Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H3/00—Paper or cardboard prepared by adding substances to the pulp or to the formed web on the paper-making machine and by applying substances to finished paper or cardboard (on the paper-making machine), also when the intention is to impregnate at least a part of the paper body
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H25/00—After-treatment of paper not provided for in groups D21H17/00 - D21H23/00
  • D21H25/005—Mechanical treatment
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
  • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
  • A47K10/16—Paper towels; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/20—Macromolecular organic compounds
  • D21H17/21—Macromolecular organic compounds of natural origin; Derivatives thereof
  • D21H17/24—Polysaccharides
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/20—Macromolecular organic compounds
  • D21H17/21—Macromolecular organic compounds of natural origin; Derivatives thereof
  • D21H17/24—Polysaccharides
  • D21H17/25—Cellulose
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/20—Macromolecular organic compounds
  • D21H17/21—Macromolecular organic compounds of natural origin; Derivatives thereof
  • D21H17/24—Polysaccharides
  • D21H17/28—Starch
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/20—Macromolecular organic compounds
  • D21H17/33—Synthetic macromolecular compounds
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/20—Macromolecular organic compounds
  • D21H17/33—Synthetic macromolecular compounds
  • D21H17/34—Synthetic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D21H17/35—Polyalkenes, e.g. polystyrene
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H17/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its constitution; Paper-impregnating material characterised by its constitution
  • D21H17/20—Macromolecular organic compounds
  • D21H17/33—Synthetic macromolecular compounds
  • D21H17/34—Synthetic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D21H17/36—Polyalkenyalcohols; Polyalkenylethers; Polyalkenylesters
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H19/00—Coated paper; Coating material
  • D21H19/10—Coatings without pigments
  • D21H19/14—Coatings without pigments applied in a form other than the aqueous solution defined in group D21H19/12
  • D21H19/20—Coatings without pigments applied in a form other than the aqueous solution defined in group D21H19/12 comprising macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H19/00—Coated paper; Coating material
  • D21H19/10—Coatings without pigments
  • D21H19/14—Coatings without pigments applied in a form other than the aqueous solution defined in group D21H19/12
  • D21H19/20—Coatings without pigments applied in a form other than the aqueous solution defined in group D21H19/12 comprising macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D21H19/22—Polyalkenes, e.g. polystyrene
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D21H19/00—Coated paper; Coating material
  • D21H19/72—Coated paper characterised by the paper substrate
  • D21H19/74—Coated paper characterised by the paper substrate the substrate having an uneven surface, e.g. crêped or corrugated paper

Definitions

• Absorbent fibrous articles such as paper towels, facial tissues, bath tissues and other similar products, for example, are designed to include several characteristics.
• One such characteristic is a soft feel.
• Softness is typically increased by decreasing or reducing cellulosic fiber bonding within the fibrous product. Inhibiting or reducing fiber bonding, however, can adversely affect properties, such as the strength of the fibrous web.
• softness can be enhanced by the topical addition of a softening agent to the outer surfaces of the fibrous web.
• the softening agent may comprise, for instance, a silicone chemistry.
• the silicone chemistry may be applied to the web by printing, coating or spraying. Although silicone chemistries make the fibrous webs feel softer, silicone chemistries can be relatively expensive, reduce absorbent rate and capacity, and may lower sheet durability as measured by other strength properties.
• Recent technology has enabled a significant improvement in the tactile perception of tissue products as a result of the unique surface modification brought about by creping with a water insoluble surface modifying material.
• the surface modification consists of the deposition of a thin but discontinuous film onto the surface of the pulp fiber matrix. This film deposition results from a unique mode of cohesive failure at a creping blade such that a portion of the creping composition remains bonded to the tissue surface.
• the surface modification material dispersion is not stable in mill water resulting in deposition of the material on parts of the tissue machine which require removal and disposal. This material further has to be removed out of the mill waste water system due to its insolubility and instability in hard water.
• the new chemistry would be affordable, absorbent, and water soluble, while exhibiting a good hand feel as determined by one or more tests, e.g. an In-Hand Ranking Test ("IHR,” see below), absorbent rate and capacity, etc.
• IHR In-Hand Ranking Test
• a fibrous article composed of a creped fibrous web having a first side and an opposite second side.
• the fibrous web includes pulp fibers with an additive composition disposed on the pulp fibers.
• the additive composition includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first and second polymers are each water-soluble and non-crosslinked.
• the first polymer has a LCST of >40C, and the second polymer has a melting point of ⁇ 90C.
• a fibrous article composed of a creped fibrous web having a first side and an opposite second side.
• the fibrous web includes pulp fibers with an additive composition disposed on the pulp fibers.
• the additive composition includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first and second polymers are each water-soluble and non-crosslinked.
• the fibrous article has a water soluble extractable of at least 0.35% as determined by the Water Extractable test described herein.
• a fibrous article composed of a creped fibrous web having a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the fibrous web includes pulp fibers.
• An additive composition is disposed on the pulp fibers.
• the additive composition includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first and second polymers are each water-soluble and non-crosslinked.
• the fibrous article has a fuzz on edge greater than 1.25 as determined by the Fuzz on Edge test described herein.
• an additive composition for a fibrous material including the following steps (not necessarily in order):
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one aspect of a Yankee dryer used to dry the fibrous web of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is a is a schematic diagram of one aspect of a process for forming wet creped fibrous webs for use in the present disclosure
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one portion of a fibrous web forming machine, illustrating one aspect of the formation of a stratified fibrous web having multiple layers;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fibrous web forming machine having a throughdryer, illustrating the formation of a fibrous web
• FIG. 5 is a micrograph of a facial tissue with an additive composition of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a plan view of one aspect of a pattern that may be used to apply additive compositions to fibrous webs in accordance with the present disclosure
• FIG. 7 is a plan view of another aspect a pattern that may be used to apply additive compositions to fibrous webs in accordance with the present disclosure
• FIG. 8 is a photograph of an LCST material of the present invention, demonstrating how the composition precipitates when a critical temperature is reached;
• FIG. 9 is a setup used in the method for image generation
• FIG. 10 shows the analysis areas that are used as part of the method for image generation as it relates to FIG. 9;
• FIG. 11 is a depiction of fuzz on edge of one sample according to the present invention
• FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of samples used to obtain the fuzz on edge results
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the samples of FIG.13, showing how a camera is oriented to obtain the fuzz on edge data;
• FIG. 14 is a side elevation of a beveled glass used in fuzz-on-edge analysis.
• IHR In-Hand Ranking Test
• the softness test involves evaluating the velvety, silky or fuzzy feel of a tissue sample when rubbed between the thumb and fingers.
• the stiffness test involves gathering a flat sample into one's hand and moving the sample around in the palm of the hand by drawing the fingers toward the palm and evaluating the amount of pointed, rigid or cracked edges or peaks felt.
• Rank data generated for each sample code by the panel are analyzed using a proportional hazards regression model. This model assumes computationally that the panelist proceeds through the ranking procedure from most of the attribute being assessed to the least of the assessed attribute.
• the softness and stiffness test results are presented as log odds values.
• the log odds are the natural logarithm of the risk ratios that are estimated for each code from the proportional hazards regression model. Larger log odds indicate the attribute of interest is perceived with greater intensity.
• the IHR is employed to obtain a holistic assessment of softness and stiffness, or to determine if product differences are humanly perceivable. This panel is trained to provide assessments more accurately than an average untrained consumer might provide. The IHR is useful in obtaining a quick read as to whether a process change is humanly detectable and/or affects the softness or stiffness perception, as compared to a control.
• the data from the IHR can also be presented in rank format.
• the data can generally be used to make relative comparisons within tests as a product's ranking is dependent upon the products it is ranked with. Across-test comparisons can be made when at least one product is tested in both tests.
• the STFI mottling program has been written to run with Matlab computer software for computation and programming.
• a grayscale image is uploaded to the program where an image of the tissue in question had been generated under controlled, low-angle lighting conditions with a video camera, frame grabber and an image acquisition algorithm. Images are generated according to the method described below.
• the resulting image has a pixel resolution of 1024 x 1024 and represents a 12.5mm X 12.5mm field of view.
• the STFI mottling software analyzes the grayscale variation of the image in both the MD and CD directions by using FFT (Fast Fourier Transform).
• FFT Fast Fourier Transform
• the FFT is used to develop gray-scale images at different wavelength ranges based on the frequency information present within the FFT.
• the gray-scale coefficient-of- variation (%COV) is then calculated from each of the images (e.g. inverse FFT's) corresponding to the wavelengths which were pre-determined by the STFI software. Since these images are generated with low-angle lighting, the tissue surface structure is shown as areas of light and dark, due to shadowing, and consequently the grayscale variation can be related to the tissue surface structure. For each code, 3 tissues are analyzed with 5 images from each tissue, resulting in a total of 15 images analyzed per code.
• the test method involves retaining tissues, from which samples will be cut, at room temperature of between 68°F to 72°F, and a relative humidity between 45 to 55%, for a time period of 24 hours. After the tissues have been acclimated, samples are prepared for imaging. Three randomly sampled, wrinkle-free tissues specimens are mounted on a 10X12-inch glass plate by adhering with an adhesive tape at their corners and along their sides. The tissues are drawn snug under mild tension during this tape adhering step. The specimens are cut and mounted so that the machine direction runs parallel with the longer dimension of the 2x3 inch piece.
• the basesheet samples are one-ply, and finished product samples are two-ply. For basesheet and finished product samples, each sample specimen is mounted with the creped side of the tissue in an upward position.
• Each sample specimen is "painted" with a 50:50 mixture of PENTEL® Correction PenTM fluid and n-butanol, using a top quality camel's hair brush, applying in one direction parallel to the machine direction. This preparation will reduce light reflection and refraction. A 20 minute drying time is sufficient.
• a specimen is illuminated in a darkened room with a collimated light source produced by a slide projector.
• the slide projector used may be a
• Kodak Ektagraphic slide projector (Model B-2) 228 having a lens 230.
• the slide projector 228 may be connected to a POWERSTAT Variable Auto-transformer, type 3PN117C (or equivalent, which can be purchased from Superior Electric, Co. having an office in Bristol, CT.
• the auto-transformer is used to adjust the illumination level of the slide projector.
• the slide projector 228, with its attached lens 230, is mounted on a support 232. In turn, the support is attached to a base
• the collimated light source is adjusted to hit the top surface of the tissue specimen 222 at an angle of 20 degrees.
• the prepared tissue sample 222 is positioned flat on top of the auto-stage 246 with the crepe pattern orthogonally aligned with respect to the light source, resulting in shadows cast by the crepe folds.
• the Dage 81 video camera 236 is mounted on a Polaroid MP-4 Land Camera
• the support is attached to a KREONITE macro-viewer 244 available from Kreonite, Inc., having an office in Wichita, Kansas.
• An auto-stage Model HM-1212, 246 is placed on the upper surface of the KREONITE macro-viewer.
• the auto-stage 246 is a motorized apparatus known to those skilled in the analytical arts which can be purchased from Design Components Incorporated (DCI), having an office in Franklin, MA.
• DCI Design Components Incorporated
• the auto stage 246 is used to move the sample 222 in order to obtain five separate and distinct, non-overlapping images from the approximately 3 x 2 inch size specimen.
• the glass plates 224 with painted tissue are placed on the auto macro-stage (DCI 12X12 inch) of a Leica Microsystems Quantimet 600 Image Analysis system, under the optical axis of a 40 mm El-Nikkor lens 238 with a 30- mm extension tube 240.
• the sample is illuminated at 20 degrees with a slide projector to form shadows.
• the distance Di represents the distance between the upper surface of the sample and the bottom of the lens.
• the distance Di is set to be approximately 6 centimeters (cm).
• the distance D 2 represents the vertical distance between the lens attached to the slide projector and the upper surface of the sample.
• the distance D 2 is set at 26 cm.
• the sample is illuminated by the slide projector.
• the distance D3 represents the horizontal distance between a vertical line extending to the center of the video camera lens and a vertical line extending to the center of the slide projector lens.
• the distance D 3 is set at 58 cm.
• the image analysis system used to acquire images may be a Quantimet 600 Image Analysis System available from Leica Microsystems, having an office in
• the system is controlled and run by QWIN Version 1.06A software.
• the image analysis algorithm 'OSC6C is used to acquire and process gray-scale monochrome images using Quantimet User Interactive Programming System (QUIPS) language.
• QUIPS Quantimet User Interactive Programming System
• the OSC6C program could be used with a Quantimet 550 IW Image Analysis System or newer QWIN Pro platforms which run newer versions of the software (e.g. QWIN Pro Version 3.2.1 ).
• the custom image acquisition program is shown below.
• CONDITIONS Dage 81 w/ 40 mm El-Nikkor lens (f/4) and 30 mm ext. tube; Projected, collimated light @ 20 deg. angle; 50/50 PENTEL/n-Butanol coating on samples; mounted on 1/4" glass plate; Front of fixture is 46 cm from front of camera; fixture base is raised to 4th hole from bottom.
• Image frame (x ⁇ , y 0, Width 1024, Height 1024)
• Measure frame (x 92, y 325, Width 800, Height 400) PauseText ("Position Sample and use Polaroid 803 reference to adjust white level to 1.0. After clicking 'OK', adjust Variac so readout is in 190-194 range. ”)
• step 1 ROUTINE TO STABILIZE LIGHT LEVEL
• shading correction is performed using QWIN software and a white, 803 Polaroid film positive (or equivalent white material) covered with an opaque, translucent film. Alternatively, other non-glossy white films or sheets could be used.
• the shading correction is performed using a 'live' mode.
• the system and images are accurately calibrated using QWIN software and a standard ruler with metric markings. The calibration is performed in the horizontal dimension of the video camera image.
• the QUIPS algorithm OSC6C is executed via the QWIN software and this initially prompts the analyst to place the sample specimen within the field- of-view of the video camera. After positioning the specimen so the machine direction is parallel to the light source and the specimen is properly aligned for auto-stage motion, the analyst will then be prompted to adjust the light level setting (via the POWERSTAT variable auto transformer) to register between Gray-Level readings of 190-194. During this process of light adjustment, a QUIPS algorithm OSC6C will automatically display the current Gray-Level value on the video screen.
• the Gray-Level scale used on the Quantimet 600 system, or equivalent, is 8-bit and ranges from 0 - 255 (0 represents 'black' and 255 represents 'white').
• an image representing a 12.5mm X 12.5mm field of view is generated and saved as * .tif image file.
• 3 tissue specimens are selected per sample code and 5 images generated per tissue specimen resulting in 15 images generated per sample or code.
• STFI Mottling software used for this analysis is STFI-Mottling v2.61 created by INNVENTIA (BOX 5604, SE-114 86, Sweden +46 8 676 7000 - formerly STFI-Packforsk), designed for use with Matlab v7.x for Windows 95/98/2000/XP.
• INNVENTIA BOX 5604, SE-114 86, Sweden +46 8 676 7000 - formerly STFI-Packforsk
• Matlab v7.x for Windows 95/98/2000/XP.
• Wavelength, mm - max 64 Images are uploaded to the software by clicking the Select TIFF-file button and then choosing the appropriate file. The image then appears in the image window and the "Mark two corners" button is chosen. Diagonally opposite corners of the image are selected resulting in 4 regions on the tissue image boxed to denote the 4 measuring areas 250, 252, 253, and 254. The image analysis areas are illustrated in Fig. 10. It should be noted that there is slight overlap 255 of the four analysis regions.
• the "Add to batch” button is then clicked to ready the measuring areas for analysis. All images for a sample are “added to batch” prior to clicking the "Start evaluation” button. Once the evaluation is complete, data files are then saved automatically for summary and analysis. A data file is saved for each image analyzed. A FFT calculation is completed for each analysis area and the average of the four FFTs is used for the image. Since there is a magnification difference of 29X between the actual images used and what the STFI mottling software normally uses from an image provided by a flatbed scanner, the wavelength ranges provided by the STFI software has to be recalculated to reflect this difference.
• the data file for each image contains %COV for 2-4mm, 4-8mm, 8-16mm, 16- 32mm, and 32-64 mm wavelengths for each of the four image areas 250-256 and the mean of those areas.
• the total variation and gray level is also included in each data file.
• the mean of the 4 image analysis areas for the 8-16mm wavelength %COV is used for each image for data analysis. Since there are 15 images total per code, 15 %COV is used to calculate a mean for the code or sample. Since images are acquired at a magnification of 29X, the 8-16mm wavelength reported by the STFI software is actually 0.28-0.55 mm on the tissue specimens. 0.28-0.55 mm is generally considered by those skilled in the art to reflect good crepe. In the case of this analysis technique, lower %COV numbers in this wavelength area suggest less variation in the surface or a smoother surface.
• This test is used to determine the amount of water-soluble creping blend component transferred from a facial tissue to a collagen film which serves as a model for skin.
• Collagen film may be obtained from Viscofan Group (located in Pomplona, Spain).
• An Ink Rub Tester Model #10-18-01 manufactured by Testing Machines Inc. (located in Ronkonkoma, New York) is used in this test method.
• a block 5 cm by 10 cm and 2 cm thick, with a weight of 908 grams, is covered with the collagen film which is secured with magnets.
• the prepared block, covered by the collagen film is rubbed against the stable base of the instrument, which is covered by the tissue sample which is secured to the base with tape on the edges.
• One set of films are equilibrated at 50% Relative Humidity (RH), and another set at an equilibration of 100% RH.
• Conditioning to 100% RH can be achieved by placing the collagen in a closed container containing water, without immersing the collagen in the water, and equilibrating the collagen in the closed container for 24 hours. Each sample is rubbed 8 cycles at a speed of 85 cycles per minute.
• each collagen sample is placed into a 20-mL vial.
• 5-mL water is added and the contents sonicated for 10 minutes and shaken for 10 minutes.
• the ultrasonic action may be performed using a BRANSON Ultrasonic Cleaner, Model BRANSONIC 52, from the Branson Company in Danbury, CT.
• the resulting solutions are filtered through a filter such as a PALL ACRODISC Syringe filter, 25 mm with 5 micron VERSAPOR membrane. These solutions are used for quantification.
• a PEG 8,000 calibration curve is generated for quantification purposes.
• Collagen film can be obtained from various sources such as Viscofan Group (located in Pomplona, Spain). The films are conditioned to 100% RH. Each collagen sample is rubbed against a tissue sample as follows:
• An Ink Rub Tester Model #10-18-01 manufactured by Testing Machines Inc. (located in Ronkonkoma, New York) functions by rubbing a block 5 cm by 10 cm and 2 cm thick, with a weight of 908 grams, covered with the collagen film (secured with magnets), against the stable base of the instrument, covered by a tissue sample (secured with tape on the edges). Conditioning the collagen films to 100% RH is achieved by placing the collagen in a closed container containing water, without immersing the collagen in the water, and equilibrating the collagen in the closed container for 24 hours. Each sample is rubbed 8 cycles at a speed of 85 cycles per minute.
• the coefficient of friction for the tissue-rubbed collagen film samples is determined with a Lab Master Friction and Slip tester, Model 32-90, available from Testing Machines Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY.
• the films are tested under TAPPI conditions (50% relative humidity and 23°C) at a test speed of 122 cm/minute, with a sled weight of 250 grams and a contact area of 38.4 cm 2 .
• a first film is placed, treated side up, on the base platform and secured with tape.
• a second identically treated film is secured on the sled with the treated side facing the first film.
• Identical collagen films, which are not rubbed with the tissue, are tested in the same manner.
• Sheet bulk is calculated as the quotient of the sheet caliper of a conditioned fibrous sheet, expressed in microns, divided by the conditioned basis weight, and expressed in grams per square meter. The resulting sheet bulk is expressed in cubic centimeters per gram. More specifically, the sheet caliper is the representative thickness of a single sheet measured in accordance with TAPPI test methods T402 "Standard Conditioning and Testing Atmosphere For Paper, Board, Pulp Handsheets and Related Products" and T41 1 om-89 "Thickness (caliper) of Paper, Paperboard, and Combined Board” with Note 3 for stacked sheets.
• the micrometer used for carrying out T41 1 om-89 is an Emveco 200-A Tissue Caliper Tester available from Emveco, Inc., Newberg, Oregon.
• the micrometer has a load of 2 kilo-Pascals, a pressure foot area of 2500 square millimeters, a pressure foot diameter of 56.42 millimeters, a dwell time of 3 seconds and a lowering rate of 0.8 millimeters per second.
• the "geometric mean tensile (GMT) strength” is the square root of the product of the machine direction tensile strength multiplied by the cross- machine direction tensile strength.
• the "machine direction (MD) tensile strength” is the peak load per 3 inches (76.2 mm) of sample width when a sample is pulled to rupture in the machine direction.
• the "cross-machine direction (CD) tensile strength” is the peak load per 3 inches (76.2 mm) of sample width when a sample is pulled to rupture in the cross-machine direction.
• the “stretch” is the percent elongation of the sample at the point of rupture during tensile testing. The procedure for measuring tensile strength is as follows.
• Samples for tensile strength testing are prepared by cutting a 3 inch (76.2 mm) wide by a 5 inch (127 mm) long strip in the machine direction (MD) or cross- machine direction (CD) orientation using a JDC Precision Sample Cutter (Thwing- Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, PA, Model No. JDC 3-10, Serial No. 37333). Samples must be conditioned to 50% relative humidity at a temperature of 23°C and handled with rubber gloves.
• the instrument used for measuring tensile strengths is an MTS Systems Insight 1 Material Testing Work Station.
• the data acquisition software is MTS TestWorks® 4 (MTS Systems Corp., 14000 Technology Driver, Eden Prairie, MN 55344).
• the load cell is selected from either a 50 Newton or 100 Newton maximum (S-Beam TEDS ID Load Cell), depending on the strength of the sample being tested, such that the majority of peak load values fall between 10 - 90% of the load cell's full scale value.
• the gauge length between jaws is 4 ⁇ 0.04 inches (101.6 ⁇ 1 mm).
• the jaws are operated using pneumatic-action and are rubber coated.
• the minimum grip face width is 3 inches (76.2 mm), and the approximate height of a jaw is 0.5 inches (12.7 mm).
• the crosshead speed is 10 ⁇ 0.4 inches/min (254 ⁇ 1 mm/min), and the break sensitivity is set at 65%.
• the data is recorded at 100 hz.
• the sample is placed in the jaws of the instrument, centered both vertically and horizontally.
• the test is then started and ends when the specimen breaks.
• the peak load is recorded as the "MD tensile strength" or the "CD tensile strength” of the specimen.
• At least six (6) representative specimens are tested for each product or sheet, taken “as is", and the arithmetic average of all individual specimen tests is the MD or CD tensile strength for the product or sheet.
• the "Basis Weight” test is used to determine the mass of tissue fibers per unit area of the tissue sheet for napkins, towels, facial and bath tissue product.
• the basis weight can be measured in As-Is (no conditioning), Conditioned (equilibrated to laboratory conditions of 23 +/- 3.O 0 C and 50 +/-5% relative humidity ) or Bone Dry (oven dried at 105 +/- 2.O 0 C for 25 minutes for a sample weight less than 10.0 grams and a minimum of 8 hours for a sample weighing more than 10 grams).
• the "Absorbency Rate (Wet-Out Time) Test” is used to determine the absorbency wet out time of napkins, towels, facial and bath tissue product.
• the test product is first equilibrated to ambient conditions for at least four hours at 23 +/- 3.O 0 C and 50 +1-5% relative humidity.
• 20 sheets are stacked and cut to a sixty three millimeter by sixty three millimeter (+/- three millimeters) square using a device capable of cutting to the specified dimensions such as a Hudson Machinery part number se-25 or equivalent.
• the square is then fixed in each corner by staples delivered by a standard, commercially available manual office stapler.
• the staples are placed diagonally across each corner far enough into the sheet so that the staples are completely contacting the tissue sheets, staples should not wrap the corner of the sample.
• the sample is then held horizontally and approximately 25mm (1 inch) over a container containing distilled or de- ionized water at 23.O 0 C ⁇ 3.O 0 C.
• the container should be of sufficient size and depth to ensure that the saturated specimen does not contact the sides, bottom of the container, and the top surface of the water at the same time.
• the container should contain a minimum depth of 51 mm of water to ensure complete saturation of the test specimen and this depth should be maintained throughout the testing.
• the specimen is then dropped flat onto the water surface and a timing device is started when the specimen contacts the water surface. As soon as the specimen is completely saturated, stop the timing device and record the absorbency wet out time in seconds.
• a 1-2 gram sample of the tissue to be tested is weighed and placed in a 100 ml_ specimen cup. Fifty milliliters of room temperature deionized water is added to each specimen cup. The specimen cup is capped and extracted on a flat-bed shaker at 150 rpm for one hour.
• the sample is filtered through a Buchner funnel containing a Whatman 934-AH glass microfiber filter (Whatman Catalog Number 1827-055, Whatman Inc., GE Healthcare, www.whatman.com ) using vacuum.
• the specimen cup is rinsed twice with deionized water and poured into the funnel.
• the tissue is then rinsed an additional two times with deionized water.
• the extract is transferred to a tared 100 ml. beaker and the filter flask is rinsed twice with deionized water and combined with the extract in the beaker.
• the total volume in the beaker is nearly 100 ml_.
• the beaker is dried in an oven at 105 0 C, cooled, and weighed.
• the % water soluble extractables are calculated from the tissue weight and the tare and final weights of the beaker.
• the fuzz-on-edge methodology measures the amount of fibers that protrude from the surface of a fibrous material.
• the measurement is performed using image analysis to detect and then measure the total perimeter of protruding surface fibers observed when the material in question is wrapped over an 'edge' to that allow the fibers to be viewed from the side using transmitted light.
• An image analysis algorithm was developed to detect and measure the perimeter length of the fibers per edge length of material, where the perimeter length is defined as the total length of the boundaries of all of the protruding fibers (i.e. Perimeter/Edge Length or PR/EL for short). For example, an edge along the majority of the length of a fibrous material (e.g.
• FIG. 1 1 shows an example of a transmitted light image along the edge of a fibrous nonwoven material and highlights the in-focus protruding fibers 408 (as opposed to out-of-focus fibers 407) that can be measured for their PR/EL value.
• the PR/EL is the accumulated perimeter of the detected fiber areas divided by the edge length 409 (which is depicted in FIG. 1 1 and is the frame or image width of that figure).
• a tissue sample is allowed to equilibrate at laboratory temperature conditions ranging from 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, and a relative humidity between 45 to 55% for at least 24 hours.
• a sample specimen 400 of the tissue is first prepared by cutting it into a strip that is approximately 20 cm in length. The width is cut to approximately 4-5 cm.
• a folded edge is imparted along the machine-direction (MD) length of the tissue strip by taping down one end onto a piece of beveled glass plate 402 using a common, transparent tape (e.g., SCOTCH® tape) so that approximately half the width of the material hangs over the beveled glass edge 404.
• MD machine-direction
• the beveled edge height 450 is 2.4 mm thick.
• the non-beveled edge 452 thickness is 6.0 mm.
• the overall width 454 of the plate is 76 mm, while the non-beveled width 456 is 54 mm.
• the sample is lightly stretched on the opposite end and then fastened down to the beveled glass plate with another small piece of tape 458. See FIG.12. The light stretching is done to remove any macro-wrinkles and puckers inherently present in the material. After taping down the entire long edge stretching between the two ends, the beveled glass plate 402 and holding apparatus 424 is inverted.
• FIG. 12 shows the specimen apparatus 424 possessing two beveled glass plates 402 after two tissue specimens are mounted via the taping instructions described above. Along the edge of the fold, fifteen discrete fields of view along the tissue edge showing any fibers 408 that protrude from the surface of the material are counted and their cumulative perimeter measured.
• the PR/EL value is the sum of the perimeters of the detected and then measured fibers divided by the length of the edge over which they were measured.
• a Dage 81 video camera (Dage-MTI, Michigan City, IN) 420 is mounted on a Polaroid MP-4 Land Camera (Polaroid Resource Center, Cambridge, MA) standard support 422.
• the support is attached to a KREONITE macro-viewer available from Kreonite, Inc., having an office in Wichita, Kansas.
• An auto-stage, DCI Model HM-1212 is placed on the upper surface of the KREONITE macro- viewer and the sample mounting apparatus was placed atop the auto-stage.
• the auto-stage is a motorized apparatus known to those skilled in the analytical arts which was purchased from Design Components Incorporated (DCI), having an office in Franklin, MA.
• the auto stage is used to move the sample in order to obtain 15 separate and distinct, non-overlapping images from the specimen.
• the sample mounting apparatus 424 is placed on the auto macro-stage (DCI 12X12 inch) of a Leica Microsystems Quantimet 600 Image Analysis system, under the optical axis of a 60-mm AF Micro Nikkor lens (Nikon Corp., Japan) fitted with a 30- mm extension tube.
• the lens focus is adjusted to provide the maximum magnification and the camera position on the Polaroid MP-4 support is adjusted to provide optimum focus of the tissue edge.
• the sample is illuminated from beneath the auto-stage using a Chroma Pro 45 (Circle 2, Inc., Tempe, AZ).
• the Chroma Pro settings are such that the light is 'white' and not filtered in any way to bias the light's spectral output.
• the Chroma Pro may be connected to a POWERSTAT Variable Auto-transformer, type 3PN117C, which may be purchased from Superior Electric, Co. having an office in Bristol, CT.
• the auto-transformer is used to adjust the Chroma Pro's illumination level.
• FIG. 13 shows the tissue sample mounting device sitting atop the auto macro-stage with the Dage 81 camera overhead.
• the image analysis system used to acquire images and perform the PR/EL measurements may be a Quantimet 600 Image Analysis System available from Leica Microsystems, having an office in Heerbrugg, Switzerland. The system is controlled and run by QWIN Version 1.06A software.
• the image analysis algorithm 'FOE2' is used to acquire and process gray-scale monochrome images using Quantimet User Interactive Programming System (QUIPS) language.
• QUIPS Quantimet User Interactive Programming System
• the FOE2 program could be used with a Quantimet 550 IW Image Analysis System or newer QWIN Pro platforms which run newer versions of the software (e.g. QWIN Pro Version 3.2.1 ).
• the custom image analysis program is shown below.
• CONDITIONS Dage 81 vid.; 60-mm Micro-Nikkor (f/4) w/ 30 mm ext. tube (max. mag. for focus); Transmitted light through 4"x5" mask; DCI stage; beveled glass sample holders.
• IMAGE AND FRAMES SET-UP Image frame ( x ⁇ , y O, Width 1024, Height 1024 ) Measure frame ( x 32, y 61 , Width 964, Height 962 ) Calibrate ( CALVALUE CALUNITS$ per pixel ) PauseText ( "Set up sample and adjust white level to 1.00” ) Enter Results Header File Results Header ( channel #1 )
• Binary Logical ( C A XOR B : C Binary2, A BinaryO, B Binaryl ) Binary Amend ( Close from Binary2 to Binary3, cycles 1 , operator Disc, edge erode on )
• Binary Amend Open from Binary3 to Binary4, cycles 1 , operator Disc, edge erode on )
• Field Histogram #2 ( Y Param Number, X Param Anisotropy, from 0.40 to 1.20, linear, 20 bins )
• FEATURE MEASUREMENTS Measure feature plane Binary4, 32 ferets, minimum area: 10, grey image:
• shading correction is performed using the QWIN software and blank field-of-view illuminated only by the Chromo Pro 45.
• the shading correction is performed using the 'live' mode.
• the system and images are also accurately calibrated using the QWIN software and a standard ruler with metric markings. The calibration is performed in the horizontal dimension of the video camera image.
• the QUIPS algorithm F0E2 is executed via the QWIN software and this initially prompts the analyst to place the sample specimen 400 within the field-of-view of the video camera. After positioning the specimen so the machine direction runs horizontally in the image the specimen is properly aligned for auto- stage motion, the analyst will then be prompted to adjust the light level setting (via the POWERSTAT variable auto transformer) to register a white level reading of 1.0. During this process of light adjustment, the QUIPS algorithm FOE2 will automatically display the current white level value within a small window on the video screen.
• the QUIPS algorithm FOE 2 will then automatically acquire the 15 images and make corresponding PR/EL measurements for a single tissue specimen. The analyst will then be prompted to reposition the tissue mounting apparatus, so that the next specimen can be imaged accordingly. This repositioning step will occur two more times so that a third and forth tissue specimen will be measured as well.
• the Gray-Level scale used on the Quantimet 600 system, or equivalent, is 8-bit and ranges from 0 - 255 (0 represents 'black' and 255 represents 'white').
• the PR/EL data are exported directly to an EXCEL® spreadsheet.
• the data are then processed so that the mean PR/EL value obtained from each of the four tissue specimens are then combined together resulting in a final mean PR/EL value.
• This test method is directed to a single-ply creped tissue sample.
• the dryer-side and felt-side of the sample must be identified.
• Machine direction (MD) and Cross- machine direction (CD) must also be known.
• SCOTCH® Box Sealing Tape 373 available from 3M, St. Paul, MN, is used to split the tissue sheet samples.
• the tape is supplied at 48 mm wide. Five samples of the tape alone, each 102 mm long, are weighed and averaged to determine an average weight per length. This is used as the tare weight of the tape.
• a 48 mm by 102 mm piece of the SCOTCH® 373 tape is applied to the felt-side of the tissue sample, with the longer dimension aligned with the MD of the tissue sample.
• the actual tape length is longer than 102 mm in order to create a tab at one end by folding over the tape end.
• the actual effective applied length to the tissue is 102 mm.
• a 2.0 kg roller, which is approximately the same width as the tape, is rolled once over the taped portion at a speed of 305 mm per minute, down and back.
• the tissue sample is pulled apart by grasping the two tape tabs and pulling them apart at a speed of about 102 mm per minute.
• the result is a split tissue sheet sample, with a portion attached to each piece of tape.
• Each of the two 48 mm by 102 mm tape/tissue samples is weighed.
• the tare weight of the tape is subtracted from the tape/tissue sample weight to obtain the weight of tissue and additive composition that is attached to each piece of tape.
• Each of the two tape/tissue samples is placed in a 100-mL specimen cup and 15 ml of a 90:10 (isopropyl alcohohwater) mixture is added by pipette.
• the specimen cup was capped and then placed on a flatbed shaker at 150 rpm for 2 hours.
• the amount of PEG extracted is determined by the HPLC procedure as described as follows:
• the amounts of PEG isolated are normalized by the tissue/additive composition weight for that split and recorded as weight percent of PEG in the tissue split:
• LCST Lower Critical Solution Temperature
• "Conventional" creping chemistries for tissue manufacturing have typically included an adhesive which comprises an aqueous admixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and a water-soluble, thermosetting, cationic polyamide-epihalohydrin resin, as described in Soerens U.S. Pat. No. 4,501 ,640.
• the polyvinyl alcohol can be, for instance, Celvol 523, available from Celanese Corporation (Dallas, TX).
• the polyamide-epihalohydrin resin can be Kymene 557-H, available from Ashland Corporation (Covington, KY). Additional variations of conventional creping chemistries also include Rezosol 1095, available from Ashland Corporation (Covington, KY).
• the ratio of chemicals included in the conventional creping mixtures has varied over a large range. However, a typical mixture can be 40% PVOH, 40% Kymene 557-H, and 20% Rezosol 1095.
• water soluble creping chemistries can include an additive composition having a water insoluble polyolefin dispersion as described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2007/0144697, incorporated herein to the extent that it is consistent with the present invention.
• the present disclosure is directed to the incorporation of an additive composition onto at least the surface of a fibrous article in order to maintain or improve certain physical characteristics such softness and absorbency, while improving the related manufacturing efficiency.
• the additive composition is made from a water-soluble film-forming component and a water-soluble modifier component.
• the additive may also contain additional water- soluble modifier components.
• Polymers which have the property of a Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) are particularly beneficial as a non-uniform coating of the present invention because they are soluble in water at an ambient temperature of about 22°C.
• the composition quickly precipitates at the relatively high temperature of the dryer surface, which is greater than 50 0 C. This property allows discrete deposition onto the tissue fibers while increasing efficiency of processing.
• the polymers having the desired LCST property generally have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments in their macromolecular structure which results in the solubility change at a LCST.
• composition examples from this group include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl starch (HPS), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (poly-NIPAAm), polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymers (such as Pluronic F127), poly(2 ethyl oxazoline).
• HPC hydroxypropyl cellulose
• HPS hydroxypropyl starch
• HEC hydroxyethyl cellulose
• poly-NIPAAm poly-N-isopropylacrylamide
• Pluronic F127 poly(2 ethyl oxazoline).
• Blends of the present invention consist of water soluble, polymers with melting points in the range of 35°C to 95°C, which are utilized to crepe a fibrous web. These polymers are in the molten state at temperatures 20 0 C to 80 0 C above their melting point of the components.
• the molten state refers to a polymer or blend of polymers that is above the melting point of all components and has a water content of less than 5% by weight and a melt viscosity of 400 - 600,000 centipoise at 120°C, as measured by the Melt Viscosity test method, ASTM D 3236, 2004 version.
• Blends of the present invention at the creping blade function like a hot melt adhesive with a high affinity for the metal surface and the cellulosic fiber web along with a low cohesive strength which facilitates failure, at least partially within the creping blend layer on the Yankee dryer, resulting in significant transfer of the creping blend to cellulosic fiber web.
• the blends of the present invention have relatively low melting points and have no functionality to promote crosslinking they are relatively stable and provide consistent creped tissue properties because there is less tendency for chemical transformation during the process by crosslinking or decomposition.
• the polymer blends are nonionic (without charge) they are less sensitive to the ionic content of the process water. These properties enhance stability which provides for a robust process window.
• the additive composition is non-ionic.
• cationic and anionic polymers may be used if they produce a similar effect as the non-ionic polymers.
• the additive composition of the present invention is applied directly onto the dryer surface 20 (e.g., a Yankee dryer) using a spray boom 22.
• the dryer surface 20 e.g., a Yankee dryer
• the LCST Once the LCST has been reached, it will precipitate to form insoluble masses that can be transferred to the web surface during a creping process.
• the creping process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US2008/0073046 to Dyer et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.
• the fibrous web 13 is adhered to the surface of the Yankee dryer when it is pressed into contact with the composition.
• the fibrous web and the composition are subsequently scraped off of the dryer surface by a creping blade 24.
• the process may provide among other advantages, the advantage of not having to remove the polymer from the process waste water.
• Other process advantages include but are not limited to: (1 ) solubility at ambient temperature prevents unwanted deposition on tissue machine felts or fabrics; (2) insolubility at high temperature enables surface deposition onto the tissue surface; and (3) hydrophobic segment interaction at high temperature encourages the hydrophobic segment to stay on the surface of deposited material. This morphological conformation may be related to improved tissue tactile properties.
• the moisture sensitivity of the creping composition can also be used to modify the frictional properties of the tissue as well as control coating transfer to the skin. At least a portion of the creping composition will dissolve in the presence of water. Creping compositions of the present invention when applied at levels greater than 100 mg/m 2 have water soluble extractives greater than 0.35% at a conditioned basis weight of about 28 gsm.
• biodegradable and water soluble modified polysaccharides were selected to demonstrate this invention. They are hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, all available from Ashland, Inc. (Covington, KY) with commercial names of KLUCEL, NATROSOL, BENECEL respectively, and hydroxypropyl starch which is available from Chemstar (Minneapolis, MN) with a trade name of GLUCOSOL 800 (hereinafter referred to as GLUCOSOL).
• GLUCOSOL a trade name of GLUCOSOL 800
• HPC hydroxypropyl cellulose
• HPS hydroxypropyl starch
• HPMC hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
• HEC hydroxyethyl cellulose
• polyethylene oxide polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block polymers (such as PLUCONIC F127) poly(2 ethyl oxazoline, vinyl caprolactone- vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, and polyethylene glycol methacrylates.
• the additive composition of the present invention includes at least one water- soluble film forming component capable of forming a coating on the surface of a dryer. When applied to a hot dryer surface the composition goes from a liquid solution to a suspension containing a precipitate. When transferred to a fibrous web, the additive composition in the form of a precipitate forms a deposit that not only stays on top of the tissue, but penetrates beyond the tissue surface as well.
• the deposit allows liquids to be absorbed therethrough and into the interior of the fibrous web.
• the polymer network is wettable due to the water soluble nature of the additive composition.
• the additive composition does not significantly interfere with the liquid absorption properties of the web while increasing the softness of the web.
• the water-soluble film forming components contained within the additive composition may vary depending upon the particular application and the desired result.
• the water-soluble film forming component is GLUCOSOL 800.
• the water-soluble film forming component can be present in the additive composition in any operative amount and will vary based on the chemical component selected, as well as on the end properties that are desired.
• the water- soluble film forming component can be present in the additive composition in an amount of about 10-90 wt%, such as 20-80 wt% or 30-70 wt% based on the total weight of the additive composition, to provide improved benefits.
• An additional water- soluble film forming component is poly(ethylene oxide) such as POLYOX N3000, available from Dow Chemical, having a place of business located in Midland, Michigan.
• the second water-soluble film forming component can be present in the additive composition in an amount of about 1-30 wt%, such as 5-20% or 10-15% based on the total weight of the additive composition, to provide improved benefits.
• Suitable water-soluble film forming components also include, cellulose ethers and esters, poly(acrylic acid) and salts thereof, poly(acrylate esters), and poly(acrylic acid) copolymers.
• Other suitable water-soluble film forming components include polysaccharides of sufficient chain length to form films such as, but not limited to, pullulan and pectin.
• the water soluble film-forming polymer can also contain additional monoethylenically unsaturated monomers that do not bear a pendant acid group, but are copolymerizable with monomers bearing acid groups.
• Such compounds include, for example the monoacrylic esters and monomethacrylic esters of polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, the molar masses (Mn) of the polyalkylene glycols being up to about 2,000, for example.
• the water-soluble film forming component is dissolved into a 1 wt% aqueous solution, and diluted further as required to provide the desired dosage in mg/m2 of tissue surface.
• the dosage is estimated based on the volume of film forming solution multiplied by the film forming concentration and divided by the square meters of tissue treated per unit time.
• the water-soluble film forming component is hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) sold by Ashland, Inc. under the brand name of KLUCEL.
• HPCEL hydroxypropyl cellulose
• the water-soluble film forming component can be present in the additive composition in any operative amount and will vary based on the chemical component selected, as well as on the end properties that are desired.
• the biodegradable, water-soluble modifier component can be present in the additive composition in an amount of about 1-70 wt%, or at least about 1 wt%, such as at least about 5 wt%, or least about 10 wt%, or up to about 30 wt%, such as up to about 50 wt% or up to about 75 wt% or more, based on the total weight of the additive composition, to provide improved benefits.
• suitable first water-soluble biodegradable film forming components include methyl cellulose (MC ) sold by Ashland, Inc. under the brand name of BENECEL; hydroxyethyl cellulose sold by Ashland, Inc.
• chemistries once diluted in water, are disposed onto a Yankee dryer surface with a spray boom 22 to ultimately transfer to the web surface.
• the additive composition can include a first water-soluble modifier component.
• the first water-soluble modifier component is used, among other things, to adjust adhesion of the web to a paper drying surface.
• the water-soluble modifier component can also improve paper machine cleanliness (e.g., the paper machine dryer surface and paper machine felts or fabrics).
• the water-soluble modifier component is a first water-soluble modifier component.
• the water-soluble modifier component is Carbowax PEG 8000, available from Dow Chemical, having a place of business located in Midland, Michigan.
• the water-soluble modifier component can be present in the additive composition in any operative amount and will vary based on the chemical component selected, as well as on the end properties that are desired.
• the water-soluble modifier component can be present in the additive composition in an amount of about 1-90 wt%, or at least about 1 wt%, such as at least about 5 wt%, or least about 10 wt%, or up to about 30 wt%, such as up to about 50 wt% or up to about 75 wt%, or more, based on the total weight of the additive composition, to provide improved benefits.
• suitable first water-soluble modifier components include ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers.
• the additive composition of the present invention can also include an additional water-soluble modifier component.
• the additional water-soluble modifier component can be utilized, among other things, as a plasticizer for the water- soluble film forming component thereby reducing the stiffness and cohesive strength of the water-soluble film forming component.
• the additional water-soluble modifier component can also contribute to improved end-properties of the web, including but not limited to, increased void volume of the sheet and/or improved perceived softness.
• the additional water-soluble modifier component is different than the first water-soluble modifier component.
• the additional water-soluble modifier component is.
• the additional water-soluble modifier component can be present in the additive composition in any operative amount and will vary based on the chemical component selected, as well as on the end properties of the web that are desired.
• the additional water-soluble modifier component can be present in the additive composition in an amount of up to about 10 wt%, such as up to about 20 wt% or up to about 40 wt% or more, based on the total weight of the additive composition, to provide improved benefits.
• suitable additional water- soluble modifier components include sorbitol, sucrose, glycerol, glycerol esters, and propylene glycol.
• the additive composition can be diluted prior to application.
• the pH of the aqueous solution is generally less than about 12, such as from about 5 to about 9, and preferably about 6 to about 8.
• the additive composition can be diluted to between 0.20 wt% to 10 wt%, desirably to between 4 to 7 wt%.
• the additive composition may be applied topically to the web during a creping process.
• the additive composition may be sprayed onto a heated dryer drum in order to adhere the web to the dryer drum. The web can then be creped from the dryer drum.
• a conventionally creped sheet uses a multi-component creping chemistry package including one component which is a polymer that forms a relatively hard solid after drying and water removal, such as a cross-linking or non-crosslinking resin, and a material such as low molecular weight organic compound which does not form a solid after drying and water removal, such as an emulsified oil.
• This total chemistry package addition range is generally below a level of 30 milligrams per square meter of the Yankee surface. This operating range for traditional coating chemistry is desired because the Yankee dryer coating typically becomes compromised at higher addition rates.
• This compromised condition can include excessively thick coating, discontinuous coating and high coating variability in both the machine and cross direction of the Yankee dryer which may result in reduced blade life, sheet quality issues, increased drying load and low machine efficiency due to breaks and poor winding.
• the desirable combinations of the alternative chemistries of the present invention have been successfully applied to the Yankee dryer at levels from about 50 to about 1000 milligrams per square meter of Yankee surface. The sheet and process have been acceptable at these addition ranges. The coating build up has not been excessive, sheet quality has remained acceptable at high addition rate and the machine efficiency has not been affected.
• any suitable fibrous web may be treated in accordance with the present disclosure.
• the base sheet can be a tissue product, such as a bath tissue, a facial tissue, a paper towel, a napkin, dry and moist wipes, and the like.
• the fibrous products may have a bulk density of at least 3 cc/g. Fibrous products can be made from any suitable types of fiber.
• Fibrous products made according to the present disclosure may include single-ply fibrous products or multiple-ply fibrous products.
• the product may include two plies, three plies, or more.
• Fibers suitable for making fibrous webs comprise any natural or synthetic fibers including, but not limited to nonwoody fibers, such as cotton, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed floss fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers; and woody or pulp fibers such as those obtained from deciduous and coniferous trees, including softwood fibers, such as northern and southern softwood kraft fibers; hardwood fibers, such as eucalyptus, maple, birch, and aspen.
• nonwoody fibers such as cotton, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed floss fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers
• woody or pulp fibers such as those obtained from deciduous and coniferous trees, including softwood fibers, such as northern and southern softwood kraft fibers; hardwood fibers, such as eucalyp
• Pulp fibers can be prepared in high-yield or low-yield forms and can be pulped in any known method, including kraft, sulfite, high-yield pulping methods and other known pulping methods. Fibers prepared from organosolv pulping methods can also be used, including the fibers and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,898, issued Dec. 27, 1988 to Laamanen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,130, issued June 10, 1986 to Chang et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,104. Useful fibers can also be produced by anthraquinone pulping, exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,628 issued Jan. 21 , 1997, to Gordon et al.
• the fibrous webs of the present invention can also include synthetic fibers.
• the fibrous webs can include up to about 10%, such as up to about 30% or up to about 50% or up to about 70% or more by dry weight, to provide improved benefits.
• Suitable synthetic fibers include rayon, polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, bicomponent sheath-core fibers, multi-component binder fibers, and the like.
• Synthetic cellulose fiber types include rayon in all its varieties and other fibers derived from viscose or chemically-modified cellulose.
• Chemically treated natural cellulosic fibers can be used, for example, mercerized pulps, chemically stiffened or crosslinked fibers, or sulfonated fibers.
• the fibers For good mechanical properties in using web forming fibers, it can be desirable that the fibers be relatively undamaged and largely unrefined or only lightly refined.
• recycled fibers can be used, virgin fibers are generally useful for their mechanical properties and lack of contaminants.
• Mercerized fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, cellulose produced by microbes, rayon, and other cellulosic material or cellulosic derivatives can be used.
• Suitable web forming fibers can also include recycled fibers, virgin fibers, or mixes thereof.
• any process capable of forming a web can also be utilized in the present disclosure.
• a web forming process of the present disclosure can utilize creping, wet creping, double creping, recreping, double recreping, embossing, wet pressing, air pressing, through-air drying, hydroentangling, creped through-air drying, co-forming, air laying, as well as other processes known in the art.
• the percentage of pulp is about 70 - 85%.
• fibrous sheets that are pattern densified or imprinted, such as the fibrous sheets disclosed in any of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,514,345 issued on April 30, 1985, to Johnson et al.; 4,528,239 issued on July 9, 1985, to Trokhan; 5,098,522 issued on March 24, 1992; 5,260,171 issued on November 9, 1993, to Smurkoski et al.; 5,275,700 issued on January 4, 1994, to Trokhan; 5,328,565 issued on July 12, 1994, to Rasch et al.; 5,334,289 issued on August 2, 1994, to Trokhan et al.; 5,431 ,786 issued on July 11 , 1995, to Rasch et al.; 5,496,624 issued on March 5, 1996, to Steltjes, Jr.
• Such imprinted fibrous sheets may have a network of densified regions that have been imprinted against a drum dryer by an imprinting fabric, and regions that are relatively less densified (e.g., "domes" in the fibrous sheet) corresponding to deflection conduits in the imprinting fabric, wherein the fibrous sheet superposed over the deflection conduits was deflected by an air pressure differential across the deflection conduit to form a lower-density pillow-like region or dome in the fibrous sheet.
• regions that are relatively less densified e.g., "domes" in the fibrous sheet
• the fibrous web can also be formed without a substantial amount of inner fiber-to- fiber bond strength.
• the fiber furnish used to form the base web can be treated with a chemical debonding agent.
• the debonding agent can be added to the fiber slurry during the pulping process or can be added directly to the headbox.
• Suitable debonding agents include cationic debonding agents such as fatty dialkyl quaternary amine salts, mono fatty alkyl tertiary amine salts, primary amine salts, imidazoline quaternary salts, silicone, quaternary salt and unsaturated fatty alkyl amine salts.
• Other suitable debonding agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,665 to Kaun which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, Kaun discloses the use of cationic silicone compositions as debonding agents.
• Optional chemical additives may also be added to the aqueous web forming furnish or to the formed embryonic web to impart additional benefits to the product and process and are not antagonistic to the intended benefits of the invention.
• the following chemicals are included as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
• the types of chemicals that may be added to the paper web include, but are not limited to, absorbency aids usually in the form of cationic, anionic, or non-ionic surfactants, humectants and plasticizers such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols and polyhydroxy compounds such as glycerin and propylene glycol.
• absorbency aids usually in the form of cationic, anionic, or non-ionic surfactants
• humectants and plasticizers such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols and polyhydroxy compounds such as glycerin and propylene glycol.
• Materials that supply skin health benefits such as mineral oil, aloe extract, vitamin-E, silicone, lotions in general and the like may also be incorporated into the finished products.
• Such chemicals may be added at any point in the web forming process.
• the products of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any known materials and chemicals that are not antagonistic to its intended use.
• materials include but are not limited to odor control agents, such as odor absorbents, activated carbon fibers and particles, baby powder, baking soda, chelating agents, zeolites, perfumes or other odor-masking agents, cyclodextrin compounds, oxidizers, and the like.
• odor control agents such as odor absorbents, activated carbon fibers and particles, baby powder, baking soda, chelating agents, zeolites, perfumes or other odor-masking agents, cyclodextrin compounds, oxidizers, and the like.
• Superabsorbent particles, synthetic fibers, or films may also be employed. Additional options include cationic dyes, optical brighteners, humectants, emollients, and the like.
• Fibrous webs that may be treated in accordance with the present disclosure may include a single homogenous layer of fibers or may include a stratified or layered construction.
• the fibrous web ply may include two or three layers of fibers. Each layer may have a different fiber composition.
• FIG. 3 one aspect of a device for forming a multi-layered stratified pulp furnish is illustrated.
• a three-layered headbox 10 generally includes an upper head box wall 12 and a lower head box wall 14. Headbox 10 further includes a first divider 16 and a second divider 19, which separate three fiber stock layers.
• Each of the fiber layers comprise a dilute aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers.
• the particular fibers contained in each layer generally depend upon the product being formed and the desired results. For instance, the fiber composition of each layer may vary depending upon whether a bath tissue product, facial tissue product or paper towel is being produced.
• middle layer 21 contains southern softwood kraft fibers either alone or in combination with other fibers such as high yield fibers.
• the middle layer may contain softwood fibers for strength, while the outer layers may comprise hardwood fibers, such as eucalyptus fibers, for a perceived softness.
• the basis weight of fibrous webs made in accordance with the present disclosure can vary depending upon the final product.
• the process may be used to produce bath tissues, facial tissues, paper towels, and the like.
• the basis weight of such fibrous products may vary from about 5 gsm to about 1 10 gsm, such as from about 10 gsm to about 90 gsm.
• the basis weight may range from about 10 gsm to about 40 gsm.
• the basis weight may range from about 25 gsm to about 80 gsm or more.
• Fibrous products made according to the above processes can have relatively good bulk characteristics.
• the fibrous web bulk may also vary from about 1 - 20 cc/g, such as from about 3 - 15 cc/g or from about 5 - 12 cc/g.
• the basis weight of each fibrous web present in the product can also vary.
• the total basis weight of a multiple ply product will generally be the same as indicated above, such as from about 20 gsm to about 200 gsm.
• the basis weight of each ply can be from about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm, such as from about 20 gsm to about 40 gsm.
• the fibrous web may be processed using various techniques and methods.
• FIG. 4 shown is an apparatus related to the method for making through-dried fibrous sheets. (For simplicity, the various tensioning rolls schematically used to define the several fabric runs are shown, but not numbered. It will be appreciated that variations from the apparatus and method illustrated in FIG. 4 can be made without departing from the general process.)
• Shown is a twin wire former having a papermaking headbox 34, such as a layered headbox, which injects or deposits a stream 36 of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers onto the forming fabric 38 positioned on a forming roll 39.
• the forming fabric serves to support and carry the newly-formed wet web downstream in the process as the web is partially dewatered to a consistency of about 10 dry weight percent. Additional dewatering of the wet web can be carried out such as by vacuum suction, while the wet web is supported by the forming fabric.
• the wet web is then transferred from the forming fabric to a transfer fabric 40.
• the transfer fabric can be traveling at a slower speed than the forming fabric in order to impart increased stretch into the web. This is commonly referred to as a "rush" transfer.
• the transfer fabric can have a void volume that is equal to or less than that of the forming fabric.
• the relative speed difference between the two fabrics can be from 0-60%, more specifically from about 15-45%.
• Transfer is preferably carried out with the assistance of a vacuum shoe 42 such that the forming fabric and the transfer fabric simultaneously converge and diverge at the leading edge of the vacuum slot.
• the web is then transferred from the transfer fabric to the throughdrying fabric 44 with the aid of a vacuum transfer roll 46 or a vacuum transfer shoe, optionally again using a fixed gap transfer as previously described.
• the throughdrying fabric can be traveling at about the same speed or a different speed relative to the transfer fabric. If desired, the throughdrying fabric can be run at a slower speed to further enhance stretch. Transfer can be carried out with vacuum assistance to ensure deformation of the sheet to conform to the throughdrying fabric, thus yielding desired bulk and appearance if desired.
• Suitable throughdrying fabrics are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,686 issued to Kai F. Chiu et al. and U. S. Pat. No. 5,672,248 to Wendt et al., which are incorporated by reference.
• the throughdrying fabric contains high and long impression knuckles.
• the throughdrying fabric can have from about 5 to about 300 impression knuckles per square inch which are raised at least about 0.005 inches above the plane of the fabric.
• the web can be macroscopically arranged to conform to the surface of the throughdrying fabric and form a three-dimensional surface. Flat surfaces, however, can also be used in the present disclosure.
• the side of the web contacting the throughdrying fabric is typically referred to as the "fabric side" of the paper web.
• the fabric side of the paper web as described above, may have a shape that conforms to the surface of the throughdrying fabric after the fabric is dried in the throughdryer.
• the opposite side of the paper web on the other hand, is typically referred to as the "air side".
• the air side of the web is typically smoother than the fabric side during normal throughdrying processes.
• the level of vacuum used for the web transfers can be from about 3 to about 15 inches of mercury (75 to about 380 millimeters of mercury), preferably about 5 inches (125 millimeters) of mercury.
• the vacuum shoe (negative pressure) can be supplemented or replaced by the use of positive pressure from the opposite side of the web to blow the web onto the next fabric in addition to or as a replacement for sucking it onto the next fabric with vacuum.
• a vacuum roll or rolls can be used to replace the vacuum shoe(s).
• the web While supported by the throughdrying fabric, the web is finally dried to a consistency of about 94 percent or greater by the throughdryer 48 and thereafter transferred to a carrier fabric 50.
• the dried basesheet 52 is transported to the reel 54 using carrier fabric 50 and an optional carrier fabric 56.
• An optional pressurized turning roll 58 can be used to facilitate transfer of the web from carrier fabric 50 to fabric 56.
• Suitable carrier fabrics for this purpose are Albany International 84M or 94M and Asten 959 or 937, all of which are relatively smooth fabrics having a fine pattern.
• reel calendering or subsequent off-line calendering can be used to improve the smoothness and softness of the basesheet.
• the reel 54 shown in FIG. 4 can run at a speed slower than the fabric 56 in a rush transfer process for building crepe into the paper web 52.
• the relative speed difference between the reel and the fabric can be from about 5% to about 25% and, such as from about 12% to about 14%.
• Rush transfer at the reel can occur either alone or in conjunction with a rush transfer process upstream, such as between the forming fabric and the transfer fabric.
• the paper web 52 is a textured web which has been dried in a three- dimensional state such that the hydrogen bonds joining fibers were substantially formed while the web was not in a flat, planar state.
• the web can be formed while the web is on a highly textured throughdrying fabric or other three- dimensional substrate.
• Processes for producing uncreped throughdried fabrics are, for instance, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,248 to Wendt, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,132 to Farrington, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,642 to Lindsay and Burazin; U.S. Pat. No.
• a headbox 60 emits an aqueous suspension of fibers onto a forming fabric 62 which is supported and driven by a plurality of guide rolls 64.
• a vacuum box 66 is disposed beneath forming fabric 62 and is adapted to remove water from the fiber furnish to assist in forming a web.
• a formed web 68 is transferred to a second fabric 70, which may be either a wire or a felt.
• Fabric 70 is supported for movement around a continuous path by a plurality of guide rolls 72.
• a pick up roll 74 designed to facilitate transfer of web 68 from fabric 62 to fabric 70.
• web 68 is transferred to the surface of a rotatable heated dryer drum 76, such as a Yankee dryer.
• the additive composition can be incorporated into the fibrous web 68 by topically applying the additive composition during the drying process.
• the additive composition of the present disclosure may be applied to the surface of the dryer drum 76 for transfer onto one side of the fibrous web 68. In this manner, the additive composition is used to adhere the fibrous web 68 to the dryer drum 76.
• heat is imparted to the web causing most of the moisture contained within the web to be evaporated.
• Web 68 is then removed from dryer drum 76 by a creping blade 78. Creping the web as it is formed further reduces internal bonding within the web and increases softness.
• Applying the additive composition to the web during creping can, in some aspects, increase the strength of the web.
• the additive composition may also be used in post-forming processes.
• the additive composition may be used during a print- creping process, forming patterns including but not limited to those patterns shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Specifically, once topically applied to a fibrous web, the additive composition has been found well-suited to adhering the fibrous web to a creping surface, such as in a print-creping operation.
• the additive composition may be applied to at least one side of the web and the at least one side of the web may then be creped.
• the additive composition may be applied to only one side of the web and only one side of the web may be creped, the additive composition may be applied to both sides of the web and only one side of the web is creped, or the additive composition may be applied to each side of the web and each side of the web may be creped.
• the additive composition can penetrate the fibrous web.
• the degree of such penetration is dependent upon degree of solubility of the additive composition.
• a water soluble additive composition has a higher degree of penetration.
• the precipitate of a LCST polymer at the hot Yankee dryer's surface and has a much reduced degree of penetration. Creping the fibrous web increases the softness of the web by breaking apart fiber-to-fiber bonds contained within the fibrous web.
• fibrous webs made according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into multiple-ply products.
• a fibrous web made according to the present disclosure can be attached to one or more other fibrous webs for forming a wiping product having desired characteristics.
• the other webs laminated to the fibrous web of the present disclosure can be, for instance, a wet-creped web, a calendered web, an embossed web, a through-air dried web, a creped through-air dried web, an uncreped through-air dried web, an airlaid web, and the like.
• a fibrous web made according to the present disclosure when incorporating a fibrous web made according to the present disclosure into a multiple-ply product, it may be desirable to only apply the additive composition to one side of the fibrous web and to thereafter crepe the treated side of the web.
• the creped side of the web is then used to form an exterior surface of a multiple-ply product.
• the untreated and uncreped side of the web is attached by any suitable means to one or more plies.
• the materials used for the inventive creping chemistries are classified as humectants. This means they promote the adsorption and retention of water, including water vapor from the atmosphere. It is hypothesized that the creping chemistries used in this invention retain a higher percentage, by-weight, of water than cellulose under a given set of conditions (temperature, relative humidity). Under conditions of 23°C and 50% relative humidity, for example, wood pulp fibers typically equilibrate at about 5% moisture by weight. Humectant creping chemistries in the tissue sheet that equilibrate at a higher level of moisture than cellulose will serve to bring, and hold, additional water within the structure.
• the humectant creping chemistries are present in a concentration gradient within the tissue structure, having a high concentration on the creped tissue surface and decreasing in concentration as you move in the z- direction away from the creped surface. This chemical concentration gradient will result in an adsorbed moisture concentration gradient within the tissue thickness.
• the dryer side of the tissue, containing the highest concentration of humectant creping chemistry will have the highest localized moisture content.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable crepe structure.
• the crepe structure is very fine, where the crepe folds are small in both frequency and amplitude. This results in a smoother and softer tissue sheet.
• the crepe structure is characterized using tissue images and the STFI mottling program, as described in the Test Method section.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable surface structure.
• individual fibers protrude from the surface of the tissue while still being attached are called free fiber ends and provide enhanced softness, due to both the fuzziness of the tissue surface, as well as by the softening of the fibers from the coating of the additive composition. This results in a velvety soft tissue sheet.
• Evidence for free fiber ends are provided by visual images generated with SEM and the "Fuzz on Edge" test, as described in the Test Method section. See FIGS. 12-14.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable lubricious hand feel.
• the additive composition disposed on the fibers provides a smooth and slippery quality. Lubricious or lubricated hand feel is demonstrated by a significant reduction in coefficient of friction on a skin stimulant of collagen film, as described in the Test Method section.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable quality whereby some of the additive composition chemistry is transferred to moist surfaces, such as human skin.
• Additive compositions of the present disclosure are able to transfer PEG to (moist) skin, which is perceived to be smooth and having lotion. The method used to determine the amount of water soluble creping blend component transferred from the facial tissue to a skin stimulant of collagen film is described in the Test Method section.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable water absorption rate.
• the water absorption rate of cellulose based tissue products affects functional performance.
• facial tissue must be sufficiently strong in use and also wet out very fast in order to absorb liquids, such as nasal discharge. Facial tissue with outstanding softness but delayed absorbent (wet out) rate may not be acceptable for optimum performance. Absorbent rate is measured as described in the Test Method section.
• fibrous webs were made generally according to the process illustrated in FIG. 2.
• a creping surface which in this example comprised a Yankee dryer
• additive compositions made according to the present disclosure were sprayed onto the dryer prior to contacting the dryer with the web. The samples were then subjected to various standardized tests.
• samples were also produced using a conventional creping chemistry treatment as a control.
• samples were also produced using an additive composition having a water insoluble polyolefin dispersion as described in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2007/0144697, incorporated herein to the extent that it is consistent with the present invention.
• various commercially available products were also sampled.
• Technology A tissues tissues manufactured with additive compositions made according to the present disclosure will be referred to as Technology A tissues.
• Technology B tissues tissues manufactured with conventional creping chemistry
• Technology C tissues tissues manufactured with an additive composition having a water insoluble polyolefin dispersion as described in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2007/0144697
• Competitive commercially available products are not classified.
• 2-ply facial tissue products were produced and tested according to the same tests described in the Test Methods section. The following tissue manufacturing process was used to produce the samples.
• Aracruz ECF a eucalyptus hardwood Kraft (EHWK) pulp (Aracruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) was dispersed in a pulper for 30 minutes at about 4% consistency at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The EHWK pulp was then transferred to a dump chest and subsequently diluted to about 3% consistency. The EHWK pulp fibers were used in the two outer layers of the 3-layered tissue structure. The EHWK layers contributed approximately 62-66% of the final sheet weight.
• EHWK eucalyptus hardwood Kraft
• the pulp fibers from the machine chests were pumped to the headbox at a consistency of about 0.1%. Pulp fibers from each machine chest were sent through separate manifolds in the headbox to create a 3-layered tissue structure. The fibers were deposited onto a felt in a Crescent Former, as depicted similar to the process illustrated in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,498.
• the wet sheet about 10-20% consistency, was adhered to a Yankee dryer, traveling at about 2000 to about 5000 fpm, (600 mpm- 1500 mpm) through a nip via a pressure roll.
• the consistency of the wet sheet after the pressure roll nip was approximately 40%.
• the wet sheet is adhered to the Yankee dryer due to the additive composition that is applied to the dryer surface.
• Spray booms situated underneath the Yankee dryer sprayed the creping/additive composition, described in the present disclosure, onto the dryer surface at addition levels ranging from 50 to 1000 mg/m2.
• the creping compositions of GLUCOSOL 800, PEG 8000, and POLYOX N3000 that were applied to the Yankee dryer were prepared by dissolution of the solid polymers into water followed by stirring until the solution was homogeneous. Each polymer was dissolved and pumped separately to the process. Glucosol 800 and PEG 8000 were prepared at 5% solids. POLYOX N3000 was prepared at 2% solids.
• the flow rates of the GLUCOSOL 800, PEG 8000, or POLYOX N3000 solutions were varied to deliver a total addition of 50 to 1000 mg/m 2 spray coverage on the Yankee Dryer at the desired component ratio. Varying the flow rates of the polymer solutions also varies the amount of solids incorporated into the base web.
• the sheet was dried to about 95% - 98% consistency as it traveled on the Yankee dryer and to the creping blade.
• the creping blade subsequently scraped the tissue sheet and a portion of the additive composition off the Yankee dryer.
• the creped tissue basesheet was then wound onto a core traveling at about 1570 to about 3925 fpm (480 mpm to 1200 mpm) into soft rolls for converting.
• the resulting tissue basesheet had an air-dried basis weight of about 14.2 g/m2. Two or three soft rolls of the creped tissue were then rewound, calendared, and plied together so that both creped sides were on the outside of the 2- or 3-ply structure.
• a 2-ply sample was also produced according to the same process.
• a conventional creping chemistry (Technology B) was applied to the Yankee dryer.
• the samples that were tested included Sample Codes 1 to 6 containing the additive composition in amounts from 1% by weight to 10% by weight, and a Control not containing the additive composition.
• commercially available facial tissues were also tested. Particularly, standard KLEENEX® facial tissues, PUFFS® facial tissues, PUFFS PLUS® facial tissues, HOMELIFE Whisper Soft facial tissues, and SCOTTI ES® facial tissues were also tested. All of the commercially available facial tissues contain 2 plies. PUFFS PLUS® facial tissue is treated with a silicone. See Table 2 for sample descriptions.
• samples Prior to testing, all of the samples were conditioned according to TAPPI standards. In particular, the samples were placed in an atmosphere at 50% relative humidity and 23°C for at least four hours.
• water soluble additive composition (of the present disclosure) is transferred to the tissue web during the creping process and is disposed on portions of the web/pulp fibers. At least a portion of the additive composition will dissolve in the presence of water.
• Additive compositions of the present invention when applied at levels greater than 100 mg/m2, have water soluble extractives greater than 0.35%, as measured by the test method described in the Test Method section. See Table 4 for test results. TABLE 4.
• tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure possess an equivalent or faster water absorbent rate, as well as several other unique properties. Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable water absorption rate.
• the water absorption rate of cellulose based tissue products affects functional performance. In one example, facial tissue must be sufficiently strong in use and also wet out very fast in order to absorb liquids, such as nasal discharge. Facial tissue with outstanding softness but delayed absorbent (wet out) rate may not be acceptable for optimum performance. Absorbent rate is measured as described in the Test Method section.
• Technology C tissues have slow wet out times, likely due to the water insoluble creping chemistry that is transferred to the surface of the tissue. Compared to Technology B (conventional creping chemistry) and other competitive commercially available tissues, Technology C tissues have a wet out time that is at least 2 times slower. By contrast the wet out times of the Technology A tissues are all under 3 seconds. Technology A tissue wet out time is independent of the spray application rate.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable crepe structure.
• the crepe structure is very fine, where the crepe folds are small in both frequency and amplitude. This results in a smoother and softer tissue sheet.
• the crepe structure is characterized using tissue images and the STFI mottling program, as described in the Test Method section.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable surface structure.
• individual fibers protrude from the surface of the tissue while still being attached are called free fiber ends and provide enhanced softness, due to both the fuzziness of the tissue surface, as well as by the softening of the fibers from the coating of the additive composition. This results in a velvety soft tissue sheet.
• Evidence for free fiber ends are provided by visual images generated with SEM and the "Fuzz on Edge" test, as described in the Test Method section. See Table 5 for test results.
• Fine Crepe Structure values of the Technology A tissues are all better (lower) than or equal to the Control codes. Additionally, the Fuzz on Edge values of the Technology A tissues are all much higher (better) than any of the Control codes.
• the moisture sensitivity (water solubility) of the creping composition enables the coating to be used for controlled delivery of ingredients that have been mixed into the composition. Under low moisture conditions ingredients remain trapped within the composition's matrix. Under high moisture conditions, the ingredients are released as the composition dissolves.
• Tissue sheets were prepared as described in Example 1.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable quality whereby some of the additive composition chemistry is transferred to moist surfaces, such as human skin.
• Additive compositions of the present disclosure are able to transfer PEG to moist skin, which is perceived to be smooth with the feel of lotion.
• the method used to determine the amount of water soluble creping blend component transferred from the facial tissue to a skin stimulant of collagen film is described in the Test Method section. See Table 6 for test results. TABLE 6.
• Tissue sheets made according to the present disclosure may possess a desirable lubricious hand feel.
• the additive composition disposed on the fibers provides a smooth and slippery quality. Lubricious or lubricated hand feel is demonstrated by a significant reduction in coefficient of friction on a skin stimulant of collagen film, as described in the Test Method section.
• Tissues were prepared as described in Example 1. Fibrous webs made according to the present disclosure (Technology A tissues) can have a perceived softness and/or strength that is similar to or better than fibrous webs treated with a conventional treatment (Technology B tissues) or with recent technology treatments (Technology C tissues). See Table 8 for test results. TABLE 8.
• the data from the IHR Softness test show that the tissues of the present invention (Technology A tissues) have higher Log Odds and Highest Statistical Groupings than Control 1 or 2, which are Technology B and C tissues respectively. This is achieved with GMT strengths which are about equal to or greater than the control tissue codes. Additionally, this is achieved with wet-out times which are lower than the control codes.
• Tissues were prepared as described in Example 1. Fibrous webs made according to the present disclosure (Technology A tissues) can have a perceived softness greater than conventional tissues largely due to the amount of additive composition available at the surface of the dryer-side of the tissue surface. This dryer-side of the tissue is typically the externally-facing surface of the facial tissue product. See Table 10 for sample descriptions.
• the Dryer/Felt Ratios demonstrate that a larger portion of the PEG is in the Dryer- Side portion of the tissue sheet, also meaning that most of the additive composition remains in the dryer-side portion and less penetrates through to the felt-side. Finally, the incorporation of POLYOX N3000 also appears to increase the amount of PEG which is retained in the dryer-side portion. This is also a benefit as the perceived softness is improved.

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