Paper and cardboard: The application of texture analysis on the latest developments

Due to increased environmental awareness, there is a growing trend in the packaging industry to produce high-performance biodegradable materials made from natural resources. The development of composites primarily made of natural fibres with a minor quantity of biopolymers has been a major goal in both academic and industrial research. Natural fibres are also chosen because of their various advantages, such as being more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and comparable mechanical properties to synthetic fibres. However, their hydrophilic character leads to poor interfacial adherence with the matrix. Consequently, chemical treatment of the fibre’s surface appears to be required.  Unlike the bleaching process which is the most commonly used process in the packaging industrial sector, alkaline treatment is cost-effective and promotes only the partial removal of amorphous constituents, such as lignin, which is considered as the connecting material that holds the fibres together under hot compression, resulting in increased mechanical properties. However, the main issue with using chemically treated fibres alone are their low mechanical and water barrier properties. This can be avoided by employing a low quantity of biopolymers to coat the material's surface. Among the biopolymers, starch is one of the most promising renewable biopolymers because of its versatility, low cost, abundance, and biodegradability. Additionally, the mechanical, thermal and moisture protection properties of starch biopolymers can be further improved and adapted to meet specific needs by adding plasticisers and a crosslinking agent. 

Of course, development such as this requires a measurement tool to identify which processes and addition of ingredients affect performance and go towards creating the optimum mechanical properties (in tension or compression) so that the end result is not only better for the planet but is up for the uncompromised job it is required to perform.

What are the new material and product ideas in paper and cardboard product research, development and production and how can a Texture Analyser be applied?

The paper and cardboard industries are undergoing transformations to meet environmental sustainability goals, technological advancements, and evolving consumer demands. Here's a look at some of the newer concepts and product ideas, and how a Texture Analyser can be implemented in their development:

• Tree-tree paper: Utilisation of non-traditional raw materials like agricultural residues (straw, husks), bamboo, or bagasse to produce paper, reducing the dependence on tree-based pulp.
• Active packaging: Cardboard integrated with technologies to monitor food freshness, control humidity, or interact with consumers.
• Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC): Incorporating MFC to enhance strength, barrier properties, and reduce weight.
• Water- and grease-proof paper: Development of environmentally friendly treatments or coatings that repel water and grease, useful for food packaging.
• E-ink enabled paper: Integration of electronic ink displays in paper or cardboard, creating dynamic and changing displays for packaging or signage.
• Lightweighting: Reducing the weight of paper and cardboard products without compromising their strength and functionality.
• Anti-microbial packaging: Cardboards treated with antimicrobial agents to ensure food safety and extend shelf life.
• Recyclable and compostable laminates: Development of environmentally friendly laminates that can either be recycled or composted.
• Edible packaging: Cardboard or paper-based packaging solutions that can be consumed along with the product they encase.
• Eco-friendly disposable tableware: Biodegradable or compostable plates, cups, and utensils made from paper or cardboard.
• 3D moulded pulp packaging: Using pulp moulding processes to create three-dimensional packaging structures that can replace plastics in some applications.
• Seed-embedded papers: Papers embedded with seeds, allowing them to be planted after use, sprouting plants or flowers.
• Reusable or returnable packaging: Designing packaging solutions with the intention of multiple uses or returns to the manufacturer for refilling.
• Corrugated furniture: Lightweight, temporary furniture solutions made primarily from corrugated cardboard.
• Paper electronics: Utilising paper as a substrate for flexible or disposable electronics, such as sensors, displays, or even batteries.

As environmental concerns gain prominence, the paper and cardboard industry will likely continue to focus on sustainable solutions, innovative applications, and products that reduce our reliance on non-renewable or non-degradable materials.

Here is some recent interesting research in paper and cardboard product development using the Texture Analyser:

• Characterization of hutbak based papers activated with limonene for food packaging
• Processing of nanocellulose sheet for capturing fine particulate matter
• Fabrication of highly flame-retardant paper by in situ loading of magnesium hydroxide/basic magnesium chloride onto cellulose fibers

Using a Texture Analyser in paper and cardboard development

In the world of paper and cardboard product research and development (R&D), the Texture Analyser emerges as an indispensable instrument, enabling a comprehensive assessment of vital material characteristics. This versatile tool offers a range of applications including the determination of tensile strength, unveiling the maximum tension a paper or cardboard material can endure before fracturing. Bend and stiffness testing provides invaluable insights into material flexibility and stiffness, critical considerations in packaging design.

The Texture Analyser's capabilities extend to peel strength evaluations, particularly relevant for laminated or layered products, where it quantifies adhesive bonding strength between layers. Puncture resistance assessments unveil the force required to puncture the material, shedding light on its durability. The evaluation of friction coefficient emerges as pivotal, offering insights into paper's slip resistance, which significantly impacts printability and machine processing efficiency. Tear resistance testing unveils the energy essential for propagating a tear, indicating the paper's resilience and robustness. The Texture Analyser is also adept at conducting compression tests, of utmost significance for cardboard packaging, measuring the material's ability to withstand external force or weight without collapsing. 

The evaluation of wet strength is pivotal for products like tissue papers or beverage cartons, assessing the material's strength in wet conditions. The Texture Analyser's purview also encompasses swelling and absorbency assessments, delving into the liquid-absorbing capacity of paper products and their impact on structural integrity. Lastly, surface roughness analysis, directed towards print quality and aesthetic considerations, evaluates the roughness or smoothness of the paper's surface. 

Through these multifaceted analyses, the Texture Analyser contributes significantly to the advancement of paper and cardboard product formulations, ensuring durability, functionality, and optimal performance across a spectrum of applications. The Texture Analyser provides quantitative data, allowing researchers and developers to tweak compositions, coatings, or treatments to achieve desired properties. In the evolving world of paper and cardboard, such tools are invaluable for maintaining high quality and developing innovative products.

Discover more about typical tests that a Texture Analyser can perform for paper and cardboard texture measurement.

Request an article about how to apply a Texture Analyser to paper and cardboard testing.

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplusC texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

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