Improving the softness of tissue papers

Besides dry and wet strength as well as water absorption capacity, softness belongs to the most important properties of tissue papers. This particularly applies to handkerchief paper, toilet paper, napkins and kitchen towels. Due to the lack of objective measuring procedures this property is in spite of its importance still assessed in so-called panel-tests which are performed by groups of experts in an entirely subjective way. In addition to their subjectiveness these panel tests are extremely time consuming and do not allow a clear distinction between papers from different manufacturers. So far there are a number of measuring techniques available which are based on mechanical, acoustic or optical phenomena. Those give some information about the surface characteristics of these papers but unfortunately they are in no way able to simulate the human perception of softness.

Therefore the intended project aims at developing a cost-effective, objective, repeatable and fast measuring procedure which gives information about the softness of a tissue paper with a very close correlation with the human perception. It shall be based on a combination of said procedures and furthermore shall also include techniques not utilized hitherto in the paper industry but which have proven suitable in related industries or products (e. g. textiles, non-wovens). To reach that goal parameters, affecting the softness sensation, are illuminated also in view of neurophysiology.

A reproducible evaluation of the overall impression of softness both in the form of a standardised and possibly accredited panel test and in the form of a metrological evaluation method should be of benefit to manufacturers, converters, dealers and consumers alike. In addition to establishing serious and reliable benchmarks, such an evaluation would make it possible in particular to optimise products, the associated processes and definitions of appropriate supply parameters.

Converters, dealers, suppliers and measuring equipment manufacturers in particular are firms that in most cases represent small and medium sized enterprises.

Transfer

• Recommendations to the paper industry on how to enhance the perception of softness,
• Recommendations to measuring equipment manufacturers on how to optimise their measuring systems,
• Dissemination of methods for the objective, quantitative evaluation of tissue
• Presentations at national and international symposia.