DEBONDERS FOR USE IN PAPERMAKING

摘要

Debonding compositions and methods are disclosed for use in fibrous compositions such as paper-based products. In some instances, debonding agents can be combined with fibers (e.g., cellulose-based fibers) to produce a material having substantial wicking properties while decreasing fiber-fiber interactions that can require substantial energy to overcome in materials processing. In some instances, the debonding agent can act to create a paper-based product exhibiting a transition temperature in which the agent has a higher affinity for the fibers at temperatures above the transition temperature, and the product exhibiting enhaced wicking properties at temperatures below the transition temperature. As an example, a debonding agents can include polymers or other material exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. The disclosed debonding agents can provide benefits over existing debonding agent formulations such as ammonium salts.

主权项

1. A fiber-containing composition suitable for use to improve fluid distribution, comprising:
a fibrous material comprising fibers; and a debonding agent comprising a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), the fiber-containing composition exhibiting a transition temperature such that: (i) the debonding agent has a higher affinity for the fibers when the temperature is above a transition temperature relative to when the temperature is below the transition temperature; and (ii) the debonding agent enhances fluid distribution in the fiber-containing composition when the temperature of the debonding agent is below the transition temperature relative to when the temperature is above the transition temperature.