Water Absorbency of Paper - The Most Common Testing Procedures

The water absorbency or cobb sizing strength of a paper is the measurement of the amount of water absorbed by the wet surface of paper or paper board. Manufacturers use several methods to test the water absorbency strength of these materials. Two of the most commonly used testing methods include the water absorption test and the cobb sizing test.

The Most Common Water absorbency Testing Procedures

Water Absorption Test

The water absorption or suction height test is performed using UEC’s water absorption tester. This tester is used to determine the capillary rise in an unsized paper through Klemm Method. An unsized paper includes paper like blotting paper. 

During the test, the capillary rise of the water is evaluated in the sample paper strips. These strips are vertically (lower end into the water) immersed in a vessel filled with water. The scale reads the amount of water absorbed and risen in the sample as well as the time taken by it. This tester is also amazing to test the absorption characteristics of liquids other than water, such as oil, ink, etc. 

Cobb Sizing Test

Cobb sizing test is another significant and most commonly used test method for determining the water absorbency of paper. Manufacturers use a cobb sizing tester to perform this test and get accurate results. 

In this, the cobb value of the paper is determined, which in other words is the water quantity absorbed by the sample in a given time. One side of the paper/board sample is placed horizontally under a head of 1 cm water. An automatic spring-loaded sample clamper clamps the sample to perform the test with great accuracy and ease. The couch roller helps remove the excess water after the test.

Wrapping up

Investing in the right water absorbency testing machines is useful only when they are sourced from the right and reliable manufacturer. Connect with UEC to know more and purchase from a wide range of physical property testing machines for your paper manufacturing business.