Lab Procedures
This section provides instructions for various laboratory tests. These include charge titrations, zeta potential determination, retention aid evaluation, drainage testing, flocculation testing, and sheet making, etc.
Britt jar (for evaluation of retention aid treatments)
The Dynamic Drainage/Retention Jar, developed by Ken Britt and John Unbehend at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Syracuse, NY, is especially well suited for evaluation of retention aid treatments.
Video: Britt jar tests for retention aid evaluation
Kelly Biascak video 1, Britt jar assembly
Kelly Biascak, video 2: Britt jar operation
Articles:
Britt, K. W. (1973a). “Retention of additives during sheet formation,” Tappi 56(3), 83-86.
Britt, K. W. (1973b). “Mechanisms of retention during paper formation,” Tappi 56(10), 46-50.
Britt, K. W., and Unbehend, J. E. (1976a). “New methods of monitoring retention,” Tappi 59(2), 67-70.
Review article: Hubbe, M. A., Nanko, H., and McNeal, M. R. (2009). “Retention aid polymer interactions with cellulosic surfaces and suspensions: A Review,” BioResources 4(2), 850-906. DOI: 10.15376/biores.4.2.850-906
Charge demand titrations
Instructions are provided for determination of the cationic demand and other related attributes of papermaking fiber suspensions and filtrates.
Video: Charge Demand Titrations
Video: Charge Demand Titration of high Conductivity Samples
Articles:
Hubbe, M. A. (2000). “Selecting and interpreting colloidal charge measurements,” Proc. Scientific and Technical Advances in Wet End Chemistry,” PIRA, Barcelona, June 19-20.
Hubbe, M. A. (2005). “Why different charge demand test procedures can give different endpoints for aqueous samples from paper mills,” Proc. Pira 2005 Sci. Tech. Advan. Wet End Chemistry, Lisbon, Portugal, Pira International, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK.
Hubbe, M. A. (2008). “Accurate charge-related measurements of samples from the wet end: Testing at low electrical conductivity,” Paper Technol. 49(6), 21-26.
Hubbe, M. A., and Chen, J. (2004). “Charge-related measurements – A reappraisal. Part 1: Streaming current,” Paper Technol. 45(8), 17-23.
Hubbe, M. A., Chen, J., and Heitmann, J. A. (2004). “Measurement and impact of charge: A practical guide,” Solutions! 87(11), 47-49.
Hubbe, M. A., Sundberg, A., Mocchiutti, P., Ni, Y., and Pelton, R. (2012). “Dissolved and colloidal substances (DCS) and the charge demand of papermaking process waters and suspensions: A review,” BioResources 7(4), 6109-6193. DOI: 10.15376/biores.7.4.6109-6193
Hubbe, M. A., and Waetzig, D. (2018). “Charge monitoring and control,” in: Advances in Papermaking Wet End Chemistry Application Technologies, M. A. Hubbe and S. Rosencrance (eds.), TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Chapter 6, pp. 133-152.
Fiber-pad streaming potential evaluation of zeta potential
The zeta potential associated with the surface of papermaking fibers can be determined using relatively simple equipment that can be assembled from materials have a total price under $100.
Fiber-pad streaming potential testing with home-made device
Spreadsheet: Calculating zeta potential from measured fiber-pad streaming and other known quantities
Articles:
Hubbe, M. A. (2006). “Sensing the electrokinetic potential of cellulosic fiber surfaces,” BioResources 1(1), 116-149. DOI: 10.15376/biores.1.1.116-149
Hubbe, M. A., Rojas, O. J., Lee, S. Y., Park, S., and Wang, Y. (2007). “Distinctive electrokinetic behavior of nanoporous silica particles treated with cationic polyelectrolyte,” Colloids and Surfaces A 292(2), 271-278. DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2006.06.034
Hubbe, M. A., Rojas, O. J., Lucia, L. A., and Jung, T. M. (2007). “Consequences of the nanoporosity of cellulosic fibers on their streaming potential and their interactions with cationic polyelectrolytes,” Cellulose 14(6), 655-671. DOI: 10.1007/s10570-006-9098-4
Wang, F., and Hubbe, M. A. (2002). “Charge properties of fibers in the paper mill environment. 1. Effect of electrical conductivity,” J. Pulp Paper Science 28(10), 347-353.
Wang, F., and Hubbe, M. A. (2001). “Development and evaluation of an automated streaming potential measurement device,” Colloids and Surfaces A 194, 221-232. DOI: 10.1016/S0927-7757(01)00802-0
Wang, F., and Hubbe, M. A. (2002). “Charge properties of fibers in the paper mill environment. 1. Effect of electrical conductivity,” J. Pulp Paper Science 28(10), 347-353.
Drainage rates
A modified Schopper-Riegler test is recommended for testing of papermaking chemical probrams and their effects on dewatering (related to Freeness testing). The DFR test from BTG is considered, as well as a manual test.
Video: Drainage testing with modified Schopper-Riegler device
Flocculation testing of fiber suspensions
Some test procedures are available to evaluated effects of chemical additives on the development and persistence of fiber flocs in a papermaking fiber suspension.
Video: Flocculation testing with Photometric Dispersion Analyser
Review article: Hubbe, M. A. (2007). “Flocculation and redispersion of cellulosic fiber suspensions: A review of effects of hydrodynamic shear and polyelectrolytes,” BioResources 2(2), 296-331. DOI: 10.15376/biores.2.2.296-331
Handsheets to test effects of chemical additives
When using the TAPPI T 205 method to make handsheets, there are some additional points to consider when you are comparing the effects of different chemicals.
Video: Handsheets test effects of chemical additives
McMaster University video: Handsheet Making Introduction
Standard: TAPPI Test Method T 205
Starch preparation in the laboratory
Issues to avoid include spattering, buildup of solids at the dry line, and a change in concentration due to water evaporation, as described in this video.