• Review

    Navigating the Energy-Quality Trade-Off of Refining Process in Stock Preparation: Advances in Refining Theory and Optimization for Sustainable Papermaking (Part II)
    Chul-Hwan Kim
    This second part of the two-part series presents the theoretical foundations and operational strategies for optimizing pulp refining to address the energy–quality … + READ MORE
    This second part of the two-part series presents the theoretical foundations and operational strategies for optimizing pulp refining to address the energy–quality paradox in sustainable papermaking. Building on the mechanisms and plate technologies reviewed in Part I, this paper introduces quantitative frameworks—including Specific Edge Load (SEL) and Specific Surface Load (SSL)—to characterize refining intensity and guide fiber development. The analysis highlights the benefits of low- and ultra-low-intensity refining with ultra-fine bar patterns, which improve fibrillation efficiency, reduce fiber cutting, and offer significant gains in strength properties while lowering energy consumption and extending plate life. Key operational variables such as consistency, pH, temperature, and bar-crossing angle are evaluated alongside system configurations suitable for various mill scales and furnish types. Emerging digital tools—including real-time sensors, automated control loops, and digital twin systems—are discussed as enablers of intelligent, energy-efficient refining. Integrating theory, plate design, process control, and digitalization, this framework provides practical pathways for mills to reduce energy use while enhancing paper quality and operational sustainability. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026

  • Original Paper

    Influence of Different Pulp Fiber Ratios on the Properties of Paper for Liquid Packaging
    Junchao Li, Jiachuan Chen, Guangcai Xiao, Yueying Wang, Baobin Wang, Guihua Yang
    Facing the increasing depletion of fossil resources and the pollution of petroleum-based plastic packaging materials, the development of recyclable paper-based packaging materials … + READ MORE
    Facing the increasing depletion of fossil resources and the pollution of petroleum-based plastic packaging materials, the development of recyclable paper-based packaging materials that can replace plastics has become a worldwide hotspot. The hand-sheet paper for liquid packaging were prepared from unbleached hardwood kraft pulp (KP), chemical-mechanical pulp and commercial bleached softwood chemical pulp. Influence of pulp fiber ratios and the pulp beating degree of unbleached KP pulp on the properties of the hand-sheet paper for liquid packaging were investigated. The results showed that the optimal paper preparation conditions were pulp beating degree of 45 °SR, un-oxygen-delignified hardwood kraft pulp of 20%, oxygen-delignified hardwood kraft pulp of 20%, softwood chemi-mechanical pulp of 8%, hardwood chemi-mechanical pulp of 2%, and bleached softwood chemical pulp of 50%, in which the hand-sheet paper exhibited better performance, with a tensile index of 82.6 N·m/g, a tear index of 1.91 mN·m2/g, a burst index of 5.60 kPa·m2/g, a ring crush of 135.4 KN/m and a water absorption value of 176.1 g/m2. Increase of pulp beating degree of the unbleached hardwood kraft pulp are beneficial to the improvement of the strength properties and hydrophobic performance of the hand-sheet paper. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026

  • Original Paper

    Fabrication of High Strength Cellulose-Lignin Composite Film via Codissolution-Precipitation Method
    Xin Fu, Jianmin Peng, Deshi Yang
    In this paper, a novel cellulose-lignin composite film with improved mechanical strength was prepared by the codissolution-precipitation method. The tensile strength increased … + READ MORE
    In this paper, a novel cellulose-lignin composite film with improved mechanical strength was prepared by the codissolution-precipitation method. The tensile strength increased by 37.45% compared to the neat cellulose film, while imparting effective UV-shielding capability. Rheological data proved the homogeneous blending of cellulose with lignin. Furthermore, the incorporation of lignin improved the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of the composite film. It is proven that the incorporation of the appropriate amount of lignin can improve the mechanical, thermal, hydrophobicity, and UV shielding properties of the composite film. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026

  • Original Paper

    Recyclability of Paper Prepared from Polyelectrolyte Multilayer-Treated Fibers
    Jaeho Ryu, Heenae Shin, Hye Jung Youn
    The recyclability of paper prepared from pulp fibers modified by polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) multilayering was evaluated in terms of repulping stability, preservation … + READ MORE
    The recyclability of paper prepared from pulp fibers modified by polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) multilayering was evaluated in terms of repulping stability, preservation of mechanical properties after recycling, and deinkability of laser-printed sheets. Hardwood bleached kraft pulp fibers were multilayered using four polyelectrolyte combinations (poly-DADMAC/PSS, C-PAM/PSS, C-starch/PSS, and C-PAM/A-PAM) with various layer numbers to prepare handsheets. After repulping, electrochemical properties of the fibers and the mechanical properties of the recycled sheets were evaluated. In addition, deinkability was evaluated based on the brightness of flotation-deinked laser-printed sheets. The zeta potential maintained its odd-even periodicity after repulping, indicating that the multilayer structure remained on the fiber surfaces, while the filtrate charge demand changed little, suggesting minimal release of polyelectrolytes. Among the chemical combinations tested, C-starch/PSS showed the greatest preservation of strength enhancement after recycling, with tensile and tear indices increasing by up to 86.2% and 224.8%, respectively, compared to those of paper prepared from untreated fibers. LbL-treated papers exhibited increased brightness after deinking, particularly at higher layer numbers, suggesting facilitated toner detachment. These results demonstrate that properly designed LbL multilayering—especially C-starch/PSS—can maintain the mechanical performance of recycled fibers while improving deinkability, supporting its applicability in recycled fiber-based papermaking. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026

  • Original Paper

    Mechanically Programmed Anisotropic CMCNF/PAA Hydrogels via Shear-Assisted Pre-Stretching for Rapid pH-Responsive Actuation
    Zhaoyong Wu, Junyi Li, Ming He
    Conventional isotropic pH-responsive hydrogels often suffer from slow solvent transport, limited mechanical strength, and poorly controlled deformation, which restrict their applications in … + READ MORE
    Conventional isotropic pH-responsive hydrogels often suffer from slow solvent transport, limited mechanical strength, and poorly controlled deformation, which restrict their applications in soft actuators and biomimetic systems. Herein, we report a mechanically programmed strategy to fabricate anisotropic carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibril/polyacrylic acid (CMCNF/PAA) hydrogels via synergistic shear-induced alignment and sequential pre-stretching. Shear flow first induces the high-aspect-ratio CMCNFs within the precursor, while subsequent pre-stretching further straightens and densifies the aligned framework, yielding a hierarchical anisotropic architecture without requiring external fields. As a result, the hydrogels exhibit pronounced mechanical anisotropy, with an approximately eightfold difference between the axial and transverse compression moduli, together with excellent cyclic stability, retaining about 92% of their actuation performance after 10 pH-switching cycles. The aligned nanochannels facilitate solvent transport and directional swelling, enabling a rapid actuation response that begins within 0.5 s and reaches a stable curled state within about 15–20 s under alkaline conditions and programmable bending deformation (curvature >200 m-1). By adjusting the shear rate (50–800 s-1) and the pre-stretch ratio (100–300%), the swelling ratio (300–1,200%) and the pH transition threshold (4.0–6.5) can be precisely tailored. Owing to their high cytocompatibility (cell viability >98%) structural programmability, and facile fabrication, these anisotropic CMCNF/PAA hydrogels provide a scalable platform for applications in soft actuators, tissue-mimetic scaffolds, and wearable devices. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026

  • Original Paper

    Development of Hydrophobic Melamine Foam Using Acetylated Lignin for Efficient Water Separation

    효율적인 유수분리를 위한 아세틸화 리그닌을 이용한 소수성 멜라민 폼 개발

    Ji Won Yang, Ji Won Heo, Min Soo Kim, Da Ye Kim, Yong Sik Kim

    양지원, 허지원, 김민수, 김다예, 김용식

    In this study, lignin was acetylated to enhance its hydrophobicity and applied to a porous substrate to evaluate its oil–water separation performance. … + READ MORE
    In this study, lignin was acetylated to enhance its hydrophobicity and applied to a porous substrate to evaluate its oil–water separation performance. Through the acetylation reaction, hydroxyl groups in lignin were reduced and acetyl groups were introduced, resulting in changes in surface properties. Chemical analyses confirmed that the chemical modification of lignin was successfully achieved. Water contact angle measurements showed a contact angle of approximately 150°, indicating a significant improvement in hydrophobicity. Morphological analysis confirmed that the porous structure of the substrate was maintained, and thermal analysis demonstrated that the composite foam preserved its structural stability. Oil–water separation experiments revealed high separation efficiency and filtration performance. Overall, the results confirm that acetylation is an effective surface modification method and demonstrate the strong potential of lignin as a functional material for oil–water separation applications. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026

  • Original Paper

    Evaluation of Papermaking Applicability of Organic Fillers Derived from pruned Apple and Pear branches

    사과·배 전정 부산물 유래 유기충전제의 제지 적용 가능성 평가

    Su Wan Hong, Jin Ho Seo

    홍수완, 서진호

    Substantial amounts of agricultural by-products are generated annually, however, much of this biomass is still disposed of through incineration rather than material … + READ MORE
    Substantial amounts of agricultural by-products are generated annually, however, much of this biomass is still disposed of through incineration rather than material valorization. In this study, organic fillers derived from pruned apple and pear branches were produced via a ball-milling process to investigate their feasibility as alternative fillers for papermaking. The resulting spherical organic particles exhibited an average particle size of 9.67 µm, along with higher lignin and extractive contents compared to wood powder, and displayed a negatively charged surface (-13.7 mV). Handsheets containing the organic fillers showed increases of approximately 20% in compressive strength and 18% in bending stiffness under optimized conditions relative to the control. Notably, the combined use of the fillers with a retention aid further enhanced the retention rate of fine particles, leading to a 34% increase in bending stiffness compared with handsheets with 10% filler alone. Overall, these findings demonstrate that fruit-tree pruning residues can be converted into functional organic fillers with promising applicability as sustainable alternatives in papermaking processes. - COLLAPSE
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    30 April 2026
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