Fluff Pulp & It's Testing In Paper Industry

Fluff pulp is a kind of chemical pulp derived from long fiber softwoods. First used to develop sanitary napkins, diapers, and similar products, fluff pulp is now used to make tissue papers due to its high porosity and absorbency. Moreover, air-laid products (or consumer products) used in serving utensils and towels also make use of fluff pulp.

Use Of Fluff Pulp

Fluff pulp is manufactured as rolls on a drying machine. This is done to develop a uniform sheet with useful characteristics such as strength, moisture resistance, and density. Debonders are often infused with the pulp before it is dried, to enhance the de-fiberation process. 

Testing Of Fluff Pulp

Manufacturers use UEC’s fluff tester, which is a surface coating and printability testing equipment that tests the fluff pulp. It is a Patra-type unit designed using the concept of PIRA for laboratory testing of samples. It is used to determine the short fibers or the linting tenancy of the uncoated printed paper.  

To test the fluff pulp, a specimen is located between the steel roll and an offset blanket. This specimen is then moved between the rolls under a little pressure. The unit is also mounted by a movable magnifying glass counter. It counts the number of particles and fibers that stick to a particular area of the offset blanket. 

The fluff tester can easily measure the fluff by stimulating the printing press action with a dry blanket. It is steadfast in giving reproducible results. Moreover, many fluff sheets can be measured at a steady rate. It is approved under SCAN-C 33:80 standard and is used for testing newsprint, writing, printing, and copier paper fluff.

Bottom Line

Investing in a surface coating tester or printability tester is significant for paper manufacturers, which is why they rely on reliable suppliers of testing machines. UEC is among the prominent names with whom you can get in touch to source the best equipment for your manufacturing business.