet may contain from 30 to 90 wt. fluff fibers originating from hardwood species, calculated on the total number of fluff fibers in a fluff sheet. These ranges include 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100% by weight. and any other values ​​and subranges within these limits, calculated on the total amount of the fluff fibers in the fluff sheet.

[0047] All or part of the hardwood fibers may optionally be derived from hardwood species with a Canadian drainage strength (CSF) of 300 to 750. In one embodiment, the fluff sheet contains fibers from hardwoods with a CSF of 400 up to 550. These ranges include 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530 , 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740 and 750 CSF and all other ranges and subranges within these values.

[0048] The pulp sheet may optionally contain fluff fibers with a lower degree of milling, for example, softwood fibers with a smaller degree of milling, hardwood fibers with a smaller degree of milling, or both. Combinations of fibers with a smaller and greater degree of milling are possible. In one embodiment, the fluff sheet contains fibers that are at least 2% less finely divided than the fluff fibers used in conventional fluff sheets. This range covers all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including at least 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20%. For example, if a conventional pulp sheet contains coniferous or hardwood fibers with a dehydration capacity of Canadian Standard 350, then, in one embodiment, the fluff sheet may contain fibers with a GSF of 385 (i.e. 10% less finely divided than conventional) . [0049] When the fluff sheet contains both fluff and coniferous fluff fibers, the weight ratio of fluff / coniferous fluff fibers may optionally

PZI2MAIKG

ΕΡ 2,462,276 Β1 range from 0.001 to 1000. In one embodiment, the ratio of deciduous / coniferous fibers can range from 90/10 to 30/60. These ranges include all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5,

10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,

800, 900 and 1000.

[0050] Fibers from conifers, deciduous trees, or both can be optionally modified by physical or chemical processes to obtain fluff. Examples of physical processes include, but are not limited to, electromagnetic and mechanical processes. Examples of electrical modification include, but are not limited to, processes associated with contact of the fiber with an electromagnetic energy source, such as light or electric current. Examples of mechanical modification include, but are not limited to, processes related to the exposure of fibers to inanimate objects. Examples of such inanimate objects include sharp or blunt edge tools. Such processes may also include, for example, cutting, kneading, whipping, piercing and the like, and combinations thereof.

[0051] Non-limiting examples of chemical modification include conventional chemical processing of fibers, including crosslinking and precipitation of complexes thereon. Other examples of suitable fiber modifications include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,592,717, 6,592,712, 6,582,557, 6,579,415, 6,579,414, 6,506,282, 6,471,824, 6,361,651, 6,146,494, H1, 704, 5,731,080, 5,698,688, 5,698,074, 5,661,737, 5,66.83 , 5,360,420, 5,266,250, 5,209,953, 5,160,789, 5,049,235, 4,986,882, 4,496,427, 4,431,481, 4,174,417, 4,166,894, 4,075,136 and 4,022,965, the full content of which is hereby incorporated, independent, by reference.

[0052] Some examples of fluff that should not be regarded as limiting include those commercially available, such as RW Supersoft ™, Supersoft L ™, RW Supersoft Plus ™, GT Supersoft Plus ™, RW Fluff LITE ™, RW Fluff 110 ™, RW Fluff 150 ™, RW Fluff 160 ™, GP 4881 ™, GT Pulp ™, RW SSP ™, GP 4825 ™, alone or in any combination.

[0053] As already mentioned, additional substances such as a pH regulator, bleach, dye, pigment, optical brightening agent, wetting agent, binder, bleaching agent, trivalent metal cation, alum, other additive or a combination thereof can be used if desired. . Such substances are known in the art and are commercially available. Given the considerations in this document, a specialist in the field of fluff pulp and paper production from fluff pulp will be able to choose and apply them accordingly. If an additive is present, its amount is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the additive may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.005 to about 50 percent by weight based on the weight of the fluff sheet. This range includes all values ​​and subranges within these limits, including approx. 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 , 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 weight percent or their combination, based on the weight of the finished fluff sheet.

[0054] Optionally, one or more optical brighteners may be present. Essentially, optical brighteners are fluorescent dyes or pigments that absorb ultraviolet rays, emitting them to the outside with a greater wavelength in the visible spectrum (blue), thus giving a total white, bright appearance of a sheet of paper when added to the pulp composition but apply

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ΕΡ 2 462 276 Β1 can be any optical brightener. Examples of optical brighteners include, but are not limited to, azoles, biphenyls, coumarins, furans, stylbens, ionic brighteners, including anionic, cationic and anionic (neutral) compounds, such as Eccobrite ™ and Eccowhite ™ compounds manufactured by Eastern Color & Chemical Co . (Providence, Rhode Island); naphthalimides; pyrazine; substituted (e.g. sulfonated) stylbens, e.g. Lecophor ™ range of optical brighteners, manufactured by Clariant Corporation (Muttenz, Switzerland) and Tinopal ™ by Ciba Specialty Chemicals (Basel, Switzerland); salts of these compounds including, but not limited to, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, transition metal salts, organic salts and ammonium salts of such brightening agents, and combinations of one or more of the abovementioned agents.

[0055] Examples of optional fillers include, but are not limited to, clay, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate hemihydrate and calcium sulfate anhydrate, chalk, GCC, PCC and the like.

[0056] Examples of optional binders include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, Amres (Kymene type), Bayer Parez, polychloride emulsion, modified starch, e.g. hydroxyethylated starch, starch, polyacrylamide, modified polyacrylamide, polyol, carbonyl polyol adduct, ethanediol / polyol condensate, polyamide, epichlorohydrin, glyoxal, glyoxal urea, ethanedial, aliphatic isocyanate, isocyanate, polyisocyanate, diisocyanate, diisocyanate polyester, polyacrylate, polyacrylate resin, acrylate and methacrylate. Other optional substances include, but are not limited to, colloids or silica sols. Examples of silicas include, but are not limited to, sodium silicate or borosilicates.

[0057] The composition may optionally and additionally contain one or more pigments. Non-limiting examples of pigments include calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, calcined clay, aluminum oxide trihydrate, titanium dioxide, talc, plastic pigment, ground calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate, amorphous silicon oxide, modified calcium carbonate, modified calcined clay, aluminum silicate, zeolite, alumina, colloidal silica, colloidal alumina solution, modified calcium carbonate, modified ground calcium carbonate, modified precipitated calcium carbonate or a mixture thereof.

[0058] In one embodiment, the modified calcium carbonate is modified ground calcium carbonate, modified precipitated calcium carbonate, or a mixture thereof. In this case, the term "modified" sometimes means "structured". Such pigments are known to those skilled in the papermaking.

[0059] Fluff fibers can be formed into a single or multi-layer web in a paper machine, such as a Fourdrinier machine or any other suitable paper machine known in the art. The basic methodologies associated with the production of fluff sheets for various paper machine configurations are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in detail here. In one embodiment, the mixture of fluff pulp or fluff fibers may be in the form of a relatively thin aqueous slurry of pulp fibers optionally with one or more additives. In one embodiment, the fluff mixture or suspension of fluff fibers is thrown from the headbox onto a table, e.g., a porous sheet or closed-loop forming mesh, the liquid, e.g. water is gradually drained through small holes in the mesh, optionally by means of one or several suction boxes, until a mat of cellulose fibers and optionally other mat are formed on the mesh

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ΕΡ 2,462,276 Β1 materials. The surfactant sizing agent can be applied to the web at any point along the length of the table, for example by spraying it with a forming spray. In one embodiment, the still wet web is transferred from the mesh to the wet press, where the fibers are compressed with each other and the water content is further reduced. In one embodiment, the web is then transferred to a drying section to remove some, most, or substantially all of the moisture retained and further consolidate the fibers in the web. After drying, the dried fluff web or sheet can be treated with one or more of the same or different surfactants or any combination thereof using molding sprayers, sprinklers and the like.

[0060] The exact determination of the place where the respective compositions are applied or comes into contact may depend on the particular equipment used, the exact conditions under which the process takes place etc. All this can easily be determined taking into account the considerations contained herein in conjunction with the knowledge of a specialist in papermaking field.

EXAMPLES [0061] The object of the present invention can be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. These examples should be regarded as illustrative, but the subject matter itself is not considered to be limited by the materials, conditions or process parameters given in these examples. Unless otherwise indicated, all proportions and percentages are given in units of weight.

[0062] Various, the results of which are described herein are described below:

[0063] REPLACEMENT TEST OR "JOHNSON NIT" TEST PROCEDURE:

1. 5.00 g of garnetted pulp is placed in a Johnson apparatus.

2. The air pressure is set to 10Opsi and the test time to 600 seconds.

3. At the end of the test, the quantity retained on the No. 16 screen is weighed and recorded.

4. Then, the quantity retained on the No. 30 screen is weighed and recorded.

5. The difference between the initial quantity and the quantity retained on both screens is recorded as the quantity passing through the No. 30 sieve.

[0064] MULTI DOSE ABSORPTION TEST PROCEDURE:

1. A 5 "x 12" pulp sample was compressed to a density of 0.154 g / cm3³ using the Beloit Wheeler calender roller.

2. A sheet of cardboard produced by MTS was placed on a compressed sample.

3. A dosing cylinder with a diameter of 1 "and a weight of 1000g was placed centrally on the sample.

4. 30 ml 0.9% saline was administered at a flow rate of 7 ml / s.

5. The countdown started when the dispensing started and ended when all the salt solution had been absorbed and the absorption time was recorded.

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6. After 300 seconds after absorption of the first dose, a second dose of saline was administered, the time measurement procedure was repeated and the absorption time recorded.

7. 300 seconds after the second dose was absorbed, a third dose of saline was administered, the time measurement procedure was repeated and the absorption time recorded.

KAMAS MILL - FLUSHING GROUND:

[0065] The Kamas flail mill simulates commercially available equipment produced and supplied by Kamas Industri AB, intended for the production of fluff pulp products. Similarly to an industrial device, it has an adjustable speed impeller, adjustable pulp feeding speed and replaceable sieves. The pulp belts are fed manually to the mill and fiberized by means of free falling beaters until the pulp is disintegrated in such a way that it passes through the holes in the sieve. Fluff test room: Controlled conditions, 72 ° F and 55% relative humidity (+/- 5).

Device: Kamas laboratory fiberizer type H 01

Sample preparation: Condition sheets in a test room for at least 4 hours. For lab test sheets, cut off about '/ ΐ from the edge. Cut the mass sheets into strips, 5-10 strips / sample, if available, 2 inches wide. Record the weights. Clean the dust bag if necessary. Check that the grinding chamber is clean and that the sieve is correctly installed. Check that the receiving funnel / sieve has been securely placed. Set the impeller at 3300 rpm, feed at 15 cm / s and use a 10 mm sieve, unless otherwise indicated. Feed the mass strips to the mill. Energy will be measured and displayed automatically. Check weight balance. Collect the crushed mass on the receiving sieve below the grinding chamber, the maximum capacity is 4-5 strips. Pour the fluff into a plastic bag. Mix by hand, then close the bag tightly and shake vigorously until a homogeneous fluff mixture is obtained.

FRACTIONING OF GROUND DOWN FUEL ON 4 SIEVES:

[0066] Intended use: Determination of fiber size distribution in dry milled pulp. The high velocity air stream disperses the ground pulp in an indoor standard test sieve, while individual fibers are removed through a metal mesh by the applied vacuum. The amount of fluff retained on the sieve is determined by weighing. The fiber is fractionated through a series of sieves with successively increasing holes. Fractions are calculated as a percentage of the initial total down weight.

Device: Vortex generator and pulp fluff separator.

Standard US test sieves: 8 ”diameter x 2 '' in height.

USA Std # 200 (mesh 75 pm)

USA Std # 50 (mesh 300 pm)

USA Std # 14 (mesh 1400 pm)

USA Std # 8 (mesh 75 pm)

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EP 2 462 276 B1

Comments: This test must be carried out in a room with controlled conditions, a relative humidity of 48% to 52% and a temperature of 70 ° F to 72 ° F.

[0067] Procedure: (1) Condition the ground pulp for at least 4 hours in the test room. Mix the fluff in the plastic bag by hand and then vigorously shake the sealed bag containing the free space to achieve as even a distribution of fiber fractions as possible, i.e. to obtain a representative test sample. (2) Remove the pulp from various parts of the bag and weigh out 5 grams (+/- 0.01 gram). Record weight and place on tared sieve # 200. Place the sieve on the fluff fractionator and cover. Seal the contact point formed by the screen with a thick rubber gasket. This allows for a more even air / vacuum distribution. (3) Set the timer for 5 minutes and start the fractionating device by turning the knob to the "auto" position. Set the compressed air to 30 psi and the vacuum to 4 inches using a round adjustment device with three holes. (Note: the psi value of the vacuum / air may flow, check periodically). The dust will pass through the sieve towards the vacuum. After the set time has elapsed, the device switches off automatically. When finished, remove the sieve. Remove the cover and weigh the sieve with the pulp above the tare. Note the weight of pulp remaining on the # 200 sieve. The particle weight is the difference between the pulp weight before and after fractionation. (4) Tare # 50 sieve and transfer pulp from step 3 to # 50 sieve, cover, place in fractionator, seal as in step 2. Set timer to 5 minutes. Reset by turning the knob to the "off" position, then back to "auto". Start the fractionating device and proceed as in step 3 (adjusting air pressure and vacuum as needed). Record the weight of the pulp retained on the # 50 sieve. (5) Tare # 14 sieve and transfer pulp from # 50 sieve to # 14 sieve, cover, place in fractionator, seal as in step 2. Set timer to 5 minutes. Reset by turning the knob to the "off" position, then back to "auto". Start the fractionating device and proceed as in step 3 (adjusting air pressure and vacuum as needed). Record the weight of pulp retained on the # 14 sieve. (6) Transfer the pulp from the # 14 screen to the # 8 screen. Repeat the process as above (5 minutes, 30 psi, 4-inch vacuum) and record the weight of pulp retained on the # 8 sieve. The percentage that passes through the # 200 screen is referred to as Screening. The percentage retained on the # 200 sieve but passing through the # 50 sieve is referred to as Good. The percentage retained on the # 50 sieve but passing through # 14 is referred to as Good (Good is the sum of both good fractions). The percentage retained on the # 14 sieve but passing through the # 8 sieve is referred to as Zbitki (fiber agglomerates). The percentage retained on the # 8 sieve is the Gruba fraction.

[0068] Calculations:

Initial down weight

Residue weight on the # 200 sieve

Residue weight on the # 50 sieve

Residue weight on the sieve # 14

Residue weight on the # 8 sieve

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Percent passing through # 200 - x 100 =% of the Sifting fraction (2) - (3)

Percentage retained on the # 200 = -——— x 100 =% Good fraction

Percentage retained on the # 50 sieve - ^{x 1}θθ "% f^raGood (4) _ (5)

Percentage retained on the # 14 sieve = - x 100 =% Zbitek (fiber agglomerates) (5)

Percentage retained on the # 8 sieve = x 100 =% Coarse fraction

Perform a minimum of three tests per sample.

SCAN ABSORPTION TEST:

[0069] Application: Determination of the absorbent properties of fluff pies. This method is based on the Scandinavian SCAN-C 33:80 standard. Fluff volume (bulk), absorption rate and absorption capacity are measured by placing the test cake in the device, applying a uniform load and allowing the cake to absorb liquid from below until saturation.

[0070] Device: SCAN absorption tester consisting of a test element forming element, an absorption unit and a timing device.

[0071] Reagents: 0.9% saline (NaCl) [0072] Procedure: (1) Prepare a brine solution, 0.9% sodium chloride in deionized water (eg 180g / 20 L) and transfer to a brine balloon . (2) Installation: Rinse the electrode surface and dry by wiping; rinse the sieve and the tank to remove residues, dry and place back in the testing device. Open the valve on the track and let the brine run until it flows into the overflow tank. Close the valve. It may be necessary to stabilize the instrument by performing several tests before analyzing the test samples. (3) Mix the fluff vigorously by shaking the air-filled sample bag. Weigh approximately 3.20 g of fluff (take several small portions from the whole bag to obtain a representative sample). (4) Tare the forming cylinder (Plexiglas cylindrical form with a 50 mm sieve at the base) and place it securely on the cake molding machine (check that it is firmly seated on the seal). Turn on the vacuum and carefully fill the molding machine with small amounts of pulp, allowing the fibers to separate as much as possible. Feeding lumps should be avoided. (5) After the cake has formed, turn off the vacuum pump and remove the mold / sieve system. Place the tared system with the cake on the scale and remove excess mass to obtain a final weight of 3.00 g +/- 0.01. Arrange the mass in the desired way to obtain a uniform thickness. Fibers sometimes accumulate on one side of the cylinder, especially at high clump contents. Remove from this surface first to obtain 3.00 g, then

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ΕΡ2 462 276 Β1 reform as required, carefully lifting the mat / fibers toward a thinner surface. Gently knead the transferred fibers to obtain an even thickness. Prepare 6-8 pies on each try. (6) Set up the computer: Turn on the computer. Enter the ID and sample weight (i.e. 3.00g). (7) Pre-moisten the SCAN test sample sample container and wipe to remove excess. Lower the electrode plate and click "Zero" on the computer screen to zero the height sensor. Lift the electrode plate latch. (8) Remove the bottom screen from the forming cylinder. Place the Plexiglas cylinder on the SCAN wire basket; gently lower the electrode plate (with a load at the top of the mandrel) onto the cake, carefully lift the mold (hold in place), click "Start" on the computer to start the clock on the computer screen, turn the handle over and rest the cylinder on it. Avoid contact between the hoses and the stem with the cylinder. Watch the screen and start the brine flow when the clock shows approx. 18-10 seconds. On command (after 30 s) lift the tank in one smooth movement (hold in place) and immediately start the manual stopwatch. Watch the cake and stop the manual stopwatch as soon as the liquid is absorbed. On the instruction on the computer screen, carefully lower the tank, close the brine valve and leave the cake to drain. At the "test over" command, lift the electrode plate through the forming cylinder. If the cake sticks to the plate, gently tap the edge of the cylinder to release the cake into the basket. Block the electrode plate, remove the forming cylinder and carefully transfer the cake onto the scale. Record the net weight. Enter the weight of the wet cake in the machine's computer. Record dry weight (thickness, mm), specific volume (cm³/ g), absorption time (s) and absorbency displayed on the screen and wet weight after a time measured manually in a spreadsheet. Record the absorption time (s), absorption rate (cm / s), specific volume (g / cm³) and absorbency (g / g). Perform 6-10 tests per sample. Record the mean and standard deviation.

[0073] Example 1: For Samples 719-727, commercially available F60 sizing agent sold by Akzo Nobel was sprayed onto dried webs containing fluff fibers in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the claimed subject matter. The moisture content of the dried webs was 6.3%. The LA Control and NB 405 samples are for comparison and are commercially available, unprocessed and processed fluff sheets, respectively.

[0074]

Table 1

<td>A sample</td><td>Target dose of F60 surfactant in Ibs F60 / ton dry fiber</td><td>Concentration of F60 surfactant solution in%</td><td>Energy pulping kJ / kg</td><td>Mullen PSI</td>

<td> 719</td><td> 2,5</td><td> 7,5</td><td> 91</td><td> 125</td>

<td> 720</td><td> 3</td><td> 7,5</td><td> 84</td><td> 122</td>

<td> 721</td><td> 3,5</td><td> 7,5</td><td> 77</td><td> 103</td>

<td> 722</td><td> 2,5</td><td> 8,5</td><td> 70</td><td> 122</td>

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<td> 723</td><td> 3</td><td> 8,5</td><td> 86</td><td> 136</td>

<td> 724</td><td> 2,5</td><td> 8,5</td><td> 71</td><td> 122</td>

<td> 725</td><td> 2,5</td><td> 9,5</td><td> 77</td><td> 133</td>

<td> 726</td><td> 3</td><td> 9,5</td><td> 90</td><td> 133</td>

<td> 727</td><td> 3,5</td><td> 9,5</td><td> 70</td><td> 128</td>

<td>LA Control</td><td> 0</td><td> 0</td><td> 135</td><td> 168</td>

<td>NB 405</td><td>N / D</td><td>N / D</td><td> 86</td><td> 83</td>

[0075] Spraying F60 results in a fluff sheet with fiberisation energy equal to the energy of the fully processed fluff (NB 405 as an example), surprisingly, however, the Mullen value of the sheet does not fall to a low level. This allows the winder to continue processing the sheet at high speeds without breaking the sheet or without processing problems. Spraying was done on a fully dried sheet in this example, 6.3% MC. If necessary, both the chemical and the sheet can be heated (~ 160 ° F) or at room temperature during application. One of the advantages of adding a release agent to a dry fluff sheet (100 to 1100 g / m2)²) is that the problem of moving a mechanically weak sheet through the paper machine is avoided. Surfactant retention also increases.

[0076] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it should be mentioned that it is possible that the fact that such spraying works because there is some migration or mixing of the chemical during the fiberising. The quality of grinding or separating the fibers is the same as in the case of traditional methods of using a bleaching agent, however, processing problems, e.g. sheet breakage, etc. are much smaller.

[0077] F60 will not be stopped if added to the mass before the headbox. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it should be mentioned that it is possible that the chemical structure of the surfactant, which helps reduce the energy needed to separate fibers during fiberization, but does not lead to a large reduction in the down coefficient of the down cores, must be only slightly cationic. Highly polarized surfactants are well retained on mass fibers, but tend to form a down core with significantly reduced absorbency (re-wetting and absorption rate).

[0078] As can be seen from the results presented in the tables and graphically illustrated in the Figures, it is obvious that examples within the scope of one embodiment of the exemplary invention have surprising and surprisingly high advantageous features compared to comparative examples.

[0079] The ranges used herein are used as an abbreviated notation describing any value within a given range and its subranges.

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ΕΡ 2,462 276 Β1 [0080] All other references, as well as the sources cited therein, cited herein and hence incorporated herein by reference in connection with the corresponding fragments, refer to the subject matter of the present invention and all embodiments thereof.

[0081] In the light of the above considerations, various modifications and changes are possible in the present invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced in a manner other than as described in detail herein.

dr inż. Anna (jdula patent attorney

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