Abstract
Water-reswelling capability of pulp fibers was studied by water retention value applied to paper sheet. (WRV-PS) Optimum conditions for determining WRV-PS were first examined, and the WRV-PS obtained by centrifugation at 3000 G for 15min can be regarded as a peculiar value for characterizing reswelling properties of paper sheets. Effects of beating, couching, pressing and drying in handsheet-making on reswelling capability of paper sheet were sensitively and clearly detected by the WRV-PS, in comparison with equilibrium moisture content or specific surface area. A decrease in WRVs-PS by pressing and/or drying reflected the formation of hydrogen bonds of pulp fibers in paper sheet. Furthermore, the decrease in WRVs-PS or the formation of hydrogen bonds in pulp fibers occurred in pressing or dried paper web at water content below the fiber saturation point. Therefore, WRV-PS is widely applicable to evaluation of reswelling properties of paper sheet.
