Recent research at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology with potential applications to nonwovens

The focus of this contribution is the presentation of a selection of recent papermaking technologies developed by scientists at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) which may be of interest to those engaged in the research, design, and production of nonwovens. The presentation will consider two broad aspects of nonwoven fibrous structures namely their manufacture and properties. Examples of how computational fluid mechanics is being used to improve the forming of wet laid fibrous structures, and the analysis of flow through porous networks is included. Relevant to water removal, drying and cure are recent developments at IPST in web heating and drying technologies. Computational simulation of fiber network structures and their properties will also be discussed. New techniques for studying the location of chemical additives will be briefly considered. Finally, applications of non-destructive techniques for both the off-line and on-line measurement of web properties will be presented.