Embossing Pressure Effect on Mechanical and Softness Properties of Industrial Base Tissue Papers with Finite Element Method Validation

Abstract

Embossing is a converting process in which the surface of a tissue paper sheet is changed under high pressure, allowing different functions. In this work, the authors intend to study how the embossing pressure affects the main properties of tissue paper, using a laboratory embossing system. An optimum pressure was achieved at 2.8 bar to this embossing laboratory set-up. The effect of pressure when densifying the paper sheet gives it a gain in mechanical strength but no differences in terms of liquid absorbency. The two embossing patterns present different behaviors but both evidence losses in mechanical and softness properties. On the other hand, the finite element method (FEM) does not show clear evidence of how the pressure affects the paper strength. For the deco die, it is possible to observe that the amount of yielding is slightly higher for lower pressure (2.4 bar), but this plasticity state parameter is very similar for 2.8 bar and 3.2 bar. For the micro die, FEM simulations of the manufacturing pressure do not show a considerable impact on the amount of plasticity state of the material; only for 3.2 bar, it shows a change in the pattern of the plasticity state of the paper during the embossing processes. In the end, to achieve a final product with excellent quality, it is important to make a compromise between the various properties.

FEM Analysis Validation of Rubber Hardness Impact on Mechanical and Softness Properties of Embossed Industrial Base Tissue Papers

“…Thus, the bulk of configuration 3 is higher than that of configuration 2. Since the operating conditions of the embossing process were optimized for this system in a previous work reported by the authors Vieira et al 2022 [13], there is a maximization of the mechanical properties by the densification of the sheet structure. Therefore, despite verifying an increase in bulk there is no loss of mechanical strength.…”

“…The embossing operation conditions used were 2.8 bar during 1 min, for all combinations of 3 stacking configurations and 2 different steel plates, corresponding to the The embossing operation conditions used were 2.8 bar during 1 min, for all combinations of 3 stacking configurations and 2 different steel plates, corresponding to the micro and deco embossing patterns. These operating conditions were studied and optimized in a previous work developed by the authors [13]. The two embossing patterns used are shown in Figure 4.…”

“…Polymers 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 24 micro and deco embossing patterns. These operating conditions were studied and optimized in a previous work developed by the authors [13]. The two embossing patterns used are shown in Figure 4.…”

Converting operations impact on tissue paper product properties – A Review

“…In addition, the micro-embossing pattern was shown to have a greater impact on thickness, increase in volume, and loss of mechanical properties. From the same study developed by Vieira et al (2022a), the authors concluded that there is an optimal pressure for the embossing process, in which the mechanical strength properties are maximized (through the densification of the tissue paper sheet) without impacting too much on the softness and absorption of liquids. This optimum pressure is the limit beyond which the structural degradation of the tissue paper sheet takes place.…”

“…As embossing is a mechanical compression process in the tissue paper converting, the pressure used is an operating condition that is essential to control to produce quality toilet paper (Spina and Cavalcante 2018). From the work developed by Vieira et al (2022a), it was shown that the mechanical properties suffer a negative impact with the embossing operation in comparison with the corresponding industrial creped tissue paper sheet without embossing. In addition, the micro-embossing pattern was shown to have a greater impact on thickness, increase in volume, and loss of mechanical properties.…”