Paper Science and Technology

Recommended Prerequisites

Introduction to Biological Processes; Organic Chemistry; Chemical Thermodynamics; Mass and Energy Balances; Transport Phenomena I, II and III; Introduction to Materials and Characterization; Separation Processes I; Separation Processes II.

Teaching Methods

Teaching is provided in theoretical / theoretical-practical sessions, seminars and practices and demonstrations in laboratory. Theoretical concepts, real situations and some practical examples are presented by the professors and invited experts from industry. Oral presentation and discussion, supported by slides and videos, will be the main vehicles of communication. Students are encouraged to discuss and solve case studies and practical problems following, an independent approach and to working in group. Visits to different paper mills are anticipated, as well as laboratories in industry.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended that students know the world and national importance of the pulp and paper industries, understand the basic concepts of the composition and structure of the paper fibers and their relevance for the paper final properties; know the main types of paper products, the main paper components (fibers, fillers and additives) and their role; know the paper chemistry; know the main unit operations of the paper mill (identifying the processes of mass, heat and momentum transfer); know the fundamentals of furnish preparation, refining, sheet formation, surface treatment and converting, know which are the most important paper properties and the methods used to evaluate them; understand the relevance of the quality control; make some simple calculations related to the different stages of the process and major equipment; identify in the paper mill the most important operations and equipment.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

World and National Panorama of the Paper and Pulp Industries; Composition, Structure and Properties of pulp and paper Fibers; Pulping processes; The paper machine; Paper Chemistry; Furnish (Pulp Preparation; Refining; Fillers and Additives; Recycling, Deinking and Fiber washing; Sheet formation and structure; pressing; drying; surface treatments; Converting; Types of papers and of papermaking processes; Paper quality control; Sustainability in the Paper Industry; Terminology, fundamental concepts and application; Calculations and balances on the main sectors of papermaking; Laboratory work about paper properties; Visits to Printing Papers and/or Packaging and/or Tissue mills.

Head Lecturer(s)

Paulo Jorge Tavares Ferreira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam (60-100%); Synthesis work (0-40%): 100.0%

Bibliography

Paulapuro, H., Levlin, J., Soderhjelm, L. Papermaking Science and Technology. Finnish Paper Engineer’s Association; Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry, 20 books serie published between 1999 and 2001.

Smook, G.A. Handbook for Pulp & Paper Technologists. 3rd Ed. Angus Wilde Publications, Inc., Vancouver, 2002

Borch, J., Lyne, M., Mark, R.E., Habeger Jr., C.C. Handbook of Physical and Mechanical Testing of Paper and Paperboard. 2nd Ed., Vol 2. Marcel & Dekker Inc., N. York, 2002.

Sjostrom, E. Wood Chemistry. 2nd Ed., Academic Press, London, 1993

Clark, J. d'A. Pulp technology and treatment for paper. , 2nd Ed.., Miller Freeman Publications, San Francisco, 1985.

Casey, James. Pulp & Paper Chemistry and Chemical Technology. 3rd Ed. 4 Vols. Wiley-Interscience, N. York, 1981

Klemm, D., Kramer, F.,  Moritz, S., Lindström, T., Ankerfors, M., Gray, D., Dorris, A.  Nanocelluloses: a new family of nature-based materials,  Angew. Chem. Int. Edit., 50, 5438-5466  (2011).

PDF documents