How to increase the softness of tissue papers?

The softness of tissue papers is one of the main concerns for most buyers. Frequent customers are very cautious about the tissue they choose and always aim for softer tissue papers. This article is aimed at informing the readers how they can increase the softness of tissue papers. From adding special chemical compounds to tweaking the properties of your machine, there are several ways to increase the softness of tissue papers. Let us take a look at some of these methods.

Methods to Increase Softness of Tissue Papers

#1 Reducing chemicals and agents that cause wrinkling:

One of the best ways of improving the softness of tissue papers is by reducing wrinkles. To achieve this, you will need to understand how the wrinkle scraper functions. Important functions to keep an eye on include squeegee extension, squeegee angle, squeegee material structure, squeegee inclination and applied pressure.

These conditions can be implemented during the process of tissue making.

#2 Adding softener to the pulp:

Adding a softener is one of the traditional ways of increasing the softness of tissue papers. Some of the most common softeners used include:

• Mizoline: Mizoline helps to reduce the bond between the fibres helping it to become soft. This helps to improve the softness of the tissue papers. However, it reduces the tensile strength of the tissue paper by about 15 per cent.
• Fibre lubricants: These are a type of oily/waxy additives that are added to the pulp while manufacturing tissue papers. Fibre lubricants reduce the friction between the fibres of the pulp helping it to become softer. However, adding fibre lubricants can reduce the tensile strength of the end product by around 10 per cent.

#3 Softeners for spraying paper: 

Toilet papers and tissues used for facial purposes need to maintain a soft texture. The tensile strength of the paper is determined by the internal bonds of the paper fibres. By adjusting the bond strength of the fibres, the softness of the tissue paper can be controlled. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is by spraying a softener on the paper before it is processed through the Yankee dryer. This is a cost-effective approach and can reduce the cost by as much as 50 per cent when compared to adding softeners directly to the pulp. This process also helps to increase the coating performance of the Yankee dryer.

Also, this process helps to introduce a uniform texture to the tissues and makes it easier to wind on the web. Some of the sprayed softeners also have film-forming capabilities that effects the creping process in the Yankee dryer making the paper much softer. This helps the Yankee dryer to produce papers with fewer wrinkles and more plasticity.

Note: It is important to note that the bond between the paper fibres is developed after it has been passed through the dryer. In the pulp stage, it is held together by cohesive forces of the water and the pulp. Since at this stage the fibres are not bonded to each other, the pulp can be easily treated with softeners to improve the texture and softness of the paper.

When softeners are sprayed on the paper sheets, there is more lint found on the creping blade. If softeners are added above capacity, it can leave a large amount of paper wool. Use softeners in proper quantities to make the paper softer and more comfortable for use.

Paper softness is one of the key elements in the paper industry. From toilet papers to facial tissues and paper towels, these papers need to be soft as these are used on a regular basis.

The softness and texture are some of the most important factors that buyers consider before buying tissue papers as it helps to increase the comfort for the buyers.

There are several raw materials that are required to manufacture tissue papers of different types. These can include recycled paper pulp, straw pulp, oar pulp, cotton pulp etc. The best quality tissues are made from wood pulp while the recycled paper pulp is reserved for producing lower grades of tissue paper.

Though the manufacturing process is similar for most of the raw materials, the softness of the paper can be determined by the quality of the raw material used in the production.

Also, using better machines for production can also help to reduce wrinkles and improve softness, texture, smoothness etc.

With a ludicrous amount of competition floating in the market, it is essential for paper traders and manufacturers to produce the highest quality goods to help you stand out from the crowd. Therefore, ensure to provide the best of products to the customers.

Also, take a look at some of the best uses of tissue paper here.