Minicourses
These courses each have 8 lecture segments (above 20-35 minutes), each followed by an optional quiz (with answers provided by scrolling further down). Take the final optional quiz and email a screen-shot of your work on the quiz to Dr. Hubbe (hubbe@ncsu.edu) if you want to get a certificate of completion. The available courses are as follows [SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION]
Here's a five-minute video description of the course series, emphasizing "Course 1" below
1. Paper Manufacturing Chemistry (overviewa0
This course is recommended as a starting point for users who want to get started on a general understanding of the field of papermaking chemistry.
1B. Water: The key to the process
1C. Paper strength
1D. Fluid resistance & absorbency
1E. Charge measurement & control
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 1. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “1” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Paper Manufacturing Chemistry:
Hubbe, M. A. (2014). “A review of ways to adjust papermaking wet-end chemistry: Manipulation of cellulosic colloidal behavior,” Lignocellulose 3(1), 69-107.
Scott, W. E. (1999). Principles of Wet End Chemistry, TAPPI Press, Atlanta. (Get a copy through TAPPI.ORG.)
Smook, G. A. (1999). Handbook for Pulp and Paper Technologists, Second Ed., TAPPI Press, Atlanta. (Get a copy through TAPPI.ORG.)
2. Paper sizing & resistance to fluids
This course includes topics such as rosin, ASA, AKD, and surface hydrophobic treatments of paper
2A. The water-loving nature of fibers
2D. ASA sizing
2E. Troubleshooting of ASA sizing
2F. AKD sizing
2G. Hydrophobic surface size additives
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 2. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “2” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Paper Sizing & Resistance to Fluids:
Ehrhardt, S., and Leckey, J. (2020). “Fluid resistance: The sizing of paper,” in: Make Paper Products Stand Out: Strategic Use of Wet End Chemical Additives, TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Chapter 3, pages 53-75. (Get a copy of the book from TAPPI.ORG.)
Hubbe, M. A. (2007). “Paper’s resistance to wetting – A review of internal sizing chemicals and their effects,” BioResources 2(1), 106-145. DOI: 10.15376/biores.2.1.106-145
3. Paper’s appearance: Brightness, opacity, color
Another possible name for this course would be “Optical properties of paper” The course also discusses how to achieve desired optical properties of paper products.
3A. Tests of paper’s appearance
3B. Ways to increase paper’s brightness
3C. Paper’s opacity and how to change it
3D. Paper’s color & the use of dyes
3E. Process control for paper’s appearance
3F. Two-sidedness & other troubleshooting issues
3G. Fluorescent whitening agents (OBAs) & their use
3H. Cost optimization while achieving appearance targets
Optional quiz set for each of the eight sections of Course 3 (with answers at bottom)
Final quiz for course “3” (Complete & send by email to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of course completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Paper’s Appearance:
Hubbe, M. A., Pawlak, J. J., and Koukoulas, A. A. (2008). “Paper’s appearance: A review,” BioResources 3(2), 627-665. DOI: 10.15376/biores.3.2.627-665
4. Paper strength additives & their effective use
This course considers such issues as fiber types, refining, cationic starch for wet-end addition, glyoxylated polyacrylamide, permanent wet-strength agents, and surface-applied strength agents. Click the following links to view each video session (~ 20 to 35 min each):
4A. The Page equation and refining
4B. Hydrogen bonding
4C. Cationic starch
4D. Synthetic dry strength agents
4G. Advanced dry strength systems
4H. Nanocellulose as a strength additive
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 4. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “4” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Paper Strength Additives and their Effective Use:
Hubbe, M. A. (2006). “Bonding between cellulosic fibers in the absence and presence of dry-strength agents – A review,”BioResources 1(2), 281-318. DOI: 10.15376/biores.1.2.281-318
Lu, C., Rosencrance, S., Swales, D., Covarrubias, R., and Hubbe, M. A. (2020). “Dry strength: Strategies for stronger paper,” in: Make Paper Products Stand Out. Strategic Use of Wet End Chemical Additives, M. A. Hubbe and S. Rosencrance, S. (eds.) TAPPI Press, Atlanta, GA, Ch. 7, pp. 155-196. (Get a copy of this book from TAPPI.ORG)
5. Charge & zeta potential measurements
This course includes the basics, measurement methods, and practical applications in paper mills for such tests as cationic demand titrations and fiber-pad streaming potential tests (for zeta potential).
5A. The charged nature of fibers & white water
5B. Zeta potential and its measurement
5C. Cationic demand and its measurement
5D. Streaming current endpoints
5E. Case study: Dissolved & colloidal substances
5F. Optimization of strength & drainage
5G. Process control
5H. Troubleshooting & product development
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 5. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “5” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Charge and Zeta Potential Measurements:
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. (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., and Wang, F. (2004). “Charge-related measurements – A reappraisal. Part 2: Fiber-pad streaming potential,” Paper Technol. 45(9), 27-34.
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. (Get this book from TAPPI.ORG)
6. Drainage and water removal in papermaking
The speed of water release from paper in the forming section often limits the production rate of a paper machine. Water removal often can be sped up by judicious usage of papermaking additives.
6A. Drainage aids and related additives
6C. Paper Machine Operations & Dewatering
6D. Micro- and Nanoparticle Systems
6E. Water Retention Value & Enzymes
6F. Troubleshooting Dewatering Issues
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 6. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “6” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Drainage and Water Removal in Papermaking:
Hubbe, M. A. (2005). “Microparticle programs for drainage and retention,” in Rodriguez, J. M. (ed.), Micro and Nanoparticles in Papermaking, TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Chapter 1, 1-36. (Get a copy of this publication from TAPPI.ORG)
Hubbe, M. A., and Dölle, K. (2018). “Drainage strategies and micro- or nanoparticle systems,” in: Advances in Papermaking Wet End Chemistry Application Technologies, M. A. Hubbe and S. Rosencrance (eds.), TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Chapter 8, pp. 185-206. (Get a copy of this publication from TAPPI.ORG)
Hubbe, M. A., and Heitmann, J. A. (2007). “Review of factors affecting the release of water from cellulosic fibers during paper manufacture,” BioResources 2(3), 500-533. DOI: 10.15376/biores.2.3.500-533
Hubbe, M. A., Sjöstrand, B., Nilsson, L., Kopponen, A., and McDonald, J. D. (2020). “Rate-limiting mechanisms of water removal during the formation, vacuum dewatering, and wet-pressing of paper webs: A review,” BioResources 15(4), 9672-9755.
7. Paper machine efficiency: Deposits, foam, slime…
This minicourse provides an overview of deposits in paper machine systems and their control, as well as related topics such as foam, entrained air, biological slime, pitch, stickies, and scale.
7A. Overview of paper machine deposits
7B. Wood pitch and its control
7C. Stickies and their control
7E. Deposit case study – Inorganic
7F. Deposit case study – Organic
7G. Foam control
7H. Scheduling and conducting boilouts
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 7. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “7” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Paper Machine Efficiency: Deposits, Foam, Slime, etc.:
Hubbe, M. A., Rojas, O. J., and Venditti, R. A. (2006). “Control of tacky deposits on paper machines – A review,” Nordic Pulp Paper Res. J. 21(2), 154-171. DOI: 10.3183/npprj-2006-21-02-p154-171
Sutman, F., and Nelson, M. (2022). “Organic contaminant control: Pitch and stickies,” in: Process Chemicals for Papermaking, TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Ch. 6. (Get a copy of the book from TAPPI. ORG).
8. Wastewater treatment at papermaking facilities
Paper machine systems are major users of water. But the good news is that such water can be effectively treated in wastewater treatment facilities, and there are opportunities to reuse the process water multiple times.
8A. Untreated effluent from papermaking
8B. Water quality evaluation & tests
8C. Primary treatment: Clarification
8D. Secondary treatment: Activated sludge
8E. Secondary treatment: Anaerobic options
8F. Biosorption of metals & organics
8G. Reducing fresh water usage
8H. Advanced treatment options
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 8. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “8” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Wastewater Treatment at Papermaking Facilities:
Blanco, M. A., Balea, A., Ojembarrena, B., Hermosilla, D., Gasco, A., and Negro, C. (2022). in: Process Chemicals for Papermaking, TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Ch. 7. (Get a copy of the book from TAPPI. ORG).
Hubbe, M. A., Metts, J. R., Hermosilla, D., Blanco, M. A., Yerushalmi, L., Haghighat, F., Lindholm-Lehto, P., Khodaparast, Z., Kamali, M., and Elliott, A. (2016). “Wastewater treatment and reclamation: A review of pulp and paper industry practices and opportunities,” BioResources 11(3), 7953-8091. DOI: 10.15376/biores.11.3.Hubbe
9. Retention and retention aids
Retention aids are used in the manufacture of almost every grade of paper. Not only do they tend to decrease losses of fine matter to the wastewater, but they also can increase the dewatering rate and extend the time between required downtime for cleaning of the wetted surfaces within the paper machine system.
9A. Retention aids and related additives
9C. Mechanisms of retention aid action
9D. Make-down and feeding of retention aids
9E. Lab tests for retention aid usage
9F. Micro & nanoparticle retention ‘aid systems
9H. Control and optimization of retention aids
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 9. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “9” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Retention and Retention Aids:
Hubbe, M. A. (2005). “Microparticle programs for drainage and retention,” in Rodriguez, J. M. (ed.), Micro and Nanoparticles in Papermaking, TAPPI Press, Atlanta, Chapter 1, 1-36. (Get a copy of the book from TAPPI.ORG)
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
10. Mineral fillers and their use in papermaking
Fillers often cost a lot less than cellulosic fibers, so papermakers have strong incentives to gradually increase the filler content (often called “ash level”) of many paper products. Then also can affect paper properties such as opacity, smoothness, and strength (which is usually decreases).
10A. Introduction: Why fill paper?
10B. Filler types, composition, preparation
10C. Paper properties affected by filler
10D. Paper optical properties and minerals
10E. Feeding and retention of fillers in paper
10F Factors affecting filler distribution in the sheet
10H. Minerals at the size press and in coatings
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 10. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “10” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Mineral Fillers:
Hubbe, M. A., and Gill, R. A. (2016). “Fillers for papermaking: A review of their properties, usage practices, and their mechanistic role,” BioResources 11(1), 2886-2963. DOI: 10.15376/biores.11.1.2886-2963
11. Nanocellulose applications in papermaking
Cellulosic material can be readily converted into very small size, i.e. nanocellulose. In that form it has huge bonding ability, but it also holds very strongly onto water and impedes dewatering. There there are both great opportunities and great challenges, which are considered in this course.
11A. Nanocellulose types & preparation
11C. Wet-end addition of nanocellulose
11D. Rheology of nanocellulose suspensions
11E. Nanocellulose at the size press & in coatings
11F. Barrier layers with nanocellulose
11G. Nanocellulose surface modification
11H. Composites with nanocellulose
Optional quizzes for each of the eight segments in Course 11. Each is a 3-question multiple choice quiz. Answers are provided at the bottom of the WORD document.
Final quiz for course “11” (Complete & send to Dr. Hubbe to earn a certificate of completion.)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Nanocellulose Applications in Papermaking:
Ferrer, A., Pal, L., and Hubbe, M. A. (2016). “Nanocellulose in packaging: Advances in barrier layer technologies,” Industrial Crops and Products 95, 574-582. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.11.012
Hubbe, M. A. (2019). “Nanocellulose, cationic starch and paper strength,” Appita J. 72(2), 82-93.
Rice, M. C., Pal, L., Gonzalez, R., and Hubbe, M. A. (2018). “Wet-end addition of nanofibrillated cellulose pretreated with cationic starch to achieve paper strength with less refining and higher bulk,” TAPPI J. 17(7), 395-403. DOI: 10.32964/TJ17.07.395
Salas, C., Hubbe, M., and Rojas, O. J. (2019). “Nanocellulose applications in papermaking,” in: Production of Materials from Sustainable Biomass Resources, Z. Fang, R. L. Smith, Jr., and X.-F. Tian (eds.), Biofuels and Biorefineries Ser. 9, Springer, New York, Chapter 3, pp. 61-96. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3768-0_3
12. Size Press
This minicourse is about using the size press equipment to apply solutions – usually starch – to the paper surface. Topics considered in the course include the main motivations for using the size press, the equipment, starch basics, operational issues, hold-out of size press solution at the paper surface, hydrophobic copolymers used at the size press, troubleshooting, and paper product development issues.
12 – 1: Introduction: Why use the size press?
12 – 3: Starch basics
12 – 5: Hold-out at the size press
12 – 6: Hydrophobic copolymers for the size press
12 – 7: Troubleshooting size press issues
12 – 8: Paper product enhancement at the size press
Optional quizzes (for your own practice) for each of the eight sessions of course 12 (Size Press).
Final quiz for course “12” (Please complete & send to Dr. Hubbe (hubbe@nsu.edu) to earn a certificate of completion)
Some Suggested Reading Related to Nanocellulose Applications in Papermaking:
Hubbe, M. A. (2024). “Size press practices and formulations affecting paper properties and process efficiency: A Review,” BioResources 19(1), 1925-2002. DOI: 10.15376/biores.19.1.Hubbe
Bildik Dal, A. E., and Hubbe, M. A. (2021). “Hydrophobic copolymers added with starch at the size press of a paper machine: A review of findings and likely mechanisms,” BioResources 16(1), 2138-2180.
Hubbe, M. A. (2007). “Paper’s resistance to wetting – A review of internal sizing chemicals and their effects,” BioResources 2(1), 106-145. DOI: 10.15376/biores.2.1.106-145