Gluing problem in small diameter paper tubes

27 January 2010

Background

This was a very similar problem to that in Case Study 4 in that it illustrates the impact of paper properties on bond development with aqueous adhesives. The tubes were suffering delamination problems after winding.

Method

Two paper samples were tested for permeability (Gurley), density, conformability (rate of change of contact area with pressure) and dynamic contact angle (DCA). The results showed that the main difference was in DCA and wettability. The paper that had given poor bonding had higher DCA values (was less wettable) and was less conformable so the setting of the adhesive was delayed. It also had a rougher surface, so the pick-up of the adhesive was greater.

Outcome

At our suggestion, the poor bonding paper was pre-heated to improve the setting rate. The method proposed for experimental purposes was a steam wallpaper stripper which, like steam showers for fluting medium in corrugating, applied heat and moisture to both warm and plasticise the paper. This apparently worked well!

See Also

bottom Blend image