Patent Application
20230406608
The present disclosure relates to sanitary tissue products and arrays comprising non-wood fibers.
Fibrous structures, including sanitary tissue products (e.g., paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, disposable shop towels, wipes, etc.) are commonly packaged and marketed as an array of separate packages, where certain properties and/or compositions of the sanitary tissue products differ within the packages. For instance, it is currently known to be desirable to offer a first package as “strong” toilet tissue and a second package as “soft” toilet tissue. As will be described in greater detail below, the inventors of the present disclosure have made a number of improvements to the current offerings of a packaged non-wood sanitary tissue products, as well as improvements to the offering of arrays comprising sanitary tissue products comprising non-woods. As detailed herein, even though non-wood products have been previously disclosed in patent publications, as well as being marketed, there are a number of important areas that have not been regarded and there are several unmet needs.
One such area is offering a package of sanitary tissue products that comprise or consist of non-wood fibers along with one or more packages, as part of an array, of sanitary tissue products that do not comprise non-wood fibers. For instance, offering a “strong” sanitary tissue product in a first package, offering a “soft” sanitary tissue product in a second package, where neither the strong or soft offerings comprise non-wood fibers, and offering a “sustainable” sanitary tissue product in a third package, where the sustainable sanitary tissue product comprises or consists of non-wood fibers. In such a case, the sustainable offering has the challenge of fitting into the existing offering architecture that is not focused on sustainability—it takes skill to get the sustainable offering to fit into the existing architecture with harmony. There are challenges associated with what and how the new sustainable product conveys sustainability, as well as challenges with the sustainable package disposition relative to the disposition of the existing packages of products in the offering. If not done properly, shoppers may not realize that the new sustainable offering is part of the existing architecture and/or may not realize that the new sustainable offering is sold by the same maker of the existing offerings. This is especially challenging when the new sustainable offering is a premium product because users have learned that sustainable products often have lower performance characteristics than existing products; see, for example,
Another challenge when introducing sustainable offerings into an existing product architecture, beyond ensuring that the shopper understands that the sustainable offering is “sustainable” and that it has certain premium properties and is part of the existing architecture, is to ensure that the reputation of the existing products are not compromised. That is, while a company may effectively convey that a sustainable product is an addition to an existing architecture, the risk is that the shopper may inappropriately assume that the existing architecture has lost performance or premiumness because it is now associated with the sustainable offering. The inventors of the present disclosure disclose effective ways of maintaining the integrity of the existing products while effectively conveying the composition and properties of the new sustainable offering.
Package placement, graphics, and color scheme, among other considerations, of the new sustainable offering(s) disclosed herein, relative to those of the existing offerings, can play a key role in conveying the composition and/or performance of the new sustainable offering, while preserving the reputation of the existing products. Often, in such an arrangement as the one described above, it may be desirable use different, but complimentary colors, and it may be desirable to place the sustainable offering between the existing (e.g., soft and strong) offerings or to the far side, but still immediately adjacent to the existing offerings. In some instances, the new sustainable offering may be softer than an existing offering (e.g., the strong offering) and/or stronger than the existing offering (e.g., soft offering). Depending which existing offering the new sustainable offering is closest to, property-wise, placement of the sustainable offering may be impacted. For example, a new sustainable offering that is strong may be placed next to an existing “strong” offering or a new sustainable offering that is soft may be placed next to the existing “soft” offering. The inventors of the present disclosure detail new ways of conveying that a new sustainable product has certain properties, and how those new sustainable properties relate to the existing products.
In another array example, the existing offerings, such as the “soft” and/or the “strong” offerings, may be modified to comprise a lower percentage of non-wood fibers than the “sustainable” offering does. In such cases, there is a challenge to communicate the differences between the product compositions, while conveying what the user can expect the properties of the products to be. For example, it may be very confusing to convey that the existing products are now sustainable, but that there is also an option to buy an even more sustainable product as part of the same array. A user may be confused about why the existing products weren't made more sustainable instead of offering an additional sustainable product as part of the array. As previously said, the shopper may wonder if they are giving up performance if they choose the “sustainable” offering; and the shopper may wonder if the existing offerings (e.g., the “soft” and/or “strong” offerings) have been compromised to be more sustainable than they were.
As said above, it takes a lot of skill to get new sustainable offerings to fit into the existing architecture with harmony; and this is even more true when existing offering are also made more sustainable. Particularly, when one or more existing products have been made more sustainable in combination with adding a new sustainable offering, it may be desirable to convey the type of sustainability each product in the array has. For example, it may be desirable to convey that the “soft” offering has sustainable packaging, while conveying that the new “sustainable” offering comprises non-wood fibers, and, maybe, that the “strong” offering is made using sustainable manufacturing practices.
When modifying an existing product offering to be more sustainable and adding a new sustainable product to the offering, the shopper may question why there is a need for the new sustainable offering or may wonder if the new sustainable offering is, for example, as soft or as strong as the existing offerings. For these reasons, the inventors have found that it may be desirable to convey the level of sustainability of each product in the array, such as conveying that the existing “soft” and/or “strong” offerings have, for example, two sustainable claims, while the new sustainable offering has, for example, four sustainable claims: e.g., it is made using sustainable manufacturing practices (like 85% less water is used to make it), it is made of 100% sustainable fibers (like 100% bamboo), it is packaged in sustainable packaging (like compostable or plant-based plastic), and that actions are being taken to reverse environmental harms (like trees are planted for every package sold). This approach helps the shopper to understand the level of sustainability of each product in the offering.
As for arrays where the existing products do not comprise non-wood fibers, communication of level of sustainability for arrays where the existing products do comprise non-wood fibers may be desirable to convey product performance. Without such a conveyance, the shopper may not understand the level of performance the new sustainable offering has versus the existing product offerings of the array. Thus, it may be desirable to convey that the new sustainable offering has performance characteristics comparable to the existing products that were modified to be more sustainable.
Other approaches and embodiments that address adding a “sustainable” embodiment to an existing array are disclosed in greater detail in the specification below.
In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an array of sanitary tissue products may comprise a first sanitary tissue product in a first package that conveys strength, absorption, and/or softness; and a second sanitary tissue product in a second package that conveys sustainability. TS7, TS750, lint, slip stick, tensile ratio, VFS, and SST may be common intensive properties of the first and second sanitary tissue products. At least one of TS7, TS750, lint, slip stick, tensile ratio, VFS, and SST of the first sanitary tissue product may be at least 5% different than, but within 25% of, the TS7, TS750, lint, slip stick, tensile ratio, VFS, and SST, respectively, of the second sanitary tissue product. The second sanitary tissue product may comprise a non-wood. The first and second sanitary tissue product packages may be separate from and adjacent to each other. Each of the first and second sanitary tissue product packages may comprise a common single source identifier. The first and second sanitary tissue product packages may comprise different sub-brand name portions.
Each of the tables and figures from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/456,020, titled “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” and filed on Mar. 31, 2023, each of the tables and figures from Ser. No. 63/375,858, titled “Sanitary Tissue Products and Arrays Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” and filed on Sep. 16, 2022, and each of the tables and figures from Ser. No. 63/472,379, titled “Sanitary Tissue Products and Arrays Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” and filed on Jun. 12, 2023 are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.
Inventive sanitary tissue product embodiments illustrated in the figures above, specifically including the inventive sanitary tissue products illustrated in
The following term explanations may be useful in understanding the present disclosure: “Fiber” as used herein means an elongate particulate having an apparent length greatly exceeding its apparent diameter, i.e., a length to diameter ratio of at least about 10. Fibers having a non-circular cross-section are common; the “diameter” in this case may be considered to be the diameter of a circle having cross-sectional area equal to the cross-sectional area of the fiber. More specifically, as used herein, “fiber” refers to fibrous structure-making fibers. The present disclosure contemplates the use of a variety of fibrous structure-making fibers, such as, for example, natural fibers, including wood fibers, or synthetic fibers made from natural polymers and/or synthetic fibers, or any other suitable fibers, and any combination thereof.
“Fibrous structure” as used herein means a structure (web) that comprises one or more fibers. Non-limiting examples of processes for making fibrous structures include known wet-laid fibrous structure making processes, air-laid fibrous structure making processes, meltblowing fibrous structure making processes, co-forming fibrous structure making processes, and spunbond fibrous structure making processes. Such processes typically include steps of preparing a fiber composition, oftentimes referred to as a fiber slurry in wet-laid processes, either wet or dry, and then depositing a plurality of fibers onto a forming wire or belt such that an embryonic fibrous structure is formed, drying and/or bonding the fibers together such that a fibrous structure is formed, and/or further processing the fibrous structure such that a finished fibrous structure is formed. The fibrous structure may be a through-air-dried fibrous structure and/or conventionally dried fibrous structure. The fibrous structure may be creped or uncreped. The fibrous structure may exhibit differential density regions or may be substantially uniform in density. The fibrous structure may be pattern densified, conventionally felt-pressed and/or high-bulk, uncompacted. The fibrous structures may be homogenous or multilayered in construction.
After and/or concurrently with the forming of the fibrous structure, the fibrous structure may be subjected to physical transformation operations such as embossing, calendaring, selfing, printing, folding, softening, ring-rolling, applying additives, such as latex, lotion and softening agents, combining with one or more other plies of fibrous structures, and the like to produce a finished fibrous structure that forms and/or is incorporated into a sanitary tissue product.
“Non-wood fiber(s)” or “non-wood content” means naturally-occurring fibers derived from non-wood plants, including mineral fibers, plant fibers and mixtures thereof, and specifically excluding non-naturally-occurring fibers (e.g., synthetic fibers). Animal fibers may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: wool, silk and other naturally-occurring protein fibers and mixtures thereof. The plant fibers may, for example, be obtained directly from a plant. Nonlimiting examples of suitable plants include cotton, cotton linters, flax, sisal, abaca, hemp, Hesper aloe, jute, bamboo, bagasse, kudzu, corn, sorghum, gourd, agave, loofah, trichomes, seed-hairs, wheat, and mixtures thereof.
Further, non-wood fibers of the present disclosure may be derived from one or more non-wood plants of the family Asparagaceae. Suitable non-wood plants may include, but are limited to, one or more plants of the genus Agave such as A. tequilana, A. sisalana and A. fourcroyde, and one or more plants of the genus Hesperaloe such as H. funifera, H. parviflora, H. nocturna, H. chiangii, H. tenuifolia, H. engelmannii, and H. malacophylla. Further, the non-wood fibers of the present disclosure may be prepared from one or more plants of the of the genus Hesperaloe such as H. funifera, H. parviflora, H. nocturna, H. chiangii, H. tenuifolia, H. engelmannii, and H. malacophylla.
“Wood fiber(s)” or “wood content” means fibers derived from both deciduous trees (hereinafter, also referred to as “hardwood”) and coniferous trees (hereinafter, also referred to as “softwood”) may be utilized. Wood fibers may be short (typical of hardwood fibers) or long (typical of softwood fibers). Nonlimiting examples of short fibers include fibers derived from a fiber source selected from the group consisting of Acacia, Eucalyptus, Maple, Oak, Aspen, Birch, Cottonwood, Alder, Ash, Cherry, Elm, Hickory, Poplar, Gum, Walnut, Locust, Sycamore, Beech, Catalpa, Sassafras, Gmelina, Albizia, Anthocephalus, and Magnolia. Nonlimiting examples of long fibers include fibers derived from Pine, Spruce, Fir, Tamarack, Hemlock, Cypress, and Cedar.
“Synthetic fiber(s)” or “synthetic content” means fibers human-made fibers, and specifically excludes “wood fibers” and “non-wood fibers.” Synthetic fibers can be used, in combination with wood and/or non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo) in the fibrous structures of the present disclosure. Synthetic fibers may be polymeric fibers. Synthetic fibers may comprise elastomeric polymers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol and nylon, which are obtained from petroleum sources. Additionally, synthetic fibers may be polymeric fibers comprising natural polymers, which are obtained from natural sources, such as starch sources, protein sources and/or cellulose sources may be used in the fibrous structures of the present disclosure. The synthetic fibers may be produced by any suitable methods known in the art.
“Sanitary tissue product” as used herein means a wiping implement for post-urinary and/or post-bowel movement cleaning (referred to as “toilet paper,” “toilet tissue,” or “toilet tissue product”), for otorhinolaryngological discharges (referred to as “facial tissue” or “facial tissue product”) and/or multi-functional absorbent and cleaning uses (referred to as “paper towels,” “paper towel products,” “absorbent towels,” “absorbent towel products,” such as paper towel or “wipe products,” and including “napkins”).
“Ply” or “plies” as used herein means an individual finished fibrous structure optionally to be disposed in a substantially contiguous, face-to-face relationship with other plies, forming a multiple ply (“multi-ply”) sanitary tissue product. It is also contemplated that a single-ply sanitary tissue product can effectively form two “plies” or multiple “plies”, for example, by being folded on itself.
“Machine Direction” or “MD” as used herein means the direction parallel to the flow of the fibrous structure through the papermaking machine and/or product manufacturing equipment. In one example, once incorporated into a sanitary tissue product, the MD of the fibrous structure may be the MD of the sanitary tissue product.
“Cross Machine Direction” or “CD” as used herein means the direction perpendicular to the machine direction in the same plane of the fibrous structure. In one example, once incorporated into a sanitary tissue product, the CD of the fibrous structure may be the CD of the sanitary tissue product.
“Basis Weight” or “BW” as used herein is the weight per unit area of a sample reported in lbs/3000 ft2 or g/m2. The basis weight is measured herein by the basis weight test method described in the Test Methods section herein.
“Dry Tensile Strength” (or “tensile strength” or “total dry tensile” or “TDT”) of a fibrous structure of the present disclosure and/or a sanitary tissue product comprising such fibrous structure is measured according to the Tensile Strength Test Method described herein. Higher TDT values are associated with stronger products and this is true for other tensile values, such as tensile ratio.
“Softness” of a fibrous structure or a sanitary tissue product as used herein may be determined according to the Softness Test Method described in the Test Methods section, which utilizes a human panel evaluation wherein the softness of a test product is measured versus the softness of a control or standard product; the resulting number being a relative measure of softness between the two fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products. Softness of a fibrous structure or a sanitary tissue product may also or alternatively be measured using TS7 according to the Emtec Test Method described in the Test Methods section.
“Absorbency” of a fibrous structure or a sanitary tissue as used herein means the characteristic to take up and retain fluids, particularly water and aqueous solutions and suspensions. In evaluating absorbency, not only is the absolute quantity of fluid a fibrous structure or a sanitary tissue product will hold significant, but the rate at which the fluid is absorbed can also be important. Absorbency may be measured herein as HFS (g/g) as capacity, CRT (g/sec) rate, SST (/sec{circumflex over ( )}0.5) rate, VFS (g/g) as capacity, PVD (mg), residual water (%), and/or CRT (g/g or g/in{circumflex over ( )}2) as capacity. More positive values for HFS, CRT (rate and capacity), SST, VFS, PVD, and residual water are associated with a more absorbent product.
“Lint” as used herein means any material that originated from a fibrous structure according to the present disclosure and/or sanitary tissue product comprising such fibrous structure that remains on a surface after which the fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product has come into contact. The lint value of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product comprising such fibrous structure is determined according to the Lint Test Method described herein.
“Texture” as used herein means any pattern present in the fibrous structure. For example, a pattern may be imparted to the fibrous structure during the fibrous structure-making process, such as during, for example, a TAD, UCTAD, fabric crepe, NTT, and/or QRT transfer step. A pattern may also be imparted to the fibrous structure by embossing the finished fibrous structure during the converting process and/or by any other suitable process known in the art.
“Color” as used herein, means a visual effect resulting from a human eye's ability to distinguish the different wavelengths or frequencies of light. The apparent color of an object depends on the wavelength of the light that it reflects. While a wide palette of colors can be employed herein, it is preferred to use a member selected from the group consisting of orange, purple, lavender, red, green, blue, yellow, and violet. The method for measuring color is described in the Color Test Method described herein.
“Rolled product(s)” as used herein include fibrous structures, paper, and sanitary tissue products that are in the form of a web and can be wound about a core. For example, rolled sanitary tissue products can be convolutedly wound upon itself about a core or without a core to form a sanitary tissue product roll and can be perforated into the form of discrete sheets, as is commonly known for toilet tissue and paper towels.
“Stacked product(s)” as used herein include fibrous structures, paper, and sanitary tissue products that are in the form of a web and cut into distinct separate sheets, where the sheets are folded (e.g., z-folded or c-folded) and may be interleaved with each other, such that a trailing edge of one is connected with a leading edge of another. Common examples of stacks of folded and/or interleaved sheets include facial tissues and napkins.
“Percent (%) difference,” “X % difference,” or “X % different” is calculated by: subtracting the lower value (e.g., common intensive property value) from the higher value (e.g., common intensive property value) and then dividing that value by the average of the lower and higher values, and then multiplying the result by 100.
“Within X %” or “within X percent” is calculated by the following non-limiting example: If first and second sanitary tissue products have a common intensive property (e.g., lint), and if a second lint value of the second sanitary tissue product is 10, then “within 25%” of the second lint value is calculated as follows for this example: multiplying 10 (the second lint value) by 25%, which equals 2.5, and then adding 2.5 to 10 (the second lint value) and subtracting 2.5 from 10 (the second lint value) to get a range, so that “within 25%” of the second lint value for this example means a lint value of or between 12.5 and 7.5). The absolute value of “X % change” can be used to determine if “within X %” is satisfied; for example can also be determined by using the absolute For example, if “X % change” is −25%, then a “within 25%” is satisfied, but if “X % change” is −25%, a “within 20%” is not satisfied.
“Percent (%) change,” “X % change,” or “X % change” is calculated by: subtracting the reference value (e.g., common intensive property value of a sustainable sanitary tissue product) from the comparative value (e.g., common intensive property value of a sanitary tissue product) and then dividing by the reference value, and then multiplying the result by 100. For example, if a reference value is 18 (e.g., a basis weight of a sustainable sanitary tissue product) and the comparative value is 31 (e.g., a basis weight of a soft sanitary tissue product), then 18 should be subtracted from 31, which equals 13, which should be divided by 18, which equals 0.722, which should be multiplied by 100, which equals 72.2% change.
Generally, the “bamboo,” “bamboo fibers,” “bamboo content,” or “bamboo fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure are fibrous materials derived from any bamboo species. More particularly, the bamboo fiber species may be selected from the group consisting of Acidosasa sp., Ampleocalamus sp., Arundinaria sp., Bambusa sp., Bashania sp., Borinda sp., Brachystachyum sp., Cephalostachyum sp., Chimonobambusa sp., Chusquea sp., Dendrocalamus sp., Dinochloa sp., Drepanostachyum sp., Eremitis sp., Fargesia sp., Gaoligongshania sp., Gelidocalamus sp., Gigantocloa sp., Guadua sp., Hibanobambusa sp., Himalayacalamus sp., Indocalamus sp., Indosasa sp., Lithachne sp., Melocanna sp., Menstruocalamus sp., Nastus sp., Neohouzeaua sp., Neomicrocalamus sp., Ochlandra sp., Oligostachyum sp., Olmeca sp., Otatea sp., Oxytenanthera sp., Phyllostachys sp., Pleioblastus sp., Pseudosasa sp., Raddia sp., Rhipidocladum sp., Sasa sp., Sasaella sp., Sasamorpha sp., Schizostachyum sp., Semiarundinaria sp., Shibatea sp., Sinobambusa sp., Thamnocalamus sp., Thyrsostachys sp., Yushania sp. and mixtures thereof.
The bamboo fibers may be from temperate bamboos of the Phyllostachys species, for example Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens, also known as Moso Bamboo. However, it is to be understood that the compositions disclosed herein, unless otherwise stated, are not limited to containing any one bamboo fiber and may comprise a plurality of fibers of different species. For example, the composition may comprise a bamboo from a Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens and a bamboo from a different species such as, for example, Phyllostachys bambusoides.
Bamboo fibers for use in the webs, fibrous structures, and products of the present disclosure may be produced by any appropriate methods known in the art. The bamboo fibers may be pulped bamboo fibers, produced by chemical processing of crushed bamboo stalk. The chemical processing may comprise treating the crushed bamboo stalk with an appropriate alkaline solution. The skilled artisan will be capable of selecting an appropriate alkaline solution. Bamboo fiber may also be produced by mechanical processing of crushed bamboo stalk, which may involve enzymatic digestion of the crushed bamboo stalk. Although bamboo fiber may be produced by any appropriate methods known in the art, a desirable method for manufacturing the bamboo pulp may be as a chemical pulping method such as, but not limited to, kraft, sulfite or soda/AQ pulping techniques.
Bamboo fibers of the present disclosure may be bamboo pulp fibers and may have an average fiber length of at least about 0.8 mm. When blends of fibers from various bamboo species are employed, it is noted that blends may comprise two or more species of bamboo, or may comprise three or more species of bamboo, such that the average fiber length is at least about 1.1 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, or from about 1.1 to about 2 mm. Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% bamboo content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% bamboo content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Generally, the “abaca,” “abaca fibers,” “abaca content,” or “abaca fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure are fibrous materials derived from Musa textilis (a species of banana native to the Philippines). Abaca may also be referred to as Manilla hemp, Cebu hemp, Davao hemp, Banana hemp or Musa hemp and can be used to derive abaca cellulose fibers.
Abaca may have a fiber coarseness of greater than 16 mg/100 m (or less than 20 mg/100 m) and a fiber length of 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm or more. Beyond abaca, sunn hemp, kenaf, and sisal hemp may have these characteristics.
Abaca comprises characteristics that can make it challenging (especially at higher incorporation levels) for incorporating into sanitary tissue products of the present invention as it is better known for being used to produce thin, strong, and porous paper capable of withstanding hard use.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% abaca content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% abaca content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Generally, the “hemp,” “hemp fibers,” “hemp content,” or “hemp fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure may be made up of hemp cellulose fibers derived from the plants Cannabis sativa or Cannabis sativa indica. The hemp cellulose fibers may be processed to a particulate fiber pulp.
Hemp cellulose fibers may be derived from one or more of the plant sources cannabis, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis sativa indica, Agava Sisalana (i.e., Sisal hemp).
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three different species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The cannabis stalk (or stem) consists of an open cavity surrounded by an inner layer of core fiber, often referred to as hurd, and an outer layer referred to as the bast. Bast fibers are roughly 20% of the stalk mass and the hurd 80% of the mass. Cannabis bast fibers have a large range in length and diameter, but on average are very long with medium coarseness; suitable for making textiles, paper, and nonwovens. The hurd consists of very short, bulky fibers, typically 0.2-0.65 mm in length.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% abaca content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% hemp content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Generally, the “bagasse,” “bagasse fibers,” “bagasse content,” or “bagasse fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure may be made up of “sugar cane bagasse”—the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane or sorghum stalks to extract their juice. Agave bagasse is similar, but is the material remnants after extracting blue agave sap.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% abaca content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% bagasse content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Generally, the “flax,” “flax fibers,” “flax content,” or “flax fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure may be made up of Linum usitatissimum, in the family Linaceae. Flax fiber is extracted from the bast beneath the surface of the stem of the flax plant.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% abaca content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% flax content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Generally, the “cotton,” “cotton fibers,” “cotton content,” or “cotton fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure may be made up of cotton linters, which are fine, silky fibers that adhere to the seeds of the cotton plant after ginning. These curly fibers typically are less than ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) long. The term also may apply to the longer textile fiber staple lint, as well as the shorter fuzzy fibers from some upland species.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% abaca content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% cotton content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
“Array” means a display of packages, often in a retail setting on the same side of an aisle or generally across an aisle from each other, the packages often comprising disposable, fibrous, sanitary tissue products of different constructions (such that the products are compositionally and/or structurally different e.g., different fibers or different fiber blends, different chemistries, different embossments, different properties and/or characteristics, etc.). The packages may have the same brand and/or sub-brand (or at least common sub-brand portions) and/or the same trademark registration and/or may have been manufactured by or for a common company. The packages may be available at a common point of sale. An array is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, same color pallet, design architecture, etc.) that convey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand name, for example, “Bounty,” and same sub-brand (or portion of the sub-brand), for example, a plurality of packages may have “Essentials,” or a plurality of packages may have “Ultra.” A different product in the array may have the same brand “Bounty” and the sub-brand, or portion of the sub-brand name (these may also be referred to as identifiers or additional information indicia), may be different: a first package may display “Bounty” and may also display “Ultra Strong,” and a second package may display “Bounty” and may also display “Ultra Soft.” The differences between “Charmin Ultra Soft” and “Charmin Ultra Strong” or the differences between “Bounty” and “Bounty Essentials” may include product form, application style, or other structural and/or functional elements intended to address the differences in consumer needs or preferences for such products. Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that “Charmin Ultra Strong” is packaged in a predominately red packaging (or with dominant red signals) and “Charmin Ultra Soft” is packaged in a predominately blue packaging (or with dominant blue signals).
More broadly speaking, part of an array may be located in a physical store, while another part of the array is offered on-line. For instance, an array may include “Charmin Ultra Soft,” Charmin Ultra Strong,” and “Charmin Ultra Eco.” “Charmin Ultra Soft” and “Charmin Ultra Strong” may be available physically in stores on shelf displays in near proximity to one another, while “Charmin Ultra Eco” is only available on-line, but each could be considered part of an array. In this example, each product is branded as “Charmin,” each has the same sub-brand or sub-brand portion “Ultra” to indicate that it is a premium version of the product. And, all three products are manufactured by or on behalf of The Procter & Gamble Company. In a like example, three different product types having different brand names, but the same sub-brand or additional information, and manufactured by or on behalf of the same company may be part of an array. For example, “Bounty Ultra Eco,” Charmin Ultra Eco,” and “Puffs Ultra Eco,” each manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company may be considered part of the same array.
“Intensive property” as used herein means a property of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product, wherein the property is selected from the group including: lint, softness, basis weight, texture, tensile strength, absorbency, etc.
“Common intensive property” as used herein means an intensive property (e.g., lint) that is present in two or more fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products.
“Value of a common intensive property” as used herein means a measured value of a common intensive property present in each of two or more fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products.
“Dominant common intensive property” as used herein means the more desirable of two or more values of a common intensive property. For example, if one sanitary tissue product exhibits a total dry tensile strength of about 650 g/in and another sanitary tissue product exhibits a total dry tensile strength of about 500 g/in, then the dominant common intensive property is the 650 g/in and the sanitary tissue product that exhibits a total dry tensile strength of about 650 g/in exhibits the dominant common intensive property because it is more desirable to have a stronger towel. In other words, one of the sanitary tissue products exhibits greater total dry tensile strength than the other sanitary tissue product. In one example, in order for a common intensive property of one sanitary tissue product to be a dominant common intensive property compared to another sanitary tissue product, the difference in the values of the common intensive properties of the sanitary tissue products has to be greater than about 5% and/or greater than about 10% and/or greater than about 15% and/or greater than about 20% and/or greater than about 25% and/or greater than about 30% and/or greater than about 50% (note: “greater than about” used interchangeably with “at least about” herein).
In another example, if one sanitary tissue product exhibits a TS7 of about 14 dB V2 rms and another sanitary tissue product exhibits a softness of 12 dB V2 rms, then the sanitary tissue product that exhibits a softness of 12 dB V2 rms exhibits the dominant common intensive property; namely softness, because lower (less positive) TS7 values are associated with more soft products (the same is true for TS750 and slip stick—where less positive values are associated with softer products, while more positive values of lint are associated with softer products), which is desirable. In other words, one of the sanitary tissue products is softer than the other sanitary tissue product. Relative values between sanitary tissue products, such as one sanitary tissue product is softer than another sanitary tissue product may be used to identify the dominant common intensive property in addition to the absolute values of common intensive properties.
“Dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product” as used herein means in an array, the sanitary tissue product that conveys sustainability in a more dominant manner than the other sanitary tissue product(s) in the array. For example, the greater use of words, objects, and/or colors of nature. As further example, while multiple sanitary tissue products in an array might mention the use of non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo), one sanitary tissue product in the array may print it larger or place it on a front face of the package (versus a side or back face of the package). As another example, while multiple sanitary tissue products in an array might mention the use of non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo), one sanitary tissue product in the array may have a sustainable packaging material (paper-based, recycled plastic (including post-use), plant-based plastic, biodegradable, etc.), whereas the other packages in the array have conventional film (e.g., non-recycled plastic, non-plant-based plastic, etc.) packaging.
“Dominant strong sanitary tissue product” as used herein means in an array, the sanitary tissue product that conveys strength in a more dominant manner than the other sanitary tissue product(s) in the array.
“Dominant soft sanitary tissue product” as used herein means in an array, the sanitary tissue product that conveys softness in a more dominant manner than the other sanitary tissue product(s) in the array.
“Relative value of a common intensive property” as used herein means the value of a common intensive property of one fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product compared to the value of the common intensive property in another fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product. For example, the value of a common intensive property of one fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product may be greater or less than the value of the common intensive property of another fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product.
“Communicated” as used herein means a package, for example a sanitary tissue product package, comprising a non-textual indicia, and/or a sanitary tissue product, itself, conveys information to a consumer about a product housed within the package. In one example, the information about the product may be conveyed intuitively to a consumer by a non-textual indicia.
“Intuitively communicated” as used herein means a package and/or sanitary tissue product, itself, comprising a non-textual indicia, conveys information by the non-textual indicia that a consumer interprets based on the consumer's previous life experiences and/or knowledge.
“Indicia” as used herein means an identifier and/or indicator and/or hint and/or suggestion, of the nature of a property of something, such as an intensive property of a sanitary tissue product.
“Textual indicia” as used herein means a text indicia, such as a word and/or phrase that communicates to a consumer a property about the sanitary tissue product it is associated with. In one example, a sanitary tissue product, such as a toilet tissue product, is housed in a package comprising a textual indicia; namely, the word “Strong.”
“Brand name” as used herein means a single source identifier, in other words, a brand name identifies a product and/or service as exclusively coming from a single commercial source (i.e., company). An example of a brand name is Charmin®, which is also a trademark. Brand names are nonlimiting examples of textual indicia. The sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may be marketed and/or packaged under a common brand name (i.e., the same brand name, such as Charmin®). In addition to the brand name, a product descriptor may also be associated with the sanitary tissue products, such as “Ultra Strong” and/or “Ultra Soft” for example).
“Non-textual indicia” as used herein means a non-text indicia that communicates to a consumer through a consumer's senses. In one example, a non-textual indicia may communicate, even intuitively communicate, to a consumer through sight (visual indicia), through touch (texture indicia), sound (audio indicia) and/or through smell (scent indicia).
Nonlimiting examples of non-textual indicia include colors, textures, patterns, such as emboss patterns and/or emboss pattern images or images of patterns, character representations, for example character representations exhibiting an active pose, and mixture thereof.
“Character representation” as used herein means an image of a person, animal, deity, angel or one or more parts thereof. Non-limiting examples of character representations include babies, children, females, queens, elderly ladies, officer workers, males, burly men, lumberjacks, mechanics, bears, dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, pigs, sheep, horses, fish, cows, elephants, ducks, monkeys, lions, parts thereof such as hands, paws, teeth, hoofs, claws and mixtures thereof. In addition, the character representations may include inanimate objects such as clouds, flowers, toilets, sinks, dishes, bubbles, windows, countertops, floors and mixtures thereof.
“Active pose” as used herein means that the character representation communicates action or motion to a consumer. Non-limiting examples of active poses include stretching a sanitary tissue product between two hands of the character, wringing a sanitary tissue product by two hands, a character squeezing a sanitary tissue product and a character contacting the character's skin with a sanitary tissue product. Character representations that do not exhibit an active pose, such as a character simply standing, are not within the scope of the present disclosure. However, they can be present on a package so long as a character representation exhibiting an active pose is also present on the package. In one example, a character representation or part(s) thereof, such as hands, squeeze a sanitary tissue product and/or stretch a sanitary tissue product and/or hold a sanitary tissue product up to the character representation's skin. For purposes of the character representation discussion herein, the sanitary tissue product is a representation of a sanitary tissue product.
“Psychologically matched” as used herein means that a non-textual indicia on a package housing a sanitary tissue product of the present disclosure and/or on the sanitary tissue product, itself, denotes (i.e., serves as a symbol for; signifies; represents something) an intensive property of the sanitary tissue product. For example, the color red typically denotes strength, the color blue typically denotes softness, the color pink typically denotes softness and the color green may have historically been associated with absorbency, however, green may now be more associated with ecologically friendly/sustainable products. Therefore, a consumer of sanitary tissue products can identify and/or select a package of sanitary tissue product that exhibits a dominant common intensive property of strength, wherein the package comprises a non-textual indicia psychologically matched (such as the color red) to communicate to the consumer that the sanitary tissue products exhibits strength as its dominant common intensive property. The psychologically matched non-textual indicia aids in mitigating any confusion that the consumer may have when trying to identify and/or select a desired sanitary tissue product among an array of sanitary tissue products. The consumer is able to interpret the intuitive communication from the non-textual indicia to be consistent with the actual dominant intensive property of the sanitary tissue product.
“Psychologically different” as used herein means that two or more different non-textual indicia, such as the color blue and the color red, denote different intensive properties. For example, the color blue denotes softness whereas the color red denotes strength. In one example, in order to be psychologically different, the non-textual indicia cannot denote the same intensive property. For example, the color blue, which denotes softness, and the color pink, which denotes softness, are not psychologically different for the purposes of the present disclosure. Likewise, the color blue, which denotes softness, and the color purple, which typically denotes softness, are not psychologically different for the purposes of the present disclosure.
“Sustainable” or “sustainability” as used herein means that the product is somehow better for the environment. For example, by conveying that the product or contents making up the product are more renewable. More specifically, sanitary tissue products may convey sustainability by indicating that the product comprises non-wood fibers, such as, for example, bamboo, abaca, hemp, bagasse, trichomes, etc. Further, products may communicate sustainability by using imagery of nature, such as blue skies and water, green and brown trees and plants (and plant parts), and various animals, such as pandas, caribou, moose, reindeer, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and other such forest, woodland, rainforest, lake, river, ocean etc. creatures. Sustainability may be communicated with terms like “eco,” “eco-friendly,” “recycled,” “recycled-fibers,” “renewable,” “green,” “good for the planet,” “sustainable,” “guilt-free,” “guilt-free use,” “recycle me,” “give this package a second life,” “earth friendly,” “100% recyclable,” “smart plastic,” and the like. Sustainability may also be communicated by what is being avoided, like communicating that less or no trees are being used to make the product. For example, a product may communicate that no “old-growth forests” are used to make the product or that no “Boreal” forest is used to make the product or that no “rainforest” was used to make the product. Sustainability may also be communicated by an indication that a certain number of trees are planted to replace the trees that are used to make the product. Sustainability may also be associated with products that are free of dyes and/or plastics. Still further, sustainability may be associated with low/no waste manufacturing (e.g., zero landfill production), as well as low/no carbon-footprint to manufacturing. Of course, combinations of each of these may be used to communicate sustainability.
“High tier,” “highest tier,” “higher tier,” as used herein means products and/or offerings comprising more of the consumer-desirable properties or characteristics versus like offerings. For example, Charmin Ultra Strong may be considered “high tier” or “higher tier” as compared to Charmin Essential Strong because Charmin Ultra Strong may be stronger and/or may have a higher level of softness and/or absorbency versus Charmin Essential Strong—even though both are “Charmin” and “Strong,” one is “Ultra,” while the other is “Essential.” Likewise, Charmin Ultra Soft may be softer and/or may have a higher level of strength and/or absorbency versus Charmin Essential Soft.
Rolled sanitary tissue products 106 may have a “Roll Height” 130 (see
Referring to
It is to be appreciated that the packages 100 may include various quantities of sanitary tissue products 106 that may be arranged in various orientations within the package 100. For example, as shown in
Sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may comprise one or more fibrous structures and/or finished fibrous structures, and may be single ply or may be multiple plies (i.e., “multi-ply”). Sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may be in any suitable form, such as in a roll, in individual sheets, in connected, but perforated sheets, in a folded format or even in an unfolded format.
The sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may comprise additives such as softening agents, temporary wet strength agents, permanent wet strength agents, bulk softening agents, surface softening agents, lotions, silicones, and other types of additives suitable for inclusion in and/or on sanitary tissue products. In one example, the sanitary tissue product, for example a toilet tissue product, comprises a temporary wet strength resin. In another example, the sanitary tissue product, for example an absorbent towel product, comprises a permanent wet strength resin.
Sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may be non-wood sanitary tissue products that may comprise non-wood fibers and that may have compositions, properties, and characteristics of sanitary tissue products comprising non-wood(s) as disclosed and defined in U.S. Ser. No. 63/456,020, titled “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” filed on Mar. 31, 2023, Young as the first-named inventor, (“Young”), particularly including the compositions, properties, characteristics of inventive sanitary tissue products as disclosed in the graphs and tables of Young and as illustrated in the tables and graphs of
As used herein the term “non-wood fiber(s)” or “non-wood content” means naturally-occurring fibers derived from non-wood plants, including animal fibers, mineral fibers, plant fibers and mixtures thereof, and specifically excluding non-naturally-occurring fibers (e.g., synthetic fibers). Animal fibers may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: wool, silk and other naturally-occurring protein fibers and mixtures thereof. The plant fibers may, for example, be obtained directly from a plant. Nonlimiting examples of suitable plants include cotton, cotton linters, flax, sisal, abaca, hemp, hesperaloe, jute, bamboo, bagasse, kudzu, corn, sorghum, gourd, agave, loofah, trichomes, seed-hairs, wheat, and mixtures thereof.
Non-wood fibers of the present disclosure may be derived from one or more non-wood plants of the family Asparagaceae. Suitable non-wood plants may include, but are limited to, one or more plants of the genus Agave such as A. tequilana, A. sisalana and A. fourcroyde, and one or more plants of the genus Hesperaloe such as H. funifera, H. parviflora, H. nocturna, H. Changi, H. tenuifolia, H. engelmannii, and H. malacophylla. Further, the non-wood fibers of the present disclosure may be prepared from one or more plants of the of the genus Hesperaloe such as H. funifera, H. parviflora, H. nocturna, H. chiangii, H. tenuifolia, H. engelmannii, and H. malacophylla.
As used herein the term “wood fiber(s)” or “wood content” means fibers derived from both deciduous trees (hereinafter, also referred to as “hardwood”) and coniferous trees (hereinafter, also referred to as “softwood”) may be utilized. Wood fibers may be short (typical of hardwood fibers) or long (typical of softwood fibers). Nonlimiting examples of short fibers include fibers derived from a fiber source selected from the group consisting of Acacia, Eucalyptus, Maple, Oak, Aspen, Birch, Cottonwood, Alder, Ash, Cherry, Elm, Hickory, Poplar, Gum, Walnut, Locust, Sycamore, Beech, Catalpa, Sassafras, Gmelina, Albizia, Anthocephalus, and Magnolia. Nonlimiting examples of long fibers include fibers derived from Pine, Spruce, Fir, Tamarack, Hemlock, Cypress, and Cedar.
As used herein the term “synthetic fiber(s)” or “synthetic content” means fibers human-made fibers, and specifically excludes “wood fibers” and “non-wood fibers.” Synthetic fibers can be used, in combination with non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo) in the fibrous structures of the present disclosure. Synthetic fibers may be polymeric fibers. Synthetic fibers may comprise elastomeric polymers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol and nylon, which are obtained from petroleum sources. Additionally, synthetic fibers may be polymeric fibers comprising natural polymers, which are obtained from natural sources, such as starch sources, protein sources and/or cellulose sources may be used in the fibrous structures of the present disclosure. The synthetic fibers may be produced by any suitable methods known in the art.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s) (including at least one of or each of a first and a second layer of a ply), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%, about 35% about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% non-wood content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 55% to about 95%, from about 65% to about 85%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% non-wood content (e.g., bamboo, abaca, hemp, etc.), specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Generally, the “bamboo,” “bamboo fibers,” “bamboo content,” or “bamboo fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure are fibrous materials derived from any bamboo species. More particularly, the bamboo fiber species may be selected from the group consisting of: Acidosasa sp., Ampleocalamus sp., Arundinaria sp., Bambusa sp., Bashania sp., Borinda sp., Brachystachyum sp., Cephalostachyum sp., Chimonobambusa sp., Chusquea sp., Dendrocalamus sp., Dinochloa sp., Drepanostachyum sp., Eremitis sp., Fargesia sp., Gaoligongshania sp., Gelidocalamus sp., Gigantocloa sp., Guadua sp., Hibanobambusa sp., Himalayacalamus sp., Indocalamus sp., Indosasa sp., Lithachne sp., Melocanna sp., Menstruocalamus sp., Nastus sp., Neohouzeaua sp., Neomicrocalamus sp., Ochlandra sp., Oligostachyum sp., Olmeca sp., Otatea sp., Oxytenanthera sp., Phyllostachys sp., Pleioblastus sp., Pseudosasa sp., Raddia sp., Rhipidocladum sp., Sasa sp., Sasaella sp., Sasamorpha sp., Schizostachyum sp., Semiarundinaria sp., Shibatea sp., Sinobambusa sp., Thamnocalamus sp., Thyrsostachys sp., Yushania sp. and mixtures thereof.
The bamboo fibers may be from temperate bamboos of the Phyllostachys species, for example Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens, also known as Moso Bamboo. However, it is to be understood that the compositions disclosed herein, unless otherwise stated, are not limited to containing any one bamboo fiber and may comprise a plurality of fibers of different species. For example, the composition may comprise a bamboo from a Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens and a bamboo from a different species such as, for example, Phyllostachys bambusoides.
Bamboo fibers for use in the webs, fibrous structures, and products of the present disclosure may be produced by any appropriate methods known in the art. The bamboo fibers may be pulped bamboo fibers, produced by chemical processing of crushed bamboo stalk. The chemical processing may comprise treating the crushed bamboo stalk with an appropriate alkaline solution. The skilled artisan will be capable of selecting an appropriate alkaline solution. Bamboo fiber may also be produced by mechanical processing of crushed bamboo stalk, which may involve enzymatic digestion of the crushed bamboo stalk. Although bamboo fiber may be produced by any appropriate methods known in the art, a desirable method for manufacturing the bamboo pulp may be as a chemical pulping method such as, but not limited to, kraft, sulfite or soda/AQ pulping techniques.
Bamboo fibers of the present disclosure may be bamboo pulp fibers and may have an average fiber length of at least about 0.8 mm. When blends of fibers from various bamboo species are employed, it is noted that blends may comprise two or more species of bamboo, or may comprise three or more species of bamboo, such that the average fiber length is at least about 1.1 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, or from about 1.1 to about 2 mm. Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s) (including at least one of or each of a first and a second layer of a ply), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% bamboo content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% bamboo content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Bamboo fibers may be more desirable to use than other non-wood fibers, such as various straws (e.g., wheat straw) for multiple reasons, one being that bamboo fibers are generally longer than straw fibers, which results in fibrous structures comprising bamboo fibers being stronger (without using strength enhancing chemistry or process manipulations) than like fibrous structures comprising shorter straw fibers.
Generally, the “abaca,” “abaca fibers,” “abaca content,” or “abaca fiber content” incorporated into fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure are fibrous materials derived from Musa textilis (a species of banana native to the Philippines). Abaca may also be referred to as Manilla hemp, Cebu hemp, Davao hemp, Banana hemp or Musa hemp and can be used to derive abaca cellulose fibers.
Abaca may have a fiber coarseness of greater than 16 mg/100 m (or less than 20 mg/100 m) and a fiber length of 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm or more. Beyond abaca, sunn hemp, kenaf, and sisal hemp may have these characteristics.
Abaca comprises characteristics that can make it challenging (especially at higher incorporation levels) for incorporating into sanitary tissue products of the present invention as it is better known for being used to produce thin, strong, and porous paper capable of withstanding hard use.
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue products), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s) (including at least one of or each of a first and a second layer of a ply), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure may comprise at least about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 30%. about 40%, about 50%, about 75%, about 80%, or about 100% abaca content, or from about 5% to about 15%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 70% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, from about 95% to about 100%, or from about 97.5% to about 100% abaca content, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Abaca fibers may be more desirable to use than other non-wood fibers, such as various straws (e.g., wheat straw) for multiple reasons, one being that abaca fibers are generally longer than straw fibers, which results in fibrous structures comprising abaca fibers being stronger (without using strength enhancing chemistry or process manipulations) than like fibrous structures comprising shorter straw fibers. Further, abaca's length, width, and coarseness make it a more suitable softwood replacement, its higher fibrillation increases specific surface area of the fiber and its carboxyl groups make it better for attaching strength chemistries.
The challenges associated with non-wood fiber morphology are further complicated by using once-dried (versus never-dried, which comprise greater than about 45% water content) fibers in the paper-making process. Although never-dried and once-dried fibers are chemically similar, they differ greatly in their physical properties. Never-dried fiber walls contain much more water per unit dry mass than those of dried fibers after reslushing. Being more swollen, the never-dried walls are more flexible or conformable. In contrast, the walls of once-dried (and rewetted or reslushed or repulped) fibers are stiff (compared to never-dried fibers). Significant changes in the papermaking properties of fibers occur with water removal as the walls become progressively more rigid and less conformable. The table of
While it may be desirable to use never-dried fibers (see, for example, the following publications assigned to Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag: WO2023282811A1, WO2023282812A1, WO2023282813A1, WO2023282818A1), such requires the pulping facility to be close to the paper-making facility as wet fibers are too expensive to ship. Because this proximity is often impractical, the inventors of the present application used non-wood fibers that were at least once-dried and overcame not only the challenges associated with non-wood fibers, but also overcame the challenges of the non-wood fibers having been at least once-dried at the pulping facility and then shipped as dried sheets before incorporating the fibers into the paper-making process. That is, the non-wood fibers disclosed herein were reslushed from dried sheets before they were sent to a headbox in the paper-making process. Further, on a single fiber basis, the fiber length of once-dried non-wood fibers in the finished product (e.g., sanitary tissue product) will normally be shorter than never-dried non-wood fibers due to the extra processing necessary to rewet once-dried non-wood fibers. These shorter fibers have a materially different characteristics, which, among other things, will impact the strength of the final product.
When using once-dried non-wood pulp, the unit of pulp is typically in a bale, a sheet, or a block, which comprises less than about 45%, 40%, 35%, 25%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 2% of water (water content). The unit of once-fired non-wood pulp may then be placed into a repulping unit to be repulped (also called reslushed or rewetted). The repulped non-wood fibers may then be further refined or may be sent directly to a headbox. As referenced above, the reslushed non-wood fibers will likely be stiffer (versus like fibers that were never-dried) due to hornification.
Another benefit of using once-dried fibers instead of never-dried fibers is that once-dried fibers bond less during the paper-making process and are thus less connected, which results in a softer sanitary tissue product, which allows the sanitary tissue product to be more cloth-like and more desirable. For instance, once-dried fibers of the present disclosure may have a breaking length of less than about 3.25 m/micron, less than about 2.7 m/micron, less than about 2.5 m/micron, less than about 2.0 m/micron, less than about 1.8 m/micron, less than about 1.6 m/micron, less than about 1.5 m/micron, less than about 1.0 m/micron, less than about 0.6 m/micron, or less than about 0.5 m/micron, while never-dried fibers tend to have higher breaking lengths, such as greater than about 3.0 m/micron, greater than about 3.5 m/micron, greater than about 4.0 m/micron, greater than about 5.0 m/micron, or greater than about 6.0 m/micron, specifically reciting all 0.1 m/micron increments within the above-recited ranges of this paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
In light of the paragraphs of this Section (Once-dried Non-wood Fibers), a desirable process for making sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may comprise: re-slushing pulp comprising non-wood fibers prior to sending the pulp to a headbox; forming a web comprising the non-wood fibers; creating zones of differential densities in the web; and creping the web. The once-dried non-wood pulp may be introduced into a repulping unit prior to the step of re-slushing the pulp. The once-dried non-wood pulp comprises non-wood fibers having a water content of less than about 10%, 20%, or 40%. The once-dried non-wood pulp may be in the form of a bale, a sheet, or a block. The non-wood fibers may be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, abaca, and mixtures thereof. The web may be treated with permanent or temporary wet strength. This process of making sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure may further include harvesting non-wood fibers and pulping the non-wood fibers and drying the non-wood fibers. The non-wood fibers may be dried (using, for example a pulp drier (e.g., from Andritz, Valmet, etc.)) at a facility other than a destination paper-making facility (i.e., where the pulp will be used to make the sanitary tissue products, including paper towels, toilet tissue, and/or facial tissue. The dried non-wood fibers may then be shipped to a destination paper-making facility. The shipping distance may be greater than: about 25, about 50, about 75, about 100, about 200, about 500, about 1,000 miles to reach the destination paper-making facility. In some instances, the dried non-wood fibers may be shipped as far as from Asia (e.g., China) to North America (e.g., US).
Arrays of the present disclosure may comprise a first package of sanitary tissue products that are formed using never-dried, non-wood fibers, such that the sanitary tissue products of the first package comprise or consist of fibers that had not been dried until the paper-making process (such as the processes of
Fibrous structure(s) (including sanitary tissue product(s)), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s) (including at least one of or each of a first and a second layer of a ply), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure(s) as disclosed herein, particularly including various inventive non-wood inclusions, even including greater than 80% non-woods by weight of the fibrous structure, and even including 100% non-woods by weight of the fibrous structure, may have one or a combination of the following properties:
Fibrous structure(s), including sanitary tissue products of the present disclosure comprising non-wood fibers, may have one or a combination of the above properties (disclosed in this Properties of Fibrous Structure(s) Section). Further, different sanitary tissue products of an array (e.g., arrays of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more different products) of the present disclosure may have different combinations of the above properties (disclosed in this Properties of Fibrous Structure(s) Section), including, but not limited to the different combinations disclosed in the Aspects of the present disclosure, including Aspects 1-4.
Beyond the sanitary tissue products disclosed herein, the sanitary tissue products, including the inventive sanitary tissue products, disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 63/456,020, titled “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” filed on Mar. 31, 2023 may be used to form at least a portion of the arrays of the present disclosure.
As shown in
From the headbox 152, the aqueous dispersion of fibers can be delivered to a foraminous member 154, which can be a Fourdrinier wire, to produce an embryonic fibrous web 156. Furnish mixes may be useful in the present disclosure may be from about 20% to about 50% short fibers and from about 40% to about 100% long fibers, specifically including all 1% increments between the recited ranges.
The foraminous member 154 can be supported by a breast roll 158 and a plurality of return rolls 160 of which only two are illustrated. The foraminous member 154 can be propelled in the direction indicated by directional arrow 162 by a drive means, not illustrated, at a predetermined velocity, V1. Optional auxiliary units and/or devices commonly associated with fibrous structure making machines and with the foraminous member 154, but not illustrated, comprise forming boards, hydrofoils, vacuum boxes, tension rolls, support rolls, wire cleaning showers, and other various components known to those of skill in the art.
After the aqueous dispersion of fibers is deposited onto the foraminous member 154, the embryonic fibrous web 156 is formed, typically by the removal of a portion of the aqueous dispersing medium by techniques known to those skilled in the art. Vacuum boxes, forming boards, hydrofoils, and other various equipment known to those of skill in the art are useful in effectuating water removal. The embryonic fibrous web 156 can travel with the foraminous member 154 about return roll 160 and can be brought into contact with a papermaking belt 164 in a transfer zone 136, after which the embryonic fibrous web travels on the papermaking belt 164. While in contact with the papermaking belt 164, the embryonic fibrous web 156 can be deflected, rearranged, and/or further dewatered. Depending on the process, mechanical and fluid pressure differential, alone or in combination, can be utilized to deflect a portion of fibers into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt. For example, in a through-air drying process a vacuum apparatus 176 can apply a fluid pressure differential to the embryonic web 156 disposed on the papermaking belt 164, thereby deflecting fibers into the deflection conduits of the deflection member. The process of deflection may be continued with additional vacuum pressure 186, if necessary, to even further deflect and dewater the fibers of the web 184 into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt 164.
The papermaking belt 164 can be in the form of an endless belt. In this simplified representation, the papermaking belt 164 passes around and about papermaking belt return rolls 166 and impression nip roll 168 and can travel in the direction indicated by directional arrow 170, at a papermaking belt velocity V2, which can be less than, equal to, or greater than, the foraminous member velocity V1. In the present disclosure, the papermaking belt velocity V2 is less than foraminous member velocity V1 such that the partially-dried fibrous web is foreshortened in the transfer zone 136 by a percentage determined by the relative velocity differential between the foraminous member and the papermaking belt. Associated with the papermaking belt 164, but not illustrated, can be various support rolls, other return rolls, cleaning means, drive means, and other various equipment known to those of skill in the art that may be commonly used in fibrous structure making machines.
The papermaking belts 164 of the present disclosure can be made, or partially made, according to the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,859, issued Jan. 20, 1987, to Trokhan, and having the patterns of cells as disclosed herein.
The fibrous web 192 can then be creped with a creping blade 194 to remove the web 192 from the surface of the Yankee dryer 190 resulting in the production of a creped fibrous structure 196 in accordance with the present disclosure. As used herein, creping refers to the reduction in length of a dry (having a consistency of at least about 90% and/or at least about 95%) fibrous web which occurs when energy is applied to the dry fibrous web in such a way that the length of the fibrous web is reduced and the fibers in the fibrous web are rearranged with an accompanying disruption of fiber-fiber bonds. Creping can be accomplished in any of several ways as is well known in the art, as the doctor blades can be set at various angles. The creped fibrous structure 196 is wound on a reel, commonly referred to as a parent roll, and can be subjected to post processing steps such as calendaring, tuft generating operations, embossing, and/or converting. The reel winds the creped fibrous structure at a reel surface velocity, V4.
The papermaking belts of the present disclosure can be utilized to form discrete elements and a continuous/substantially continuous network (i.e., knuckles and pillows) into a fibrous structure during a through-air-drying operation. The discrete elements can be knuckles and can be relatively high density relative to the continuous/substantially continuous network, which can be a continuous/substantially pillow having a relatively lower density. In other examples, the discrete elements can be pillows and can be relatively low density relative to the continuous/substantially continuous network, which can be a continuous/substantially continuous knuckle having a relatively higher density. In the example detailed above, the fibrous structure is a homogenous fibrous structure, but such papermaking process may also be adapted to manufacture layered fibrous structures, as is known in the art. As discussed above, the fibrous structure can be embossed during a converting operating to produce the embossed fibrous structures of the present disclosure.
As illustrated in
Arrays of the present disclosure may optionally be created using a first process (e.g., the process of
The packages 100 that house the sanitary tissue products 106 of the present disclosure may be formed from various types of material and may be configured in various shapes and sizes. In some configurations, the packages 100 may be formed from a poly film material that may comprise polymeric films, polypropylene films, and/or polyethylene films. In some configurations, the packages 100 may be formed from cellulose, such as for example, in the form of paper and/or cardboard. The package 100 may have a preformed shape into which sanitary tissue products 106 are inserted and/or may be formed by wrapping a material around one or more sanitary tissue products 106 to define a shape that conforms with the shapes of individual products and/or arrangements of products. As shown in
The package 100 may be recyclable, such as a corrugated box with paper-based tape. Said package may not comprise any plastic, such that rolls of sanitary tissue product are inserted directly into the corrugated box. Cardboard separators may be use between rows of sanitary tissue product and/or paper wrapping may be used to wrap the sanitary tissue product 106. The box may not have any film or coating on it, inside or outside (however, some protectant (e.g., wax) may be used to protect the outside of the box for shipping and/or storage and/or handling. As shown in
For example, a packaged sanitary tissue product 106 may comprise a sustainable (e.g., recycled paper, cardboard, plant-based plastic, recycled plastic, etc.) package material 100 comprising a brand name 300 and a sub-brand name 301. The package may convey sustainability. The package may further comprise indicia representative of at least portions of plants and/or trees and may overlap indicia representative of the sanitary tissue product. The sanitary tissue product 106 may be contained within the package 100 and may comprise non-wood fibers. The sanitary tissue product 106 may come in direct contact with the sustainable (e.g., paper-based) package material 100.
As another example, a packaged sanitary tissue product 106 may comprise a sustainable (e.g. paper-based, recycled plastic, plant-based plastic, recycled paper, cardboard, etc.) package material comprising a brand name 300 and a sub-brand name 301. The package 100 may convey sustainability. The package 100 may have an exterior surface of a first color (e.g., brown or tan) and may have an interior surface that contrasts the first color (e.g., white). The sanitary tissue product 106 may be contained within the package 100 and may comprise non-wood fibers. The sanitary tissue product 106 may come in direct contact with the sustainable package material 100.
For example, as illustrated, in part, in
It may be desirable, in an array, to offer multiple sizes of sustainable packages comprising sanitary tissue products comprising non-wood(s). It may also be desirable to offer smaller quantities (e.g., 4 rolls) of sanitary tissue products comprising non-wood(s) in non-corrugated paper-based packaging material (e.g., paper bag grade paper), while offering larger quantities (e.g., 12 rolls) of sanitary tissue products comprising non-wood(s) in corrugated paper-based packaging material (e.g., a cardboard box) or said larger quantities in sustainable plastic packaging material (e.g., plant-based and/or recycled plastic). Further, it may be desirable that the dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product of an array may be a smaller package than the other products in the array as the rolls of the dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products may have fewer sheet per roll and may, thus, be smaller rolls (e.g., a 4 roll package of dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product may be smaller than other 4 roll packages of the array, and may even be the smallest 4 roll package of the array).
As shown in
Two or more of the packages illustrated in
Soft and/or Strong, and Sustainable Arrays
It is often desirable to market packages of sanitary tissue products as an array, where certain properties of the rolls differ. For instance, it may be desirable to offer a first package as strong and/or a second package as soft. It may be desirable to market an array of packages comprising soft, strong, and sustainable offerings. Further, it may be desirable to include, in the array, more non-wood fiber content in the sustainable offering. It may also, however, be desirable to also include non-wood fiber content in the soft and/or the strong offerings. Each of the soft, strong, and sustainable offerings may have the same single source identifier (e.g., Charmin), may have different product designations (e.g., soft, strong, sustainable, etc.), but each of these offerings may communicate that they are the same tier, including each being of a higher tier or even the highest tier. This is surprising because sustainable offering(s) may be seen as a lesser offering because so often their performance is compromised due to the fibers used to make them (e.g., non-wood fibers)—so having a sustainable offering that has many of the properties of the existing soft and/or strong offering is unexpected. The inventors of the present disclosure have achieved new ways of producing and/or offering sanitary tissue structures that out-perform any of the known existing offerings that comprise non-wood fibers, especially existing offerings that comprise a majority of non-wood fibers. For these reasons, even sustainable offerings as disclosed herein may be co-marketed with existing soft and/or strong offerings.
For example, referring to
For example, referring to
Packages of sanitary tissue products may be marketed as soft and/or strong offerings. Each of these may be marketed as different tier offerings. As an example, a premium (highest tier) soft package and a premium (highest tier) strong package may be offered, as well as a lesser tier (relative to the high tier) soft package and a lesser tier (relative to the high tier) strong package. Surprisingly, it may be desirable to include a greater percentage of non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo) in the premium (highest tier) rolls than in the lesser tier rolls. More particularly, it may be desirable to include a greater percentage of non-wood fibers in the high tier soft rolls than in the lesser tier soft rolls, as well as including a greater percentage of non-wood fibers in the high tier strong rolls than the lesser tier strong rolls. This is surprising because non-wood fibers are often considered more sustainable, but are often considered inferior to wood fibers. Such a difference may cause non-wood fibers to be viewed as an inferior substitute when compared to certain conventional hardwood fibers (e.g., eucalyptus) and when compared to certain conventional softwood fibers (e.g., NSK). For these reasons, swapping out more hard and soft wood fibers in high tier products is unexpected—most would expect the larger swap to be made with lesser tier products. There are surprising advantages, however, to incorporating more non-wood fibers into high tier products. Softwoods and hardwoods have a certain morphology (e.g., softwoods tend to be larger and longer relative to hardwoods, which tend to be shorter and smaller) and the non-woods can offer different values of length and coarseness or different combinations of values (as one example, abaca is very long, but has very low coarseness).
For example, referring to
It is often desirable to market packages of these rolled products as an array, where certain properties, including the size (e.g., diameter) of the rolls differ. For instance, it may be desirable to offer a first package comprising traditional diameter rolls and a second package comprising larger diameter rolls. Further, it may be desirable to include, in an array, more non-wood fibers in larger diameter rolls versus traditional diameter rolls. This may be advantageous because consumers may, due to the large scale of larger diameter rolls, more strongly desire that the larger diameter roll offering is more sustainable. Even though the consumer may not actually be using any more sanitary tissue product when they use larger diameter rolls, there may be an increased perception of use and of the impact of the type of fibers being used by the consumer. In this way, larger diameter rolls may make the use of certain fibers more noticeable. For example, a consumer may have guilt over buying a larger diameter roll consisting of wood fibers, but may be okay with a larger diameter roll comprising or consisting of non-wood fibers.
Generally, a first plurality of disposable, fibrous, rolled sanitary tissue products 106 may comprise a first average Roll Diameter 112 of 5.85 inches or less for toilet paper, or 6.60 inches or less for paper towels (referred to herein as “Traditional Diameter Rolls” and the packages containing them as “Traditional Roll Packages”). A second plurality (i.e., 2 or more rolls) of disposable, fibrous, rolled sanitary tissue products may comprise a second average Roll Diameter 112 of 5.90 inches or greater for toilet paper, or 6.70 inches or greater for paper towels (referred to herein as “Larger Diameters Rolls” and the packages containing them as “Larger Roll Packages”).
Further, for toilet paper, the second average Roll Diameter (for Larger Diameter Rolls) may be greater than 5.90, 6.00, 6.20, 6.40, or 6.60 inches, and the second average Roll Diameter (for Larger Diameter Rolls) may be 22.00, 20.00, 18.00, 16.00, 14.00, 12.00, 10.00, 8.00, 7.00, or less inches, specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. For toilet paper, the second average Roll Diameter (for Larger Diameter Rolls) may be from 6.00 inches to about 22.00 inches, from about 6.20 inches to about 12.00 inches, from about 6.40 inches to about 12.00 inches, or from about 6.60 inches to about 8.00 inches, specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Further, for paper towels, the second average Roll Diameter (for Larger Diameter Rolls) may be greater than 6.60, 6.70, 6.80, 7.00, 7.20, or 7.40 inches, and the second average Roll Diameter (for Larger Diameter Rolls) may be 22.00, 20.00, 18.00, 16.00, 14.00, 12.00, 10.00, 8.00, or less inches, specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. For paper towels, the second average Roll Diameter (for Larger Diameter Rolls) may be from 6.60 inches to about 22.00 inches, from about 6.80 inches to about 18.00 inches, from about 7.00 inches to about 12.00 inches, or from about 7.20 inches to about 8.00 inches, specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
Traditional Diameter Rolls of toilet paper may have total linear length values per roll of less than about 1590 inches, 1550 inches, 1500 inches, 1400 inches, 1300 inches, 1200 inches, 1000 inches, or 500 inches, and all 1 inch increments therebetween, while Larger Roll Diameter Rolls of toilet paper may have total linear length values per roll of greater than about 1600 inches, 1650 inches, 1700 inches, 1800 inches, 1900 inches, 2000 inches, 3000 inches, 4000 inches, 5000 inches, 6000 inches, 7000 inches, or 8000 inches, and all 1 inch increments therebetween. Likewise, Traditional Diameter Rolls of paper towels may have total linear length values per roll of less than about 700 inches, 650 inches, 600 inches, 550 inches, 500 inches, 400 inches, 300 inches, or 250 inches, and all 1 inch increments therebetween, while Larger Roll Diameter Rolls of paper towels may have total linear length values per roll of greater than about 725 inches, 750 inches, 800 inches, 900 inches, 1000 inches, 1100 inches, 1200 inches, 1300 inches, 1400 inches, 1500 inches, 2000 inches, or 3000 inches, and all 1 inch increments therebetween.
For example, referring to
Arrays Comprising Different Non-Wood Fibers in Soft and/or Strong Offerings
It is often desirable to market packages of these rolled sanitary tissue products as an array, where certain properties of the rolls differ. For instance, it may be desirable to offer a first package as strong and a second package as soft. As will be described in greater detail below, it may be desirable to incorporate non-wood fibers into each of the soft and strong offerings. In order to combat lack of ready non-wood supply and in order to achieve the different properties expected of a soft offering and a strong offering, it may be desirable to include a first non-wood fiber type in the strong offering and a second non-wood fiber type, which is different from the first non-wood fiber type, in the soft offering. Alternatively, the same non-wood type may be incorporated into each of the strong and soft offerings, but at different percentages into the product and/or web. Each of the soft and strong offerings may have the same single source identifier (e.g., Charmin) and may have different sub-brand portions (e.g., soft, strong, etc.). These are new approaches to offering the performance differences expected by users of soft and strong offerings.
For example, referring to
Arrays Comprising Non-Wood Fibers in the Soft Offering and/or in the Outer Layer
It may be desirable to market both soft and strong sanitary tissue products as different offerings. Surprisingly, it may be desirable to include a greater percentage of non-wood fibers into the soft offering (versus the strong offering). This is surprising because non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo, abaca, etc.) may not be considered as soft as certain conventional hardwood and softwood fibers. For these reasons, including more non-wood content in the soft offering than the strong offering is unexpected. There are surprising advantages, however, to incorporating more non-wood fibers into soft products. For instance, certain non-woods can deliver surprisingly desirable characteristics (e.g., sanitary tissue products that are soft and strong) when incorporated into sanitary tissue products—see for example U.S. Ser. No. 63/329,222 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P) filed on Apr. 8, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; U.S. Ser. No. 63/329,718 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P2) filed on Apr. 11, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; U.S. Ser. No. 63/330,077 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P3) filed on Apr. 12, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; and “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fiber” filed on Jun. 17, 2022 under Attorney Docket No. 16255P4) by The Procter & Gamble Company naming Christopher Michael Young as the first-named inventor.
Just as unexpected, it may be desirable to include more non-wood fibers in a consumer-facing layer of a multi-layered product (soft, strong, sustainable, etc.)—most would expect the larger non-wood content to be in the non-consumer facing layer, thus being more buried or hidden within the final product. There are surprising advantages, however, to incorporating more non-wood fibers into the consumer-facing layer of a multi-layered product. For instance, certain non-woods can deliver surprisingly desirable characteristics (e.g., sanitary tissue products that are soft and strong) when incorporated into sanitary tissue products—see for example U.S. Ser. No. 63/329,222 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P) filed on Apr. 8, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; U.S. Ser. No. 63/329,718 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P2) filed on Apr. 11, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; U.S. Ser. No. 63/330,077 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P3) filed on Apr. 12, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; and “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fiber” filed on Jun. 17, 2022 under Attorney Docket No. 16255P4) by The Procter & Gamble Company naming Christopher Michael Young as the first-named inventor.
For example, referring to
Referring to
For example, an array of sanitary tissue products may comprise first and second sanitary tissue products 106-1 and 106-2. The first sanitary tissue product 106-1 may be contained in a first package 100-1 that conveys strength and/or softness. The first package may comprise a plastic film (such as non-plant and non-recycled plastic) in contact with the first sanitary tissue product. The second sanitary tissue product 106-2 may be contained in a second package 100-2 that conveys sustainability. The second package 100-2 may comprise sustainable (e.g., paper-based, recycled plastic, plant-based plastic, etc.) packaging material in contact with the second sanitary tissue product 106-2. The second sanitary tissue product 106-2 may have a greater non-wood fiber content than the first sanitary tissue product 106-1. The first and second sanitary tissue product packages 100-1 and 100-2 may be disposed on a same pallet 700. Each of the first and second sanitary tissue product packages 100-1 and 100-2 may each comprise a common single source identifier. The first and second sanitary tissue product packages 100-1 and 100-2 may comprise different sub-brands or different sub-brand name portions.
Further, pallet arrays such as the ones illustrated by
While the art has disclosed that low coarseness non-woods (e.g., bamboo) can be used in toilet tissue, the inventors of the present disclosure have, surprisingly, found that adding much higher coarseness non-wood fibers into the sheet, even at high inclusion levels, and even against the consumer (i.e., on a consumer-facing surface), can result in products with good softness and low levels of lint. The non-wood fibers may also be wider (for example, bamboo at 18.9 um) than conventional wood fibers. These coarse and wide non-wood fibers can be used to create substrates with lower fiber coverage at a given basis weight. Further, it has been surprisingly shown that the introduction of coarser, non-wood fibers, which create lower fiber coverage substates, can still create products that can successfully balance the traditional strength-softness contradiction. Thus, sanitary tissue products comprising non-woods may be soft as or nearly as soft as leading soft sanitary tissue products on the market, while at the same time be strong as or nearly as strong as leading strong sanitary tissue products on the market—while having lower lint levels. These improvements may be achieved, at least in part, through different making processes, belt designs, fiber selection, inclusion levels, etc.—see for example U.S. Ser. No. 63/329,222 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P) filed on Apr. 8, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; U.S. Ser. No. 63/329,718 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P2) filed on Apr. 11, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; U.S. Ser. No. 63/330,077 (Attorney Docket No. 16255P3) filed on Apr. 12, 2022 by The Procter & Gamble Company; and “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fiber” filed on Jun. 17, 2022 under Attorney Docket No. 16255P4) by The Procter & Gamble Company naming Christopher Michael Young as the first-named inventor.
For example, an array 10 of sanitary tissue products 106, such as illustrated in
As another example, an array 10 of sanitary tissue products 106, such as the one illustrated in
Fibrous Structure Texture and/or Emboss Arrays
Sanitary tissue products (e.g., 106-1, 106-2, and 106-3) of the present disclosure may have texture created by knuckles 20 and pillows 22 (see, for example,
It may also be desirable to make the plant part illustrations 301-d less realistic (e.g., more cartoon-like), while making the illustrated sanitary tissue roll 105 more realistic or even a photograph of an actual sanitary tissue product roll. Such a contrast helps the user to better understand that the actual sanitary tissue product 106 is not really printed with plant parts, nor does it have leaf parts adhered to or extending from a top surface of the paper. Rather, as illustrated in
An array 10 comprising a sustainable product, as illustrated in
The sanitary tissue products 106-1, 106-2, and 106-3 of
As indicated above, it may be desirable to incorporate non-wood fibers into one or more products of a line-up. For instance, as illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
Any of the above arrays 10 may be represented digitally on a digital display 70 (computer, tablet, phone, etc.). While the digital packages are just images (e.g., 107), said image of a package represents an actual package 100 comprising actual sanitary tissue products 106. For instance, the physical arrays of
For example, as illustrated in
Another example of an array of sanitary tissue products may comprise first and second digital images. The first digital image may be representative of an actual first package that conveys strength and/or softness, and that is representative of an actual first sanitary tissue product. The second digital image may be representative of an actual second package that conveys sustainability, and that is representative of an actual second sanitary tissue product.
Lint, TDT, basis weight, TS7, and absorbency may be common intensive properties of the first and second sanitary tissue products. The first sanitary tissue product may have at least one of a lint, TDT, basis weight, TS7, and absorbency within about 25% of at least one of a lint, TDT, basis weight, TS7, and absorbency of the second sanitary tissue product (for example, if a second sanitary tissue product has a lint value of 10, then “within about 25%” is calculated by multiplying 10 by 25%, which equals 2.5; and then adding 2.5 to 10 and subtracting 2.5 from 10 to get a range; so that “within 25%” means a value of or between about 12.5 and about 7.5). The second sanitary tissue product may have a higher non-wood fiber content than the first sanitary tissue product. The first and second digital images representative of first and second packages may be made to appear separate from each other. Each of the first and second digital images and the corresponding first and second sanitary tissue product packages may each comprise a common single source identifier. The first and second digital images and the corresponding first and second sanitary tissue product packages may comprise different sub-brands or comprise different sub-brand name portions.
Referring to
Two Package Array
In an array comprising at least first and second sanitary tissue products, the first sanitary tissue product may have a first TS7, a first VFS, a first lint, a first basis weight, and a first TDT (collectively, first common intensive properties) and the second sanitary tissue product may have a second TS7, a second VFS, a second lint, a second basis weight, and a second TDT (collectively, second common intensive properties). The second sanitary tissue product package may convey the second sanitary tissue product as a dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product, relative to the first sanitary tissue product. The second sanitary tissue product package may also convey that the second sanitary tissue product is soft, strong, and/or absorbent; and the first sanitary tissue product package may convey that the first sanitary tissue product is soft, strong, absorbent, and/or sustainable (but if the first package does convey sustainability, such conveyance will be lesser than the conveyance of sustainability by the second package). In certain aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of the first and second common intensive properties may differ, but not by too much, as it may be desirable that the user accepts that the first and second sanitary tissue products are deserving of being co-branded. In this way, the user trusts the branding because important characteristics associated with the brand are maintained, such as softness and strength for bath and facial tissues and also for napkins, absorbency and strength for paper towels. More particularly, one, two, three, four, five, or each of the first common intensive properties may be different from the second common intensive properties (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments, different), but within 25% of each other. More particularly, the first and second TS7 values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and second VFS values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and second lint values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and second basis weight values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and second TDT values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other.
A particular, non-limiting, example within the scope of this at least two product array is a first sanitary tissue product package that conveys the first sanitary tissue product as a dominant strong and/or soft sanitary tissue product, relative to the second sanitary tissue product; a second sanitary tissue product package conveying the second sanitary tissue products as dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products, relative to the first sanitary tissue product; such that a purchaser evaluating the array would conclude that the first sanitary tissue product package is a traditional strong and/or soft product, that the second sanitary tissue product package is a sustainable product. The first and second sanitary tissue products may be the same tier of product.
Three Package Array
In an array comprising at least first, second, and third sanitary tissue products, the first sanitary tissue product may have a first TS7, a first VFS, a first lint, a first basis weight, and a first TDT (collectively, first common intensive properties), the second sanitary tissue product may have a second TS7, a second VFS, a second lint, a second basis weight, and a second TDT (collectively, second common intensive properties), and the third sanitary tissue product may have a third TS7, a third VFS, a third lint, a third basis weight, and a third TDT (collectively, third common intensive properties). The third sanitary tissue product package may convey the third sanitary tissue product as a dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product, relative to the first and second sanitary tissue products. The third sanitary tissue product package may also convey that the third sanitary tissue product is soft, strong, and/or absorbent; and the first and second sanitary tissue product packages may convey that the first and second sanitary tissue products are soft, strong, absorbent, and/or sustainable (but if the first and/or second packages do convey sustainability, such conveyance will be lesser than the conveyance of sustainability by the third package).
In certain aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of the first, second, and third common intensive properties may differ, but not by too much, as it may be desirable that the user accepts that the first, second and third sanitary tissue products are deserving of being co-branded. In this way, the user trusts the branding because important characteristics associated with the brand are maintained, such as softness and strength for bath and facial tissues and also for napkins, absorbency and strength for paper towels.
More particularly, one, two, three, four, five, or each of the first, second, and third common intensive properties may be different from each other (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments, different), but within 25% of each other. More particularly, the third TS7 may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second TS7 values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second TS7 values. The third VFS may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second VFS values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second VFS values. The third lint may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second lint values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second lint values. The third basis weight may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second basis weight values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second basis weight values. The third TDT may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second TDT values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second TDT values.
A particular, non-limiting, example within the scope of this at least three product array is a first sanitary tissue product package that conveys the first sanitary tissue product as a dominant strong sanitary tissue product, relative to the second and third sanitary tissue products; a second sanitary tissue product package that conveys the second sanitary tissue product as a dominant soft sanitary tissue product, relative to the first and third sanitary tissue products; a third sanitary tissue product package conveying the third sanitary tissue products as dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products, relative to the first and second sanitary tissue products; such that a purchaser evaluating the array would conclude that the first sanitary tissue product package is a traditional strong product, that the second sanitary tissue product package is a traditional soft product, and that the third sanitary tissue product package is a sustainable product. The first, second, and third sanitary tissue products may be in the same tier of product.
Four Package Array
In an array comprising at least first, second, third, and fourth sanitary tissue products, the first sanitary tissue product may have a first TS7, a first VFS, a first lint, a first basis weight, and a first TDT (collectively, first common intensive properties), the second sanitary tissue product may have a second TS7, a second VFS, a second lint, a second basis weight, and a second TDT (collectively, second common intensive properties), the third sanitary tissue product may have a third TS7, a third VFS, a third lint, a third basis weight, and a third TDT (collectively, third common intensive properties), and the fourth sanitary tissue product may have a fourth TS7, a fourth VFS, a fourth lint, a fourth basis weight, and a fourth TDT (collectively, fourth common intensive properties). The third and/or fourth sanitary tissue product packages may convey the third and/or fourth sanitary tissue products, respectively, as dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product, relative to the first and/or second sanitary tissue products. The third and/or fourth sanitary tissue product packages may convey sustainability in the same manner, such that the third and/or fourth sanitary tissue product packages do not convey dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products relative to each other. The third and/or fourth sanitary tissue product packages may also convey that the third and/or fourth sanitary tissue products are soft, strong, and/or absorbent; and the first and/or second sanitary tissue product package may convey that the first and/or second sanitary tissue products are soft, strong, absorbent, and/or sustainable (but if the first and/or second packages do convey sustainability, such conveyance will be lesser than the conveyance of sustainability by the third and/or fourth packages).
In certain aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of the first and third common intensive properties may differ, but not by too much, as it may be desirable that the user accepts that the first and third sanitary tissue products are deserving of being co-branded. In this way, the user trusts the branding because important characteristics associated with the brand are maintained, such as softness and strength for bath and facial tissues and also for napkins, absorbency and strength for paper towels. More particularly, one, two, three, four, five, or each of the first common intensive properties may be different from the third common intensive properties (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments, different), but within 25% of each other. More particularly, the first and third TS7 values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and third VFS values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and third lint values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and third basis weight values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The first and third TDT values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other.
Further, in certain aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of the second and fourth common intensive properties may differ, but not by too much, as it may be desirable that the user accepts that the second and fourth sanitary tissue products are deserving of being co-branded. In this way, the user trusts the branding because important characteristics associated with the brand are maintained, such as softness and strength for bath and facial tissues and also for napkins, absorbency and strength for paper towels. More particularly, one, two, three, four, five, or each of the second common intensive properties may be different from the fourth common intensive properties (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments, different), but within 25% of each other. More particularly, the second and fourth TS7 values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The second and fourth VFS values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The second and fourth lint values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The second and fourth basis weight values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other. The second and fourth TDT values may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments), but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each other.
A particular, non-limiting, example within the scope of this at least four product array is a first sanitary tissue product package that conveys the first sanitary tissue product as a dominant strong sanitary tissue product, relative to the second and fourth sanitary tissue products; a second sanitary tissue product package that conveys the second sanitary tissue product as a dominant soft sanitary tissue product, relative to the first and third sanitary tissue products; third and fourth sanitary tissue product packages conveying the third and fourth sanitary tissue products as dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products, relative to the first and second sanitary tissue products; such that a purchaser evaluating the array would conclude that the first sanitary tissue product package is a traditional strong product, that the third sanitary tissue product package is a sustainable strong product, that the second sanitary tissue product package is a traditional soft product, and that the fourth sanitary tissue product package is a sustainable soft product. The first and second sanitary tissue products may be the highest tier and the third and fourth sanitary tissue products may also be the highest tier, or may be a lesser tier relative to the first and second sanitary tissue products.
Six Package Array
In an array comprising at least first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sanitary tissue products, the first sanitary tissue product may have a first TS7, a first VFS, a first lint, a first basis weight, and a first TDT (collectively, first common intensive properties), the second sanitary tissue product may have a second TS7, a second VFS, a second lint, a second basis weight, and a second TDT (collectively, second common intensive properties), the third sanitary tissue product may have a third TS7, a third VFS, a third lint, a third basis weight, and a third TDT (collectively, third common intensive properties), and the fourth sanitary tissue product may have a fourth TS7, a fourth VFS, a fourth lint, a fourth basis weight, and a fourth TDT (collectively, fourth common intensive properties), the fifth sanitary tissue product may have a fifth TS7, a fifth VFS, a fifth lint, a fifth basis weight, and a fifth TDT (collectively, fifth common intensive properties), the sixth sanitary tissue product may have a sixth TS7, a sixth VFS, a sixth lint, a sixth basis weight, and a sixth TDT (collectively, sixth common intensive properties).
The third and/or sixth sanitary tissue product packages may convey the third and/or sixth sanitary tissue products, respectively, as dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product, relative to the first, second, fourth, and/or fifth sanitary tissue products. The third and/or sixth sanitary tissue product packages may convey sustainability in the same manner, such that the third and/or sixth sanitary tissue product packages do not convey dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products relative to each other. The third and/or sixth sanitary tissue product packages may also convey that the third and/or sixth sanitary tissue products are soft, strong, and/or absorbent; and the first, second, fourth, and/or fifth sanitary tissue product package may convey that the first, second, fourth, and/or fifth sanitary tissue products are soft, strong, absorbent, and/or sustainable (but if the first, second, fourth, and/or fifth packages do convey sustainability, such conveyance will be lesser than the conveyance of sustainability by the third and/or sixth packages).
In certain aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth common intensive properties may differ, but not by too much, as it may be desirable that the user accepts that the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sanitary tissue products are deserving of being co-branded. In this way, the user trusts the branding because important characteristics associated with the brand are maintained, such as softness and strength for bath and facial tissues and also for napkins, absorbency and strength for paper towels.
More particularly, one, two, three, four, five, or each of the first, second, and third common intensive properties may be different from each other (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments, different), but within 25% of each other.
More particularly, the third TS7 may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second TS7 values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second TS7 values. The third VFS may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second VFS values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second VFS values. The third lint may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second lint values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second lint values. The third basis weight may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second basis weight values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second basis weight values. The third TDT may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the first and/or second TDT values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the first and/or second TDT values.
Further, the sixth TS7 may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the fourth and/or fifth TS7 values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the fourth and/or fifth TS7 values. The sixth VFS may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the fourth and/or fifth VFS values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the fourth and/or fifth VFS values. The sixth lint may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the fourth and/or fifth lint values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the fourth and/or fifth lint values. The sixth basis weight may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the fourth and/or fifth basis weight values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the fourth and/or fifth basis weight values. The sixth TDT may be different (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, including all 1% increments) from the fourth and/or fifth TDT values, but within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or within 5%, including all 1% increments of each the fourth and/or fifth TDT values.
A particular, non-limiting, example within the scope of this at least six product array is first and fourth sanitary tissue product packages that convey the first and fourth sanitary tissue products as dominant strong sanitary tissue products, relative to the second, third, fifth, and sixth sanitary tissue products; second and fifth sanitary tissue product packages that convey the second and fifth sanitary tissue products as dominant soft sanitary tissue products, relative to the first, third, fourth, and sixth sanitary tissue products; third and sixth sanitary tissue product package conveying the third and sixth sanitary tissue products as dominant sustainable sanitary tissue products, relative to the first, second, fourth, and fifth sanitary tissue products; such that a purchaser evaluating the array would conclude that the first and fourth sanitary tissue product packages are traditional strong products, that the second and fifth sanitary tissue product packages are traditional soft products, and that the third and sixth sanitary tissue product packages are sustainable products. The first, second, and third sanitary tissue products may be in a higher tier and the fourth, fifth, and sixth sanitary tissue products may be in a lesser tier relative to the first, second and third sanitary tissue products.
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, the TS7 of the dominant soft sanitary tissue product may be the least positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a less positive TS7 value than the dominant soft sanitary tissue product (except that in arrays where there are two dominant soft sanitary tissue products, one of the dominant soft sanitary tissue products may have a less positive TS7 than the other).
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, the lint of the dominant soft sanitary tissue product may be the most positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a more positive lint value than the dominant soft sanitary tissue product.
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, the most positive TDT of the dominant strong sanitary tissue product may be the most positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a more positive TDT value than the dominant strong sanitary tissue product.
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, the least positive tensile ratio of the dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product may be the least positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a lesser tensile ratio value than the dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product.
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, percent inclusion of the non-wood content of the dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product may be the most positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a more positive non-wood content than the dominant sustainable sanitary tissue product.
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, the compressive slope of the dominant soft sanitary tissue product may be the most positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a more positive compressive slope value than the dominant soft sanitary tissue product.
In each of the at least 2, 3, 4, and 6 product arrays as disclosed in this Common Intensive Properties Differences of Sanitary Tissue Products in Arrays Section, the formation index of the dominant soft sanitary tissue product may be the most positive value relative to the other products in the array, or at least no other product in the array may have a more positive formation index value than the dominant soft sanitary tissue product.
Each of the tables illustrated in
The following aspects of the present disclosure are exemplary only and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure:
Aspect 1
Aspect 2
Aspect 3
Aspect 4
Beyond the “Aspects Of The Present Disclosure” disclosed above, the “Aspects Of The Present Disclosure,” including Aspects 1-16, disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/472,379, titled “Sanitary Tissue Products and Arrays Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” filed on Jun. 12, 2023, Schwerdtfeger as the first-named inventor, are within the scope of the present disclosure and are incorporated, in their entirety, herein by reference.
Unless otherwise specified, all tests described herein including those described under the Definitions section and the following test methods are conducted on samples that have been conditioned in a conditioned room at a temperature of 23° C.±1.0° C. and a relative humidity of 50%±2% for a minimum of 2 hours prior to the test. The samples tested are “usable units.” “Usable units” as used herein means sheets, flats from roll stock, pre-converted flats, and/or single or multi-ply products. All tests are conducted in such conditioned room. Do not test samples that have defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes, and like. All instruments are calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications.
Coverage and Fiber Count are calculated using measurements acquired by analyzing fibers obtained from fibrous structures, such as sanitary tissue products, with a Fiber Quality Analyzer (FQA), available from OpTest Equipment Inc., Ontario, Canada. Prior to analysis in the FQA fibers from a finished product specimen must be dispersed and diluted to get an accurate measurement of the oven dry fiber mass in an aliquot of very dilute fiber and distilled water, which is utilized during the FQA analysis to determine specimen coarseness and fiber width. The resultant FQA values, in conjunction with basis weight, are then used to calculate fiber coverage and fiber count in a specimen.
Sample Preparation
Allow the fibrous structure finished product to be tested to equilibrate in a temperature-controlled room at a temperature of 73° F.±2° F. (23° C.±1° C.) and a relative humidity of 50%±2% for at least 24 hours. Further prepare the finished product for testing by removing and discarding any product which might have been abraded in handling, e.g., on the outside of the roll.
Determine the percent oven dry solids of the equilibrated test product. This is done on a moisture balance using least a 0.5 gram specimen from a selected usable unit of the test product. An exemplary balance is the Ohaus MB45 balance set to a drying temperature of 130° C., with moisture determined after the weight changes less than 1 mg in 60 seconds (A60 hold time).
Using another usable unit from the same equilibrated finished product, gently pull approximately 0.03 grams of fiber specimen from the center. The specimen should be equally pulled from all plies and layers of the substrate. Place the collected fibers into a 27 mm diameter, 70 mm tall clear glass vial, or similar. Record the net weight of collected fibers to the nearest 0.001 gram as M0. The intent of this step is to get an even sampling across all plies and layers in the usable unit, pulled from the center of the usable unit so that no cutting of fibers at the end of the sheet or perforations is included.
The oven dry weight of the fiber specimen (M1) is then calculated by multiplying the fiber specimen weight (M0) by the previously determined percent oven dry solids.
M
1
=M
0×% oven dry solids
To fully disperse the fiber specimen, begin by pouring DI or distilled water into the vial until approximately ½ full, adding about ten 5 mm diameter glass beads, and then closing the vial with a cap. Next, allow the specimen to sit for at least two hours with occasional shaking. Lastly, stir the vial with a Fisher Scientific vortex genie, or similar, until fiber clusters are dispersed, and the fibers appear fully individualized.
To quantitatively dilute the dispersed fiber sample, begin by transferring the entire vial contents into a 5 L plastic beaker that has been weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. To accomplish this, slowly pour the contents of vial through a #6 US Standard Sieve (3.35 mm), trying to keep the glass beads in the vial as long as possible. Then rinse the vial and cap at least three times with DI or distilled water and continue to pour the liquid slowly through the #6 sieve. Once the vial has been at least triple rinsed, pour the glass beads into the sieve and wash thoroughly with a DI water squeeze bottle, being sure to collect all water used to rinse the beads.
Continue with the dilution procedure by filling the 5 L plastic beaker to approximately the 1.75 L mark with DI or distilled water. Weigh the beaker and record the net weight of the contents to the nearest 0.1 g as M2.1. Using a second clean 5 L beaker, transfer the 1.75 L of solution back and forth at least 3 times from beaker to beaker to ensure that the suspension is homogenously mixed. Next, transfer approximately 150 g of the solution into a third clean 5 L beaker that has been weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. Weigh the beaker and record the net weight of the contents to the nearest 0.1 g as M2.2. Then add approximately 1600 g of DI or distilled water to the third 5 L beaker. Weigh the beaker and record the net weight of the contents to the nearest 0.1 g as M2.3. With a fourth clean 5 L beaker, transfer the approximately 1.75 L of solution back and forth at least 3 times from beaker to beaker to ensure that the suspension is homogenously mixed. Lastly, immediately after mixing, pour a 500 mL aliquot of the diluted fiber solution into a 600 mL plastic beaker that has been weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. Weigh the beaker and record the net weight of the contents to the nearest 0.1 g as M3.
Upon completion of the dilution procedure, calculate the oven dry weight of fibers present in the testing beaker (M4) according to the following equation:
Measurement of Samples
Set up, calibrate, and operate the Fiber Quality Analyzer (FQA) instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the beaker containing the diluted fiber suspension on carrousel of the FQA, select the “Optest default” for coarseness method, and when prompted, enter M4 (the oven dry weight of fibers present in the testing beaker) in the cell for “sample mass” to determine coarseness.
Calculations
Once the analysis has been performed, open the report file and record each of the following measurements: Arithmetic Mean Width, Coarseness, Arithmetic Mean Length, and Length Weighted Mean Length.
Calculate Coverage, which has the units of fiber layers, using the following equation:
Where basis weight has units of grams/m2, Coarseness has units of mg/m, and Arithmetic Mean Width has the units of mm.
Calculate Fiber Count-Area, which has the units of millions fibers/m2, using one of these two equations:
Where basis weight has the units of g/m2, Coarseness has the units of mg/m, and Arithmetic Mean Length has the units of mm.
Where basis weight has the units of g/m2, Coarseness has the units of mg/m, and Length Weighted Mean Length has the units of mm.
The Pore Volume Distribution (PVD) Test Method is used to determine the average amount of fluid (mg) retained by a specimen within an effective pore radius range of 2.5 to 160 microns. This method makes use of stepped, controlled differential pressure and measurement of associated fluid movement into and out of a porous specimen, where the radius of a pore is related to the differential pressure required to fill or empty the pore. The fluid retained (mg) by each specimen during its first absorption cycle of decreasing differential pressures is measured, this is followed by measurement of fluid retained (mg) by the specimen during its first drainage or desorption cycle of increasing differential pressures. The sum of fluid retained (mg) by the specimen within the effective pore radius range of 2.5 to 160 microns for the absorption and desorption cycles, as well as a calculated hysteresis (difference of fluid retained during the absorption and desorption cycles) in the effective pore radius range of 2.5 to 100 microns are reported.
Method Principle
For uniform cylindrical pores, the radius of a pore is related to the differential pressure required to fill or empty the pore by the equation
Differential pressure=(2γ cos Θ)/r,
where γ=liquid surface tension, Θ=contact angle, and r=effective pore radius.
Pores contained in natural and manufactured porous materials are often thought of in terms such as voids, holes or conduits, and these pores are generally not perfectly cylindrical nor all uniform. One can nonetheless use the above equation to relate differential pressure to an effective pore radius, and by monitoring liquid movement into or out of the material as a function of differential pressure characterize the effective pore radius distribution in a porous material. (Because nonuniform pores are approximated as uniform by the use of an effective pore radius, this general methodology may not produce results precisely in agreement with measurements of void dimensions obtained by other methods such as microscopy.)
The Pore Volume Distribution Test Method uses the above principle and is reduced to practice using the apparatus and approach described in “Liquid Porosimetry: New Methodology and Applications” by B. Miller and I. Tyomkin published in The Journal of Colloid and Interface Science (1994), volume 162, pages 163-170, incorporated herein by reference. This method relies on measuring the increment of liquid volume that enters or leaves a porous material as the differential air pressure is changed between ambient (“lab”) air pressure and a slightly elevated air pressure (positive differential pressure) surrounding the specimen in a sample test chamber. The specimen is introduced to the sample chamber dry, and the sample chamber is controlled at a positive differential pressure (relative to the lab) sufficient to prevent fluid uptake into the specimen after the fluid bridge is opened. After opening the fluid bridge, the differential air pressure is decreased in steps to 0, and in this process subpopulations of pores acquire liquid according to their effective pore radius. After reaching a minimal differential pressure at which the mass of fluid within the specimen is at a maximum, differential pressure is increased stepwise again toward the starting pressure, and the liquid is drained from the specimen. It is during this latter draining sequence (from minimal differential pressure, or largest corresponding effective pore radius, to the largest differential pressure, or smallest corresponding effective pore radius), that the fluid retention by the sample (mg) at each differential pressure is determined in this method. After correcting for any fluid movement for each particular pressure step measured on the chamber while empty, the fluid retention by the sample (mg) for each pressure step is determined. The fluid retained may be normalized by dividing the equilibrium quantity of retained liquid (mg) associated with this particular step by the dry weight of the sample (mg).
Sample Conditioning and Specimen Preparation
The Pore Volume Distribution Test Method is conducted on samples that have been conditioned in a room at a temperature of 23° C.±2.0° C. and a relative humidity of 50%±5%, all tests are conducted under the same environmental conditions and in such conditioned room. Any damaged product or samples that have defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes, and similar are not tested. Samples conditioned as described herein are considered dry samples for purposes of this invention. A 5.5 cm square specimen to be tested is die cut from the conditioned product or sample. The dry specimen weight is measured and recorded.
Apparatus
Apparatus suitable for this method is described in: “Liquid Porosimetry: New Methodology and Applications” by B. Miller and I. Tyomkin published in The Journal of Colloid and Interface Science (1994), volume 162, pages 163-170. Further, any pressure control scheme capable of achieving the required pressures and controlling the sample chamber differential pressure may be used in place of the pressure-control subsystem described in this reference. One example of suitable overall instrumentation and software is the TRI/Autoporosimeter (Textile Research Institute (TRI)/Princeton Inc. of Princeton, N.J., U.S.A.). The TRI/Autoporosimeter is an automated computer-controlled instrument for measuring pore volume distributions in porous materials (e.g., the volumes of different size pores within the range from 1 to 1000 μm effective pore radii). Computer programs such as Automated Instrument Software Releases 2000.1 or 2003.1/2005.1 or 2006.2; or Data Treatment Software Release 2000.1 (available from TRI Princeton Inc.), and spreadsheet programs may be used to capture and analyse the measured data.
Method Procedure
The wetting liquid used is a degassed 0.2 weight % solution of octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton X-100 from Sigma-Aldrich) in distilled water. The instrument calculation constants are as follows: ρ(density)=1 g/cm3; γ(surface tension)=31 dynes/cm; cos Θ=1. A 90-mm diameter mixed-cellulose-ester filter membrane with a characteristic pore size of 1.2 m (such Millipore Corporation of Bedford, MA, Catalogue #RAWP09025) is affixed to the porous frit (Monel plates with diameter of 90 mm, 6.4 mm thickness from Mott Corp., Farmington, CT, or equivalent) of the sample chamber. A plexiglass plate weighing about 34 g (supplied with the instrument) is placed on the sample to ensure the sample rests flat on the membrane/frit assembly. No additional weight is placed on the sample.
Someone skilled in the art knows that it is critical to degas the test fluid as well as the frit/membrane/tubing system such that the system is free from air bubbles.
The sequence of pore sizes (differential pressures) for this application is as follows (effective pore radius in μm): 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000. This sequence is then replicated in reverse order. The criterion for moving from one pressure step to the next is that fluid uptake/drainage from the specimen is measured to be less than 10 mg/min for 10 s.
A separate “blank” measurement is performed by following this method procedure on an empty sample chamber with no specimen or weight present on the membrane/frit assembly. Any fluid movement observed is recorded (mg) at each of the pressure steps. Fluid retention data for a specimen are corrected for any fluid movement associated with the empty sample chamber by subtracting fluid retention values of this “blank” measurement from corresponding values in the measurement of the specimen.
Determination of Parameters
Data from the PVD instrument can be presented in a cumulative fashion, so that the cumulative mass absorbed is tabulated alongside the diameter of pore, which allow the following parameters to be calculated:
2.5-160micron PVD Absorption(mg)=[mg at 160micron absorbed]−[mg at 2.5micron absorbed] from the advancing curve,
2.5-160 micron PVD Desorption (mg)=[mg at 160 micron desorbed]−[mg at 2.5 micron desorbed] from the receding curve, and
2.5-100 micron hysteresis (mg)=[mg at 100 micron desorbed−mg at 2.5 micron desorbed]−[mg at 100 micron absorbed−mg at 2.5 micron absorbed]
The Horizontal Full Sheet (HFS) test method determines the amount of distilled water absorbed and retained by a fibrous structure of the present invention. This method is performed by first weighing a sample of the fibrous structure to be tested (referred to herein as the “dry weight of the sample”), then thoroughly wetting the sample, draining the wetted sample in a horizontal position and then reweighing (referred to herein as “wet weight of the sample”). The absorptive capacity of the sample is then computed as the amount of water retained in units of grams of water absorbed by the sample. When evaluating different fibrous structure samples, the same size of fibrous structure is used for all samples tested.
The apparatus for determining the HFS capacity of fibrous structures comprises the following:
An electronic balance with a sensitivity of at least ±0.01 grams and a minimum capacity of 1200 grams. The balance should have a special balance pan to be able to handle the size of the sample tested (i.e.; a fibrous structure sample of about 27.9 cm by 27.9 cm).
A sample support rack (
The HFS test is performed in an environment maintained at 23±1° C. and 50±2% relative humidity. A water reservoir or tub is filled with distilled water at 23±1° C. to a depth of 3 inches (7.6 cm).
Samples are tested in duplicate. The dry weight of each sample is reported to the nearest 0.01 grams. The empty sample support rack (
The sample, support rack (
The HFS gram per gram fibrous structure sample absorptive capacity is defined as:
absorbent capacity=(wet weight of the sample after horizontal drainage−dry weight of the sample)/(dry weight of the sample) and has a unit of gram/gram.
The HFS gram per sheet fibrous structure sample absorptive capacity is defined as (wet weight of the sample after horizontal drainage minus dry weight of the sample) and has a unit of gram/sheet.
The Vertical Full Sheet (VFS) test method is similar to the HFS method described previously, and determines the amount of distilled water absorbed and retained by a fibrous structure when held at an angle of 75°.
After setting up the apparatus, preparing the sample, taking the initial weights, and submerging the sample, according to the HFS method, the support rack (
At the end of this time frame (60±5 seconds), carefully bring the sample and support rack (
The VFS gram per gram fibrous structure sample absorptive capacity is defined as the wet weight of the sample after vertical drainage minus the dry weight of the sample divided by the dry weight of the sample, and has a unit of gram/gram (g/g).
The VFS gram per sheet fibrous structure sample absorptive capacity is defined as the wet weight of the sample after vertical drainage minus the dry weight of the sample, and has a unit of gram/sheet.
The calculated VFS is the average of the absorptive capacities of the two samples of the fibrous structure.
“Dry Bulk Ratio” may be calculated as follows: (Dry Compression×Flexural Rigidity (avg))/TDT.
Wet Bulk Ratio Method:
“Wet Bulk Ratio” may be calculated as follows: (Wet Compression×Geometric Mean Wet Modulus)/Total Wet Tensile.
Fiber Length values are generated by running the test procedure as defined in U.S. Patent Application No. 2004-0163782 and informs the following procedure:
The length, width, and coarseness of the-fibers (which are averages of the plurality of fibers being analyzed in a sample), as well as the fiber count (number and/or length average), may be determined using a Valmet FS5 Fiber Image Analyzer commercially available from Valmet, Kajaani Finland (as the Kajaani Fiber Lab is less available) following the procedures outlined in the manual. If in-going or raw pulp is not accessible, samples may be taken from commercially available product (e.g., a roll of sanitary tissue product) to determine length, width, coarseness and fiber count (number and/or length average) using the FS5 by obtaining samples as outlined in the “Sample Preparation” section of the Coverage and Fiber Count Test Method in the Test Methods Section. As used herein, fiber length is defined as the “length weighted average fiber length”. The instructions supplied with the unit detail the formula used to arrive at this average. The length can be reported in units of millimeters (mm) or in inches (in). As used herein, fiber width is defined as the “width weighted average fiber width” and can be reported in units of micrometers (μm) or in millimeters (mm). The instructions supplied with the unit detail the formula used to arrive at this average. The width can be reported in units of millimeters (mm) or in inches (in). The instructions supplied with the unit detail the formula used to arrive at this average. Fiber count (number and/or length average) can be reported in units of million fibers/g. As used herein, fiber length/width ratio is defined as the “length weighted average fiber length (mm)/width weighted average fiber width (mm).”
Fiber count (length average, million/g) is calculated from length weighted fiber average and coarseness via the following equation (where L(1) has the units of mm/fiber and coarseness has the units of mg/m): Fiber count=1/(L(1)×coarseness). And, fiber count (number average, million/g) is calculated from length weighted fiber average and coarseness via the following equation (where L(n) has the units of mm/fiber and coarseness has the units of mg/m): Fiber count=1/(L(n)×coarseness). (L(1)) means length weighted averaged and (L(n)) means number weighted averaged.
It should be understood that the values from different fiber image analyzers can differ significantly, even as much as 59%—see “Fiber Quality Analysis: OpTest Fiber Quality Analyzer versus L&W Fiber Tester,” Bin Li, Rohan Bandekar, Quanqing Zha, Ahmed Alsaggaf, and Yonghao Ni, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2011 50 (22), 12572-12578, DOI: 10.1021/ie201631q, which compares values from the FQA fiber analyzer to the FT fiber analyzer, stating: “These new instruments, such as PQM (pulp quality monitor), Galai CIS-100, Fiberlab, MorFi, FiberMaster, FQA (fiber quality analyzer), and L&W Fiber Tester (FT), provide fast measurements with the capability of both laboratory and online analysis. However, the measurement differences among these instruments are expected due to the different designs of hardware and software.”
Percent Roll Compressibility (Percent Compressibility) is determined using the Roll Diameter Tester 1000 as shown in
The diameter of the test roll is measured directly using a Pi® tape or equivalent precision diameter tape (e.g., an Executive Diameter tape available from Apex Tool Group, LLC, Apex, NC, Model No. W606PD) which converts the circumferential distance into a diameter measurement, so the roll diameter is directly read from the scale. The diameter tape is graduated to 0.01 inch increments with accuracy certified to 0.001 inch and traceable to NIST. The tape is 0.25 in wide and is made of flexible metal that conforms to the curvature of the test roll but is not elongated under the 1100 g loading used for this test. If necessary, the diameter tape is shortened from its original length to a length that allows both of the attached weights to hang freely during the test, yet is still long enough to wrap completely around the test roll being measured. The cut end of the tape is modified to allow for hanging of a weight (e.g., a loop). All weights used are calibrated, Class F hooked weights, traceable to NIST.
The aluminum support stand is approximately 600 mm tall and stable enough to support the test roll horizontally throughout the test. The sample shaft 1003 is a smooth aluminum cylinder that is mounted perpendicularly to the vertical plate 1002 approximately 485 mm from the base. The shaft has a diameter that is at least 90% of the inner diameter of the roll and longer than the width of the roll. A small steal bar 1004 approximately 6.3 mm diameter is mounted perpendicular to the vertical plate 1002 approximately 570 mm from the base and vertically aligned with the sample shaft. The diameter tape is suspended from a point along the length of the bar corresponding to the midpoint of a mounted test roll. The height of the tape is adjusted such that the zero mark is vertically aligned with the horizontal midline of the sample shaft when a test roll is not present.
Condition the samples at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. Rolls with cores that are crushed, bent, or damaged should not be tested. Place the test roll on the sample shaft 1003 such that the direction the paper was rolled onto its core is the same direction the diameter tape will be wrapped around the test roll. Align the midpoint of the roll's width with the suspended diameter tape. Loosely loop the diameter tape 1004 around the circumference of the roll, placing the tape edges directly adjacent to each other with the surface of the tape lying flat against the test sample. Carefully, without applying any additional force, hang the 100 g weight 1006 from the free end of the tape, letting the weighted end hang freely without swinging. Wait 3 seconds. At the intersection of the diameter tape 1008, read the diameter aligned with the zero mark of the diameter tape and record as the Original Roll Diameter to the nearest 0.01 inches. With the diameter tape still in place, and without any undue delay, carefully hang the 1000 g weight 1007 from the bottom of the 100 g weight, for a total weight of 1100 g. Wait 3 seconds. Again read the roll diameter from the tape and record as the Compressed Roll Diameter to the nearest 0.01 inch. Calculate percent compressibility to the according to the following equation and record to the nearest 0.1%:
Repeat the testing on 10 replicate rolls and record the separate results to the nearest 0.1%. Average the 10 results and report as the Percent Compressibility to the nearest 0.1%.
Roll Firmness is measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the cell. The roll product is held horizontally, a cylindrical probe is pressed into the test roll, and the compressive force is measured versus the depth of penetration. All testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relative humidity.
Referring to
The sample shaft 2101 has a diameter that is 85% to 95% of the inner diameter of the roll and longer than the width of the roll. The ends of sample shaft are secured on the vertical prongs with a screw cap 2104 to prevent rotation of the shaft during testing. The height of the vertical prongs 2101 should be sufficient to assure that the test roll does not contact the horizontal base of the fork during testing. The horizontal distance between the prongs must exceed the length of the test roll.
Program the tensile tester to perform a compression test, collecting force and crosshead extension data at an acquisition rate of 100 Hz. Lower the crosshead at a rate of 10 mm/min until 5.00 g is detected at the load cell. Set the current crosshead position as the corrected gage length and zero the crosshead position. Begin data collection and lower the crosshead at a rate of 50 mm/min until the force reaches 10 N. Return the crosshead to the original gage length.
Remove all of the test rolls from their packaging and allow them to condition at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. Rolls with cores that are crushed, bent, or damaged should not be tested. Insert sample shaft through the test roll's core and then mount the roll and shaft onto the lower stationary fixture. Secure the sample shaft to the vertical prongs then align the midpoint of the roll's width with the probe. Orient the test roll's tail seal so that it faces upward toward the probe. Rotate the roll 90 degrees toward the operator to align it for the initial compression.
Position the tip of the probe approximately 2 cm above the surface of the sample roll. Zero the crosshead position and load cell and start the tensile program. After the crosshead has returned to its starting position, rotate the roll toward the operator 120 degrees and in like fashion acquire a second measurement on the same sample roll.
From the resulting Force (N) verses Distance (mm) curves, read the penetration at 7.00 N as the Roll Firmness and record to the nearest 0.1 mm. In like fashion analyze a total of ten (10) replicate sample rolls. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the 20 values and report Roll Firmness to the nearest 0.1 mm.
The Kinetic Coefficient of Friction values (actual measurements) and Slip Stick Coefficient of Friction (based on standard deviation from the mean Kinetic Coefficient of Friction) are generated by running the test procedure as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 9,896,806.
The amount of lint generated from a finished fibrous structure is determined with a Sutherland Rub Tester (available from Danilee Co., Medina, Ohio) and a color spectrophotometer (a suitable instrument is the HunterLab LabScan XE, as available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, VA, or equivalent). such as the Hunter LabScan XE. The rub tester is a motor-driven instrument for moving a weighted felt test strip over a finished fibrous structure specimen (referred to throughout this method as the “web”) along an arc path. The Hunter Color L value is measured on the felt test strip before and after the rub test. The difference between these two Hunter Color L values is then used to calculate a lint value. This lint method is designed to be used with white or substantially white fibrous structures and/or sanitary toilet tissue products. Therefore, if testing of a non-white tissue, such as blue-colored or peach-colored tissue is desired, the same formulation should be used to make a sample without the colored dye, pigment, etc., using bleached kraft pulps.
i. Sample Preparation
Prior to the lint rub testing, the samples to be tested should be conditioned according to Tappi Method T4020M-88. Here, samples are preconditioned for 24 hours at a relative humidity level of 10 to 35% and within a temperature range of 22° C. to 40° C. After this preconditioning step, samples should be conditioned for 24 hours at a relative humidity of 48 to 52% and within a temperature range of 22° C. to 24° C. This rub testing should also take place within the confines of the constant temperature and humidity room.
The web is first prepared by removing and discarding any product which might have been abraded in handling, e.g., on the outside of the roll. For products formed from multiple plies of webs, this test can be used to make a lint measurement on the multi-ply product, or, if the plies can be separated without damaging the specimen, a measurement can be taken on the individual plies making up the product. If a given sample differs from surface to surface, it is necessary to test both surfaces and average the values in order to arrive at a composite lint value. In some cases, products are made from multiple-plies of webs such that the facing-out surfaces are identical, in which case it is only necessary to test one surface. If both surfaces are to be tested, it is necessary to obtain six specimens for testing (Single surface testing only requires three specimens). Each specimen should measure approximately 9.5 by 4.5 in. (241.3 mm by 114 mm) with the 9.5 in. (241.3 mm) dimension running in the machine direction (MD). Specimens can be obtained directly from a finished product roll, if the appropriate width, or cut to size using a paper cutter. Each specimen should be folded in half such that the crease is running along the cross direction (CD) of the web sample. For two-surface testing, make up 3 samples with a first surface “out” and 3 with the second-side surface “out”. Keep track of which samples are first surface “out” and which are second surface out.
Obtain a 30 in. by 40 in. piece of Crescent #300 cardboard. Using a paper cutter, cut out six pieces of cardboard to dimensions of 2.5 in. by 6 in. Puncture two holes into each of the six cards by forcing the cardboard onto the hold down pins of the Sutherland Rub tester.
Center and carefully place each of the 2.5 in. by 6 in. cardboard pieces on top of the six previously folded samples. Make sure the 6 in. dimension of the cardboard is running parallel to the machine direction (MD) of each of the tissue samples. Center and carefully place each of the cardboard pieces on top of the three previously folded samples. Once again, make sure the 6 in. dimension of the cardboard is running parallel to the machine direction (MD) of each of the web samples.
Fold one edge of the exposed portion of the web specimen onto the back of the cardboard. Secure this edge to the cardboard with adhesive tape obtained from 3M Inc. (¾ in. wide Scotch Brand, St. Paul, Minn.). Carefully grasp the other over-hanging tissue edge and snugly fold it over onto the back of the cardboard. While maintaining a snug fit of the web specimen onto the board, tape this second edge to the back of the cardboard. Repeat this procedure for each sample.
Turn over each sample and tape the cross-direction edge of the web specimen to the cardboard. One half of the adhesive tape should contact the web specimen while the other half is adhering to the cardboard. Repeat this procedure for each of the samples. If the tissue sample breaks, tears, or becomes frayed at any time during the course of this sample preparation procedure, discard and make up a new sample with a new tissue sample strip.
There will now be 3 first-side surface “out” samples on cardboard and (optionally) 3 second-side surface “out” samples on cardboard.
ii. Felt Preparation
Obtain a 30 in. by 40 in. piece of Crescent #300 cardboard. Using a paper cutter, cut out six pieces of cardboard to dimensions of 2.25 in. by 7.25 in. Draw two lines parallel to the short dimension and down 1.125 in. from the top and bottom most edges on the white side of the cardboard. Carefully score the length of the line with a razor blade using a straight edge as a guide. Score it to a depth about halfway through the thickness of the sheet. This scoring allows the cardboard/felt combination to fit tightly around and rest flat against the weight of the Sutherland Rub tester. Draw an arrow running parallel to the long dimension of the cardboard on this scored side of the cardboard.
Cut six pieces of black felt (F-55, or equivalent) to the dimensions of 2.25 in. by 8.5 in. Place a felt piece on top of the unscored, green side of the cardboard such that the long edges of both the felt and cardboard are parallel and in alignment. Make sure the fluffy side of the felt is facing up. Also allow about 0.5″ to overhang the top and bottom most edges of the cardboard. Snugly fold over both overhanging felt edges onto the backside of the cardboard and attach with Scotch brand tape. Prepare a total of six of these felt/cardboard combinations. For best reproducibility, all samples should be run with the same lot of felt.
iii. Care of 4-Pound Weight
The four-pound weight has four square inches of effective contact area providing a contact pressure of one pound per square inch. Since the contact pressure can be changed by alteration of the rubber pads mounted on the face of the weight, it is important to use only the rubber pads supplied by the instrument manufacturer and mounted according to their instructions. These pads must be replaced if they become hard, abraded, or chipped off. When not in use, the weight must be positioned such that the pads are not supporting the full weight of the weight. It is best to store the weight on its side.
iv. Rub Tester Instrument Calibration
Set up and calibrate the Sutherland Rub Tester according to the manufacturer's instructions. For this method, the tester is preset to run for five strokes (one stroke is a full forward and reverse cycle of the movable arm) and operates at 42 cycles per minute.
v. Color Spectrophotometer Calibration
Setup and standardize the color instrument using a 2 in. measurement area port size utilizing the manufacturer supplied black tile, then white tile. Calibrate the instrument according to manufacturer's specifications using their supplied standard tiles and configure it to measure Hunter L, a, b values.
vi. Measurement of Samples
The first step in the measurement of lint is to measure the Hunter color values of the black felt/cardboard samples prior to being rubbed on the web sample. Center a felt covered cardboard, with the arrow pointing to the back of the color meter, over the measurement port backing it with a standard white plate. Since the felt width is only slightly larger than the viewing area diameter, make sure the felt completely covers the measurement area. After confirming complete coverage, take a reading and record the Hunter L value.
Measure the Hunter Color L values for all the felt covered cardboards using this technique. If the Hunter Color L values are all within 0.3 units of one another, take the average to obtain the initial L reading. If the Hunter Color L values are not within the 0.3 units, discard those felt/cardboard combinations outside the limit. Prepare new samples and repeat the Hunter Color L measurement until all samples are within 0.3 units of one another.
For the rubbing of the web sample/cardboard combinations, secure a prepared web sample card on the base plate of the rub tester by slipping the holes in the board over the hold-down pins. Clip a prepared felt covered card (with established initial “L” reading) onto the four-pound weight by pressing the card ends evenly under the clips on the sides of the weight. Make certain the card is centered score bend to score bend on the weight, positioned flat against the rubber pads, with the felt side facing away from the rubber pads. Hook the weight onto the tester arm and gently lower onto the prepared web sample card. It is important to check that the felt is resting flat on the web sample and that the weight does not bind on the arm.
Next, activate the tester allowing the weighted felt test strip to complete five full rubbing strokes against the web sample surface. At the end of the five strokes the tester will automatically stop. Remove the weight with the felt covered cardboard. Inspect the web sample. If torn, discard the felt and web sample and start over. If the web sample is intact, remove the felt covered cardboard from the weight. Measure the Hunter Color L value on the felt covered cardboard in the same location as described above for the blank felts. Record the Hunter Color L readings for the felt after rubbing. Rub, measure, and record the Hunter Color L values for all remaining samples. After all web specimens have been measured, remove and discard all felt. Felts strips are not used again. Cardboards are used until they are bent, torn, limp, or no longer have a smooth surface.
vii. Calculations
For samples measured on both surfaces, subtract the average initial L reading found for the unused felts from each of the three first-side surface L readings and each of the three second-side surface L readings. Calculate the average delta for the three first-side surface values. Calculate the average delta for the three second-side surface values. Finally, calculate the average of the lint value on the first-side surface and the second-side surface, and record as the lint value to the nearest whole unit.
For samples measured on only one surface, subtract the average initial L reading found for the unused felts from each of the three L readings. Calculate the average delta L for the three surface values and record as the lint value to the nearest whole unit.
The formation index is a ratio of the contrast and size distribution components of the nonwoven substrate. The higher the formation index, the better the formation uniformity. Conversely, the lower the formation index, the worse the formation uniformity. The “formation index” is measured using a commercially available PAPRICAN Micro-Scanner Code LAD94, manufactured by OpTest Equipment, Incorporated, utilizing the software developed by PAPRICAN & OpTest, Version 9.0, both commercially available from OpTest Equipment Inc., Ontario, Canada. The PAPRICAN Micro-Scanner Code LAD94 uses a video camera system for image input and a light box for illuminating the sample. The camera is a CCD camera with 65 μm/pixel resolution.
The video camera system views a nonwoven sample placed on the center of a light box having a diffuser plate. To illuminate the sample for imaging, the light box contains a diffused quartz halogen lamp of 82V/250 W that is used to provide a field of illumination. A uniform field of illumination of adjustable intensity is provided. Specifically, samples for the formation index testing are cut from a cross direction width strip of the nonwoven substrate. The samples are cut into 101.6 mm (4 inches) by 101.6 mm (4 inches) squares, with one side aligned with the machine direction of the test material. The side aligned with the machine direction of the test material is placed onto the testing area and held in place by the specimen plate with the machine direction pointed towards the instrument support arm that holds the camera. Each specimen is placed on the light box such that the side of the web to be measured for uniformity is facing up, away from the diffuser plate. To determine the formation index, the light level must be adjusted to indicate MEAN LCU GRAY LEVEL of 128±1.
The specimen is set on the light box between the specimen plate so that the center of the specimen is aligned with the center of the illumination field. All other natural or artificial room light is extinguished. The camera is adjusted so that its optical axis is perpendicular to the plane of the specimen and so that its video field is centered on the center of the specimen. The specimen is then scanned and calculated with the OpTest Software.
Fifteen specimens of the nonwoven substrate were tested for each sample and the values were averaged to determine the formation index.
The density of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product is calculated as the quotient of the Basis Weight of a fibrous structure or sanitary tissue product expressed in lbs/3000 ft2 divided by the Caliper (at 95 g/in2) of the fibrous structure or sanitary tissue product expressed in mils. The final Density value is calculated in lbs/ft{circumflex over ( )}3 and/or g/cm3, by using the appropriate converting factors. The bulk of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product is the reciprocal of the density method (i.e., Bulk=1/Density).
Dry Thick Compression and Dry Thick Compressive Recovery are measured using a constant rate of extension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage, Thwing-Albert, West Berlin NJ, or equivalent) fitted with compression fixtures, a circular compression foot having an area of 1.0 in2 and a circular anvil having an area of at least 4.9 in2. The thickness (caliper in mils) is measured at varying pressure values ranging from 10-1500 g/in2 in both the compression and relaxation directions.
Four (4) samples are prepared by the cutting of a usable unit obtained from the outermost sheets of a finished product roll after removing at least the leading five sheets by unwinding and tearing off via the closest line of weakness, such that each cut sample is 2.5×2.5 inches, avoiding creases, folds, and obvious defects.
The compression foot and anvil surfaces are aligned parallel to each other, and the crosshead zeroed at the point where they are in contact with each other. The tensile tester is programmed to perform a compression cycle, immediately followed by an extension (recovery) cycle. Force and extension data are collected at a rate of 50 Hz, with a crosshead speed of 0.10 in/min. Force data is converted to pressure (g/in2, or gsi). The compression cycle continues until a pressure of 1500 gsi is reached, at which point the crosshead stops and immediately begins the extension (recovery) cycle with the data collection and crosshead speed remaining the same.
The sample is placed flat on the anvil fixture, ensuring the sample is centered beneath the foot so that when contact is made the edges of the sample will be avoided. Start the tensile tester and data collection. Testing is repeated in like fashion for all four samples.
The thickness (mils) vs. pressure (g/in2, or gsi) data is used to calculate the sample's compressibility, near-zero load caliper, and compressive modulus. A least-squares linear regressions is performed on the thickness vs. the logarithm (base10) of the applied pressure data using nine discrete data points at pressures of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300 gsi and their respective thickness readings. Compressibility (m) equals the slope of the linear regression line, with units of mils/log (gsi). The higher the magnitude of the negative value the more “compressible” the sample is. Near-zero load caliper (b) equals the y-intercept of the linear regression line, with units of mils. This is the extrapolated thickness at log (1 gsi pressure). Compressive Modulus is calculated as the y-intercept divided by the negative slope (−b/m) with units of log (gsi).
Dry Thick Compression is Defined as:
Dry Thick Compression(mils·mils/log(gsi)=−1×Near Zero Load Caliper(b)×Compressibility(m)
Compression Slope is defined as −1×Compressibility (m).
Multiplication by −1 turns formula into a positive. Larger results represent thick products that compress when a pressure is applied. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the four replicate values and report Dry Thick Compression to the nearest integer value mils* mils/log (gsi).
Dry Thick Compressive Recovery is defined as:
Multiplication by −1 turns formula into a positive. Larger results represent thick products that compress when a pressure is applied and maintain fraction recovery at 10 g/in2. Compressed thickness at 10 g/in2 is the thickness of the material at 10 g/in2 pressure during the compressive portion of the test. Recovered thickness at 10 g/in2 is the thickness of the material at 10 g/in2 pressure during the recovery portion of the test. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the four replicate values and report Dry Thick Compressive Recovery to the nearest integer value mils* mils/log (gsi).
Wet Thick Compression and Wet Thick Compressive Recovery are measured using a constant rate of extension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage, Thwing-Albert, West Berlin NJ, or equivalent) fitted with compression fixtures, a circular compression foot having an area of 1.0 in2 and a circular anvil having an area of at least 4.9 in2. The thickness (caliper in mils) is measured at varying pressure values ranging from 10-1500 g/in2 in both the compression and relaxation directions.
Four (4) samples are prepared by the cutting of a usable unit obtained from the outermost sheets of a finished product roll after removing at least the leading five sheets by unwinding and tearing off via the closest line of weakness, such that each cut sample is 2.5×2.5 inches, avoiding creases, folds, and obvious defects.
The compression foot and anvil surfaces are aligned parallel to each other, and the crosshead zeroed at the point where they are in contact with each other. The tensile tester is programmed to perform a compression cycle, immediately followed by an extension (recovery) cycle. Force and extension data are collected at a rate of 50 Hz, with a crosshead speed of 0.10 in/min. Force data is converted to pressure (g/in2, or gsi). The compression cycle continues until a pressure of 1500 gsi is reached, at which point the crosshead stops and immediately begins the extension (recovery) cycle with the data collection and crosshead speed remaining the same.
The sample is placed flat on the anvil fixture, ensuring the sample is centered beneath the foot so that when contact is made the edges of the sample will be avoided. Using a pipette, fully saturate the entire sample with distilled or deionized water until there is no observable dry area remaining and water begins to run out of the edges. Start the tensile tester and data collection. Testing is repeated in like fashion for all four samples.
The thickness (mils) vs. pressure (g/in2, or gsi) data is used to calculate the sample's compressibility, “near-zero load caliper”, and compressive modulus. A least-squares linear regressions is performed on the thickness vs. the logarithm (base10) of the applied pressure data using nine discrete data points at pressures of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300 gsi and their respective thickness readings. Compressibility (m) equals the slope of the linear regression line, with units of mils/log (gsi). The higher the magnitude of the negative value the more “compressible” the sample is. Near-zero load caliper (b) equals the y-intercept of the linear regression line, with units of mils. This is the extrapolated thickness at log (1 gsi pressure). Compressive Modulus is calculated as the y-intercept divided by the negative slope (−b/m) with units of log (gsi).
Wet Thick Compression is defined as:
Dry Thick Compression(mils·mils/log(gsi)=−1×Near Zero Load Caliper(b)×Compressibility(m)
Multiplication by −1 turns formula into a positive. Larger results represent thick products that compress when a pressure is applied. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the four replicate values and report Wet Thick Compression to the nearest integer value mils* mils/log (gsi).
Wet Thick Compressive Recovery is defined as:
Multiplication by −1 turns formula into a positive. Larger results represent thick products that compress when a pressure is applied and maintain fraction recovery at 10 g/in2. Compressed thickness at 10 g/in2 is the thickness of the material at 10 g/in2 pressure during the compressive portion of the test. Recovered thickness at 10 g/in2 is the thickness of the material at 10 g/in2 pressure during the recovery portion of the test. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the four replicate values and report Wet Thick Compressive Recovery to the nearest integer value mils* mils/log (gsi).
This test method measures the surface topography of a towel surface, both in a dry and moist state, and calculates the % contact area and the median depth of the lowest 10% of the projected measured area, with the test sample under a specified pressure using a smooth and rigid transparent plate with an anti-reflective coating (to minimize and/or eliminate invalid image pixels).
Condition the samples or useable units of product, with wrapper or packaging materials removed, in a room conditioned at 50±2% relative humidity and 23° C.±1° C. (73°±2° F.) for a minimum of two hours prior to testing. Do not test useable units with defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes, effects of tail seal or core adhesive, etc., and when necessary, replace with other useable units free of such defects. Test sample dimensions shall be of the size of the usable unit, removed carefully at the perforations if they are present. If perforations are not present, or for samples larger than 8 inches MD by 11 inches CD, cut the sample to a length of approximately 6 inches in the MD and 11 inches in the CD. In this test only the inside surface of the usable unit(s) is analyzed. The inside surface is identified as the surface oriented toward the interior core when wound on a product roll (i.e., the opposite side of the surface visible on the outside roll as presented to a consumer).
The instrument used in this method is a Gocator 3210 Snapshot System (LMI Technologies, Inc., 9200 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, BC V5J 5J8 Canada), or equivalent. This instrument is an optical 3D surface topography measurement system that measures the surface height of a sample using a projected structured light pattern technique. The result of the measurement is a topography map of surface height (z-directional or z-axis) versus displacement in the x-y plane. This particular system has a field of view of approximately 100×154 mm, however the captured images are cropped to 80×130 mm (from the center) prior to analysis. The system has an x-y pixel resolution of 86 microns. The clearance distance from the camera to the testing surface (which is smooth and flat, and perpendicular to the camera view) is 23.5 (+/−0.2) cm—see
Test samples are handled only at their corners. The test sample is first weighted on a scale with at least 0.001 gram accuracy, and its dry weight recorded to the nearest 0.01 gram. It is then placed on the testing surface, with its inside face oriented towards the Gocator camera, and centered with respect to the imaging view. A smooth and rigid transparent plate (8×10 inches) is gently placed on top of the test sample, centered with respect to its x-y dimensions. Equal size weights are placed on the four corners of the transparent plate such that they are close to the four corners of the projected imaged area, but do not interfere in any way with the measurement image. The size of each equal sized weight is such that the total weight of transparent plate and the four weights delivers a total pressure of 25 (+/−1) grams per square inch (gsi) to the test sample under the plate. Within 15 seconds of placing the four weights in their proper position, the Gocator system is then initiated to acquire the topography image of the test sample in its ‘dry’ state.
Immediately after saving the Gocator image of the ‘dry’ state image, the weights and plate are removed from the test sample. The test sample is then moved to a smooth, clean countertop surface, with its inside face still up. Using a pipette, 15-30 ml of deionized water is distributed evenly across the entire surface of the test sample until it is visibly apparent that the water has fully wetted the entire test sample, and no unwetted area is observed. The wetting process is to be completed in less than a minute. The wet test sample is then gently picked up by two adjacent corners, so that it hangs freely (dripping may occur), and carefully placed on a sheet of blotter paper (Whatman cellulose blotting paper, grade GB003, cut to dimensions larger than the test sample). The wet test sample must be placed flat on the blotting paper without wrinkles or folds present. A smooth, 304 stainless steel cylindrical rod (density of ˜8 g/cm3), with dimensions of 1.75 inch diameter and 12 inches long, is then rolled over the entire test sample at a speed of 1.5-2.0 inches per second, in the direction of the shorter of the two dimensions of the test sample. If creases or folds are created during the rolling process, and are inside the central area of the sample to be measured (i.e., if they cannot slightly adjusted or avoided in the topography measurement), then the test sample is to be discarded for a new test sample, and the measurement process started over. Otherwise, the moist sample is picked up by two adjacent corners and weighed on the scale to the nearest 0.01 gram (i.e., its moist weight). At this point, the moist test paper towel test sample will have a moisture level between 1.25 and 2.00 grams H2O per gram of initial dry material.
The moist test sample is then placed flat on the Gocator testing surface (handling it carefully, only touching its corners), with its inside surface pointing towards the Gocator camera, and centered with respect to the imaging view (as close to the same position it was for the ‘dry’ state image). After ensuring that the sample is flat, and no folds or creases are present in the imaging area, the smooth and rigid transparent plate (8×10 inches) is gently placed on top of the test sample, centered with respect to its x-y dimensions. The equal size weights are placed on the four corners of the transparent plate (i.e., the same weights that were used in the dry sample testing) such that they are close to the four corners of the projected imaged area, but do not interfere in any way with the measurement image. Within 15 seconds of placing the four weights in their proper position, the Gocator system is then initiated to acquire the topography image of the test sample in its ‘moist’ state.
At this point, the test sample has both ‘dry’ and ‘moist’ surface topography (3D) images. These are processed using surface texture analysis software such as MountainsMap® (available from Digital Surf, France) or equivalent, as follows: 1) The first step is to crop the image. As stated previously, this particular system has a field of view of approximately 100×154 mm, however the image is cropped to 80×130 mm (from the center). 2) Remove ‘invalid’ and non-measured points. 3) Apply a 3×3 median filter (to reduce effects of noise). 4) Apply an ‘Align’ filter, which subtracts a least squares plane to level the surface (to create an overall average of heights centered at zero). 5) Apply a Gaussian filter (according to ISO 16610-61) with a nesting index (cut-off wavelength) of 25 mm (to flatten out large scale waviness, while preserving finer structure).
From these processed 3D images of the surface, the following parameters are calculated, using software such as MountainsMap® or equivalent: Dry Depth (um), Dry Contact Area (%), Moist Depth (um), and Moist Contact Area (%).
Height measurements are derived from the Areal Material Ratio (Abbott-Firestone) curve described in the ISO 13565-2:1996 standard extrapolated to surfaces. This curve is the cumulative curve of the surface height distribution histogram versus the range of surface heights measured. A material ratio is the ratio, expressed as a percent, of the area corresponding to points with heights equal to or above an intersecting plane passing through the surface at a given height, or cut depth, to the cross-sectional area of the evaluation region (field of view area). For calculating contact area, the height at a material ratio of 2% is first identified. A cut depth of 100 μm below this height is then identified, and the material ratio at this depth is recorded as the “Dry Contact Area” and “Moist Contact Area”, respectively, to the nearest 0.1%.
In order to calculate “Depth” (Dry and Moist, respectively), the depth at the 95% material ratio relative to the mean plane (centered height data) of the specimen surface is identified. This corresponds to a depth equal to the median of the lowest 10% of the projected area (valleys) of the specimen surface and is recorded as the “Dry Depth” and “Moist Depth”, respectively, to the nearest 1 micron (um). These values will be negative as they represent depths below the mean plane of the surface heights having a value of zero.
Three replicate samples are prepared and measured in this way, to produce an average for each of the four parameters: Dry Depth (um), Dry Contact Area (%), Moist Depth (um), and Moist Contact Area (%). Additionally, from these parameters, the difference between the dry and moist depths can be calculated to demonstrate the change in depth from the dry to the moist state.
The micro-CT intensive property measurement method measures the basis weight, thickness and density values within visually discernable zones or regions of a substrate sample. It is based on analysis of a 3D x-ray sample image obtained on a micro-CT instrument (a suitable instrument is the Scanco μCT 50 available from Scanco Medical AG, Switzerland, or equivalent). The micro-CT instrument is a cone beam microtomograph with a shielded cabinet. A maintenance free x-ray tube is used as the source with an adjustable diameter focal spot. The x-ray beam passes through the sample, where some of the x-rays are attenuated by the sample. The extent of attenuation correlates to the mass of material the x-rays have to pass through. The transmitted x-rays continue on to the digital detector array and generate a 2D projection image of the sample. A 3D image of the sample is generated by collecting several individual projection images of the sample as it is rotated, which are then reconstructed into a single 3D image. The instrument is interfaced with a computer running software to control the image acquisition and save the raw data. The 3D image is then analyzed using image analysis software (a suitable image analysis software is MATLAB available from The Mathworks, Inc., Natick, MA, or equivalent) to measure the basis weight, thickness and density intensive properties of regions within the sample.
Sample Preparation
To obtain a sample for measurement, lay a single layer of the dry substrate material out flat and die cut a circular piece with a diameter of 16 mm. If the sample being measured is a 2 (or more) ply finished product, carefully separate an individual ply of the finished product prior to die cutting. The sample weight is recorded. A sample may be cut from any location containing the region or cells to be analyzed. Regions, zones, or cells within different samples taken from the same substrate material can be analyzed and compared to each other. Care should be taken to avoid embossed regions, folds, wrinkles, or tears when selecting a location for sampling.
Image Acquisition
Set up and calibrate the micro-CT instrument according to the manufacturer's specifications. Place the sample into the appropriate holder, between two rings of low-density material, which have an inner diameter of 12 mm. This will allow the central portion of the sample to lay horizontal and be scanned without having any other materials directly adjacent to its upper and lower surfaces. Measurements should be taken in this region. The 3D image field of view is approximately 20 mm on each side in the xy-plane with a resolution of approximately 3400 by 3400 pixels, and with a sufficient number of 6 micron thick slices collected to fully include the z-direction of the sample. The reconstructed 3D image contains isotropic voxels of 6 microns. Images were acquired with the source at 45 kVp and 133 μA with no additional low energy filter. These current and voltage settings should be optimized to produce the maximum contrast in the projection data with sufficient x-ray penetration through the sample, but once optimized held constant for all substantially similar samples. A total of 1700 projections images are obtained with an integration time of 500 ms and 4 averages. The projection images are reconstructed into the 3D image and saved in 16-bit format to preserve the full detector output signal for analysis.
Image Processing
Load the 3D image into the image analysis software. The largest cross-sectional area of the sample should be nearly parallel with the x-y plane, with the z-axis being perpendicular. Threshold the 3D image at a value which separates, and removes, the background signal due to air, but maintains the signal from the sample fibers within the substrate.
Five 2D intensive property images are generated from the thresholded 3D image. The first is the Basis Weight Image, which is a projection image. Each x-y pixel in this image represents the summation of the intensity values along voxels in the z-direction. This results in a 2D image where each pixel now has a value equal to the cumulative signal through the entire sample.
The weight of the sample divided by the z-direction projected area of the punched sample provides the actual average basis weight of the sample. This correlates with the average signal intensity from the Basis Weight image described above, allowing it to be represented in units of g/m2 (gsm).
The second intensive property 2D image is the Thickness Image. To generate this image the upper and lower surfaces of the sample are identified, and the distance between these surfaces is calculated giving the sample thickness. The upper surface of the sample is identified by starting at the uppermost z-direction slice and evaluating each slice going through the sample to locate the z-direction voxel for all pixel positions in the xy-plane where sample signal was first detected. The same procedure is followed for identifying the lower surface of the sample, except the z-direction voxels located are all the positions in the xy-plane where sample signal was last detected. Once the upper and lower surfaces have been identified they are smoothed with a 15×15 median filter to remove signal from stray fibers. The 2D Thickness Image is then generated by counting the number of voxels that exist between the upper and lower surfaces for each of the pixel positions in the xy-plane. This raw thickness value is then converted to actual distance, in microns, by multiplying the voxel count by the 6 μm slice thickness resolution.
The third intensive property 2D image is the Density Image (see for example
For each x-y location, the first and last occurrence of a thresholded voxel position in the z-direction is recorded. This provides two sets of points representing the Top Layer and Bottom Layer of the sample. Each set of points are fit to a second-order polynomial to provide smooth top and bottom surfaces. These surfaces define fourth and fifth 2D intensive property images, the top-layer and bottom-layer of the sample. These surfaces are saved as images with the gray values of each pixel representing the z-value of the surface point.
Micro-CT Basis Weight, Thickness and Density Intensive Properties
This sub-section of the method may be used to measure zones or regions generally. Begin by identifying the zone or region to be analyzed. Next, identify the boundary of the identified region to be analyzed. The boundary of a region is identified by visual discernment of differences in intensive properties when compared to other regions within the sample. For example, a region boundary can be identified based by visually discerning a thickness difference when compared to another region in the sample. Any of the intensive properties can be used to discern region boundaries on either on the physical sample itself or any of the micro-CT intensive property images. Once the boundary of a zone or region has been identified draw the largest circular region of interest that can be inscribed within the region. From each of the first three intensive property images calculate the average basis weight, thickness, and density within the region of interest. Record these values as the region's micro-CT basis weight to the nearest 0.01 gsm, micro-CT thickness to the nearest 0.1 micron and micro-CT density to the nearest 0.0001 g/cc.
To calculate the percent difference between zones or regions may be calculated according to the “Percent (%) difference” definition above.
Concavity Ratio and Packing Fraction Measurements
As outlined above, five different types of 2D intensive property images are created. These images include: (1) a basis weight image, (2) a thickness image, (3) a density image, (4) a top-layer image, and (5) a bottom-layer image.
To measure discrete pillow and knuckle Concavity Ratio and Packing Fraction, begin by identifying the boundary of the selected discrete pillow or knuckle cells. The boundary of a cell is identified by visual discernment of differences in intensive properties when compared to other cells within the sample. For example, a cell boundary can be identified based by visually discerning a density difference when compared to another cell in the sample. Any of the intensive properties (basis weight, thickness, density, top-layer, and bottom-layer) can be used to discern cell boundaries on either the physical sample itself or any of the micro-CT 2D intensive property images.
Using the image analysis software, manually draw a line tracing the identified boundary of each individual whole and partial discrete knuckle or discrete pillow cell 24 visible within the sample boundary 100, and generate a new binary image containing only the closed filled in shapes of all the identified discrete cells (see for example
The Concavity Ratio is a measure of the presence and extent of concavity within the shapes of the discrete knuckle or pillow cells. Using the recorded measurements calculate the Concavity Ratio for each of the analyzed discrete cells as the ratio of the shape area to its convex hull area. Identify ten substantially similar replicate discrete knuckle or pillow cells and average together their individual Concavity Ratio values and report the average Concavity Ratio as a unitless value to the nearest 0.01. If ten replicate cells cannot be identified in a single sample, then a sufficient number of replicate samples are to be analyzed according to the described procedure. If the sample contains discrete knuckle or pillow cells of differing size or shape, identify ten substantially similar replicates of each of the different shapes and sizes, calculate an average Concavity Ratio for each and report the minimum average Concavity Ratio value.
The Packing Fraction is the fraction of the sample area filled by the discrete knuckle and pillow shapes. The Packing Fraction value for the sample is calculated by summing all the recorded whole and partial identified shape areas, regardless of shape or size, and dividing that total by the sample area within the sample boundary 100. The Packing Fraction is reported as a unitless value to the nearest 0.01.
Continuous Region Density Difference Measurement
This sub-section of the method may be used when a continuous region is present. To measure the Continuous Region Density Difference, first identify a Cell Group 40 of four adjacent and nearest-neighboring discrete knuckle (e.g.,
Continuous Region Density Difference Measurement
This sub-section of the method may be used when a continuous region is present. To measure the Continuous Region Density Difference, first identify a Cell Group 40 of four adjacent and nearest-neighboring discrete knuckle (e.g.,
Micro-CT Basis Weight, Thickness and Density Intensive Properties
This sub-section of the method may be used to measure zones or regions generally. Once the boundary of a zone or region has been identified draw the largest circular region of interest that can be inscribed within the region. From each of the first three intensive property images calculate the average basis weight, thickness and density within the region of interest. Record these values as the region's micro-CT basis weight to the nearest 0.01 gsm, micro-CT thickness to the nearest 0.1 micron and micro-CT density to the nearest 0.0001 g/cc. To calculate and record the percent difference between ZONES OR REGIONS: the highest and lowest recorded density values. Percent difference is calculated by: subtracting the lowest density value from the highest density value and then dividing that value by the average of the lowest and highest density values, and then multiplying the result by 100.
Basis weight of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product (TAPPI conditioned as follows: Temperature is controlled from 23° C.+1° C. and Relative Humidity is controlled from 50%±2%) is measured on stacks of twelve usable units using a top loading analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. The balance is protected from air drafts and other disturbances using a draft shield. A precision cutting die, measuring 3.500 in ±0.0035 in by 3.500 in ±0.0035 in is used to prepare all samples.
With a precision cutting die, cut the samples into squares. Combine the cut squares to form a stack twelve samples thick. Measure the mass of the sample stack and record the result to the nearest 0.001 g.
The Basis Weight is calculated in lbs/3000 ft2 or g/m2 as follows:
Basis Weight=(Mass of stack)/[(Area of 1square in stack)×(No. of squares in stack)]
For example:
Basis Weight(lbs/3000ft2)=[[Mass of stack(g)/453.6(g/lbs)]/[12.25(in2)/144(in2/ft2)×12]]×3000
or,
Basis Weight(g/m2)=Mass of stack(g)/[79.032(cm2)/10,000(cm2/m2)×12].
Report the numerical result to the nearest 0.1 lbs/3000 ft2 or 0.1 g/m2 or “gsm.” Sample dimensions can be changed or varied using a similar precision cutter as mentioned above, so as at least 100 square inches of sample area in stack.
TS7 and TS750 values are measured using an EMTEC Tissue Softness Analyzer (“Emtec TSA”) (Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) interfaced with a computer running Emtec TSA software (version 3.19 or equivalent). According to Emtec, the TS7 value correlates with the real material softness, while the TS750 value correlates with the felt smoothness/roughness of the material. The Emtec TSA comprises a rotor with vertical blades which rotate on the test sample at a defined and calibrated rotational speed (set by manufacturer) and contact force of 100 mN. Contact between the vertical blades and the test piece creates vibrations, which create sound that is recorded by a microphone within the instrument. The recorded sound file is then analyzed by the Emtec TSA software. The sample preparation, instrument operation and testing procedures are performed according the instrument manufacture's specifications.
Sample Preparation
Test samples are prepared by cutting square or circular samples from a finished product. Test samples are cut to a length and width (or diameter if circular) of no less than about 90 mm, and no greater than about (“no greater than about” used interchangeably with “less than about” herein) 120 mm, in any of these dimensions, to ensure the sample can be clamped into the TSA instrument properly. Test samples are selected to avoid perforations, creases or folds within the testing region. Prepare 8 substantially similar replicate samples for testing. Equilibrate all samples at TAPPI standard temperature and relative humidity conditions (23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2%) for at least 1 hour prior to conducting the TSA testing, which is also conducted under TAPPI conditions.
Testing Procedure
Calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions using the 1-point calibration method with Emtec reference standards (“ref.2 samples”). If these reference samples are no longer available, use the appropriate reference samples provided by the manufacturer. Calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer's recommendation and instruction, so that the results will be comparable to those obtained when using the 1-point calibration method with Emtec reference standards (“ref.2 samples”).
Mount the test sample into the instrument and perform the test according to the manufacturer's instructions. When complete, the software displays values for TS7 and TS750. Record each of these values to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. The test piece is then removed from the instrument and discarded. This testing is performed individually on the top surface (outer facing surface of a rolled product) of four of the replicate samples, and on the bottom surface (inner facing surface of a rolled product) of the other four replicate samples.
The four test result values for TS7 and TS750 from the top surface are averaged (using a simple numerical average); the same is done for the four test result values for TS7 and TS750 from the bottom surface. Report the individual average values of TS7 and TS750 for both the top and bottom surfaces on a particular test sample to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. Additionally, average together all eight test value results for TS7 and TS750, and report the overall average values for TS7 and TS750 on a particular test sample to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. Unless otherwise specified, the reported values for TS7 and TS750 will be the overall average of the eight test values from the top and bottom surfaces.
This test incorporates the Slope of the Square Root of Time (SST) Test Method. The SST method measures rate over a wide spectrum of time to capture a view of the product pick-up rate over the useful lifetime. In particular, the method measures the absorbency rate via the slope of the mass versus the square root of time from 2-15 seconds.
Overview
The absorption (wicking) of water by a fibrous sample is measured over time. A sample is placed horizontally in the instrument and is supported with minimal contact during testing (without allowing the sample to droop) by an open weave net structure that rests on a balance. The test is initiated when a tube connected to a water reservoir is raised and the meniscus makes contact with the center of the sample from beneath, at a small negative pressure. Absorption is controlled by the ability of the sample to pull the water from the instrument for approximately 20 seconds. Rate is determined as the slope of the regression line of the outputted weight vs sqrt(time) from 2 to 15 seconds.
Apparatus
Conditioned Room—Temperature is controlled from 73° F.±2° F. (23° C.±1° C.). Relative Humidity is controlled from 50%±2%
Sample Preparation—Product samples are cut using hydraulic/pneumatic precision cutter into 3.375 inch diameter circles.
Capacity Rate Tester (CRT)—The CRT is an absorbency tester capable of measuring capacity and rate. The CRT consists of a balance (0.001 g), on which rests on a woven grid (using nylon monofilament line having a 0.014″ diameter) placed over a small reservoir with a delivery tube in the center. This reservoir is filled by the action of solenoid valves, which help to connect the sample supply reservoir to an intermediate reservoir, the water level of which is monitored by an optical sensor. The CRT is run with a −2 mm water column, controlled by adjusting the height of water in the supply reservoir.
A diagram of the testing apparatus set up is shown in
Software—LabView based custom software specific to CRT Version 4.2 or later.
Water—Distilled water with conductivity <10 μS/cm (target <5 μS/cm) @ 25° C.
Sample Preparation
For this method, a usable unit is described as one finished product unit regardless of the number of plies. Condition all samples with packaging materials removed for a minimum of 2 hours prior to testing. Discard at least the first ten usable units from the roll. Remove two usable units and cut one 3.375-inch circular sample from the center of each usable unit for a total of 2 replicates for each test result. Do not test samples with defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes, etc. Replace with another usable unit which is free of such defects
Sample Testing
Pre-Test Set-Up
Test Description
Calculation of Rate of Uptake
Take the raw data file that includes time and weight data.
First, create a new time column that subtracts 0.4 seconds from the raw time data to adjust the raw time data to correspond to when initiation actually occurs (about 0.4 seconds after data collection begins).
Second, create a column of data that converts the adjusted time data to square root of time data (e.g., using a formula such as SQRT( ) within Excel).
Third, calculate the slope of the weight data vs the square root of time data (e.g., using the SLOPE( ) function within Excel, using the weight data as the y-data and the sqrt(time) data as the x-data, etc.). The slope should be calculated for the data points from 2 to 15 seconds, inclusive (or 1.41 to 3.87 in the sqrt(time) data column).
Calculation of Slope of the Square Root of Time (SST)
The start time of water contact with the sample is estimated to be 0.4 seconds after the start of hydraulic connection is established between the supply tube and the sample (CRT Time). This is because data acquisition begins while the tube is still moving towards the sample and incorporates the small delay in scale response. Thus, “time zero” is actually at 0.4 seconds in CRT Time as recorded in the *.txt file.
The slope of the square root of time (SST) from 2-15 seconds is calculated from the slope of a linear regression line from the square root of time between (and including) 2 to 15 seconds (x-axis) versus the cumulative grams of water absorbed. The units are g/sec0.5.
Reporting Results
Report the average slope to the nearest 0.01 g/s0.5.
As used herein, the “Plate Stiffness” test is a measure of stiffness of a flat sample as it is deformed downward into a hole beneath the sample. For the test, the sample is modeled as an infinite plate with thickness “t” that resides on a flat surface where it is centered over a hole with radius “R”. A central force “F” applied to the tissue directly over the center of the hole deflects the tissue down into the hole by a distance “w”. For a linear elastic material, the deflection can be predicted by:
where “E” is the effective linear elastic modulus, “v” is the Poisson's ratio, “R” is the radius of the hole, and “t” is the thickness of the tissue, taken as the caliper in millimeters measured on a stack of 5 tissues under a load of about 0.29 psi. Taking Poisson's ratio as 0.1 (the solution is not highly sensitive to this parameter, so the inaccuracy due to the assumed value is likely to be minor), the previous equation can be rewritten for “w” to estimate the effective modulus as a function of the flexibility test results:
The test results are carried out using an MTS Alliance RT/1, Insight Renew, or similar model testing machine (MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.), with a 50 newton load cell, and data acquisition rate of at least 25 force points per second. As a stack of five tissue sheets (created without any bending, pressing, or straining) at least 2.5-inches by 2.5 inches, but no more than 5.0 inches by 5.0 inches, oriented in the same direction, sits centered over a hole of radius 15.75 mm on a support plate, a blunt probe of 3.15 mm radius descends at a speed of 20 mm/min. For typical perforated rolled bath tissue, sample preparation consists of removing five (5) connected usable units, and carefully forming a 5 sheet stack, accordion style, by bending only at the perforation lines. When the probe tip descends to 1 mm below the plane of the support plate, the test is terminated. The maximum slope (using least squares regression) in grams of force/mm over any 0.5 mm span during the test is recorded (this maximum slope generally occurs at the end of the stroke). The load cell monitors the applied force and the position of the probe tip relative to the plane of the support plate is also monitored. The peak load is recorded, and “E” is estimated using the above equation.
The Plate Stiffness “S” per unit width can then be calculated as:
and is expressed in units of Newtons*millimeters. The Testworks program uses the following formula to calculate stiffness (or can be calculated manually from the raw data output):
wherein “F/w” is max slope (force divided by deflection), “v” is Poisson's ratio taken as 0.1, and “R” is the ring radius.
The same sample stack (as used above) is then flipped upside down and retested in the same manner as previously described. This test is run three more times (with different sample stacks). Thus, eight S values are calculated from four 5-sheet stacks of the same sample. The numerical average of these eight S values is reported as Plate Stiffness for the sample.
Stack thickness (measured in mils, 0.001 inch) is measured as a function of confining pressure (g/in2) using a Thwing-Albert (14 W. Collings Ave., West Berlin, NJ) Vantage Compression/Softness Tester (model 1750-2005 or similar) or equivalent instrument, equipped with a 2500 g load cell (force accuracy is +/−0.25% when measuring value is between 10%-100% of load cell capacity, and 0.025% when measuring value is less than 10% of load cell capacity), a 1.128 inch diameter steel pressure foot (one square inch cross sectional area) which is aligned parallel to the steel anvil (2.5 inch diameter). The pressure foot and anvil surfaces must be clean and dust free, particularly when performing the steel-to-steel test. Thwing-Albert software (MAP) controls the motion and data acquisition of the instrument.
The instrument and software are set-up to acquire crosshead position and force data at a rate of 50 points/sec. The crosshead speed (which moves the pressure foot) for testing samples is set to 0.20 inches/min (the steel-to-steel test speed is set to 0.05 inches/min). Crosshead position and force data are recorded between the load cell range of approximately 5 and 1500 grams during compression. The crosshead is programmed to stop immediately after surpassing 1500 grams, record the thickness at this pressure (termed Tmax), and immediately reverse direction at the same speed as performed in compression. Data is collected during this decompression portion of the test (also termed recovery) between approximately 1500 and 5 grams. Since the foot area is one square inch, the force data recorded corresponds to pressure in units of g/in2. The MAP software is programmed to the select 15 crosshead position values (for both compression and recovery) at specific pressure trap points of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 750, 1000, and 1250 g/in2 (i.e., recording the crosshead position of very next acquired data point after the each pressure point trap is surpassed). In addition to these 30 collected trap points, Tmax is also recorded, which is the thickness at the maximum pressure applied during the test (approximately 1500 g/in2).
Since the overall test system, including the load cell, is not perfectly rigid, a steel-to-steel test is performed (i.e., nothing in between the pressure foot and anvil) at least twice for each batch of testing, to obtain an average set of steel-to-steel crosshead positions at each of the 31 trap points described above. This steel-to-steel crosshead position data is subtracted from the corresponding crosshead position data at each trap point for each tested stacked sample, thereby resulting in the stack thickness (mils) at each pressure trap point during the compression, maximum pressure, and recovery portions of the test.
StackT (trap)=StackCP (trap)−SteelCP (trap)
Where:
The 5 sheets (one usable unit thick each) of the same approximate dimensions, are placed one on top the other, with their MD aligned in the same direction, their outer face all pointing in the same direction, and their edges aligned +/−3 mm of each other. The central portion of the stack, where compression testing will take place, is never to be physically touched, stretched, and/or strained (this includes never to ‘smooth out’ the surface with a hand or other apparatus prior to testing).
The 5 sheet stack is placed on the anvil, positioning it such that the pressure foot will contact the central region of the stack (for the first compression test) in a physically untouched spot, leaving space for a subsequent (second) compression test, also in the central region of the stack, but separated by ¼ inch or more from the first compression test, such that both tests are in untouched, and separated spots in the central region of the stack. From these two tests, an average crosshead position of the stack at each trap pressure (i.e., StackCP(trap)) is calculated for compression, maximum pressure, and recovery portions of the tests. Then, using the average steel-to-steel crosshead trap points (i.e., SteelCP(trap)), the average stack thickness at each trap (i.e., StackT(trap) is calculated (mils).
Stack Compressibility is defined here as the absolute value of the linear slope of the stack thickness (mils) as a function of the log(10) of the confining pressure (grams/in2), by using the 15 compression trap points discussed previously (i.e., compression from 10 to 1250 g/in2), in a least squares regression. The units for Stack Compressibility are [mils/(log(g/in2))], and is reported to the nearest 0.1 [mils/(log(g/in2))].
Resilient Bulk is calculated from the stack weight per unit area and the sum of 8 StackT(trap) thickness values from the maximum pressure and recovery portion of the tests: i.e., at maximum pressure (Tmax) and recovery trap points at R1250, R1000, R750, R500, R300, R100, and R10 g/in2 (a prefix of “R” denotes these traps come from recovery portion of the test). Stack weight per unit area is measured from the same region of the stack contacted by the compression foot, after the compression testing is complete, by cutting a 3.50 inch square (typically) with a precision die cutter, and weighing on a calibrated 3-place balance, to the nearest 0.001 gram. The weight of the precisely cut stack, along with the StackT(trap) data at each required trap pressure (each point being an average from the two compression/recovery tests discussed previously), are used in the following equation to calculate Resilient Bulk, reported in units of cm3/g, to the nearest 0.1 cm3/g.
Where:
“Wet Burst Strength” as used herein is a measure of the ability of a fibrous structure and/or a fibrous structure product incorporating a fibrous structure to absorb energy, when wet and subjected to deformation normal to the plane of the fibrous structure and/or fibrous structure product. The Wet Burst Test is run according to ISO 12625-9:2005, except for any deviations or modifications described below.
Wet burst strength may be measured using a Thwing-Albert Burst Tester Cat. No. 177 equipped with a 2000 g load cell commercially available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa, or an equivalent instrument.
Wet burst strength is measured by preparing four (4) multi-ply fibrous structure product samples for testing. First, condition the samples for two (2) hours at a temperature of 73° F.±2° F. (23° C.±1° C.) and a relative humidity of 50% (±2%). Take one sample and horizontally dip the center of the sample into a pan filled with about 25 mm of room temperature distilled water. Leave the sample in the water four (4) (±0.5) seconds. Remove and drain for three (3) (±0.5) seconds holding the sample vertically so the water runs off in the cross-machine direction. Proceed with the test immediately after the drain step.
Place the wet sample on the lower ring of the sample holding device of the Burst Tester with the outer surface of the sample facing up so that the wet part of the sample completely covers the open surface of the sample holding ring. If wrinkles are present, discard the samples and repeat with a new sample. After the sample is properly in place on the lower sample holding ring, turn the switch that lowers the upper ring on the Burst Tester. The sample to be tested is now securely gripped in the sample holding unit. Start the burst test immediately at this point by pressing the start button on the Burst Tester. A plunger will begin to rise (or lower) toward the wet surface of the sample. At the point when the sample tears or ruptures, report the maximum reading. The plunger will automatically reverse and return to its original starting position. Repeat this procedure on three (3) more samples for a total of four (4) tests, i.e., four (4) replicates. Report the results as an average of the four (4) replicates, to the nearest gram.
Wet Elongation, Tensile Strength, and TEA are measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage from the Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. West Berlin, NJ) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the load cell. Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic jaws are fitted with smooth stainless steel faced grips, with a design suitable for testing 1 inch wide sheet material (Thwing-Albert item #733GC). An air pressure of about 60 psi is supplied to the jaws.
Eight usable units of fibrous structures are divided into two stacks of four usable units each. The usable units in each stack are consistently oriented with respect to machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). One of the stacks is designated for testing in the MD and the other for CD. Using a one inch precision cutter (Thwing Albert) take a CD stack and cut one, 1.00 in ±0.01 in wide by at least 3.0 in long stack of strips (long dimension in CD). In like fashion cut the remaining stack in the MD (strip long dimension in MD), to give a total of 8 specimens, four CD and four MD strips. Each strip to be tested is one usable unit thick, and will be treated as a unitary specimen for testing.
Program the tensile tester to perform an extension test (described below), collecting force and extension data at an acquisition rate of 100 Hz as the crosshead raises at a rate of 2.00 in/min (10.16 cm/min) until the specimen breaks. The break sensitivity is set to 50%, i.e., the test is terminated when the measured force drops below 50% of the maximum peak force, after which the crosshead is returned to its original position.
Set the gage length to 2.00 inches. Zero the crosshead and load cell. Insert the specimen into the upper and lower open grips such that at least 0.5 inches of specimen length is contained each grip. Align the specimen vertically within the upper and lower jaws, then close the upper grip. Verify the specimen is hanging freely and aligned with the lower grip, then close the lower grip. Initiate the first portion of the test, which pulls the specimen at a rate of 0.5 in/min, then stops immediately after a load of 10 grams is achieved. Using a pipet, thoroughly wet the specimen with DI water to the point where excess water can be seen pooling on the top of the lower closed grip. Immediately after achieving this wetting status, initiate the second portion of the test, which pulls the wetted strip at 2.0 in/min until break status is achieved. Repeat testing in like fashion for all four CD and four MD specimens.
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses extension (in) curve:
Wet Tensile Strength (g/in) is the maximum peak force (g) divided by the specimen width (1 in), and reported as g/in to the nearest 0.1 g/in.
Adjusted Gage Length (in) is calculated as the extension measured (from original 2.00 inch gage length) at 3 g of force during the test following the wetting of the specimen (or the next data point after 3 g force) added to the original gage length (in). If the load does not fall below 3 g force during the wetting procedure, then the adjusted gage length will be the extension measured at the point the test is resumed following wetting added to the original gage length (in).
Wet Peak Elongation (%) is calculated as the additional extension (in) from the Adjusted Gage Length (in) at the maximum peak force point (more specifically, at the last maximum peak force point, if there is more than one) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in) multiplied by 100 and reported as % to the nearest 0.1%.
Wet Peak Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA, g*in/in2) is calculated as the area under the force curve (g*in2) integrated from zero extension (i.e., the Adjusted Gage Length) to the extension at the maximum peak force elongation point (more specifically, at the last maximum peak force point, if there is more than one) (in), divided by the product of the adjusted Gage Length (in) and specimen width (in). This is reported as g*in/in2 to the nearest 0.01 g*in/in2.
The Wet Tensile Strength (g/in), Wet Peak Elongation (%), Wet Peak TEA (g*in/in2 are calculated for the four CD specimens and the four MD specimens. Calculate an average for each parameter separately for the CD and MD specimens.
Calculations
Geometric Mean Initial Wet Tensile Strength=Square Root of [MD Wet Tensile Strength (g/in)×CD Wet Tensile Strength (g/in)]
Geometric Mean Wet Peak Elongation=Square Root of [MD Wet Peak Elongation (%)×CD Wet Peak Elongation (%)]
Geometric Mean Wet Peak TEA=Square Root of [MD Wet Peak TEA (g*in/in2)×CD Wet Peak TEA (g*in/in2)]
Total Wet Tensile (TWT)=MD Wet Tensile Strength (g/in)+CD Wet Tensile Strength (g/in)
Total Wet Peak TEA=MD Wet Peak TEA (g*in/in2)+CD Wet Peak TEA (g*in/in2)
Wet Tensile Ratio=MD Wet Peak Tensile Strength (g/in)/CD Wet Peak Tensile Strength (g/in)
Wet Tensile Geometric Mean (GM) Modulus=Square Root of [MD Modulus (at 38 g/cm)×CD Modulus (at 38 g/cm)]
This method is typically used for sanitary tissue products in the form of a paper towel. In the present application, unless the term “Finch” or “Finch cup” is coupled with wet tensile terminology, this is the method being referred to. If “Finch” or “Finch cup” is coupled with wet tensile terminology, the Finch Cup Wet Tensile Test Method should be referred to.
Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Toilet Paper (for Paper Towels, use: “Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Paper Towels;” for Facial Tissue, use: “Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Facial Tissue”):
Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Tangent Modulus are measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage from the Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. Wet Berlin, NJ) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the load cell. Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic jaws are fitted with smooth stainless steel faced grips, with a design suitable for testing 1 inch wide sheet material (Thwing-Albert item #733GC). An air pressure of about 60 psi is supplied to the jaws.
Twenty usable units of fibrous structures are divided into four stacks of five usable units each. The usable units in each stack are consistently oriented with respect to machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). Two of the stacks are designated for testing in the MD and two for CD. Using a one inch precision cutter (Thwing Albert) take a CD stack and cut two, 1.00 in ±0.01 in wide by at least 3.0 in long strips from each CD stack (long dimension in CD). Each strip is five usable unit layers thick and will be treated as a unitary specimen for testing. In like fashion cut the remaining CD stack and the two MD stacks (long dimension in MD) to give a total of 8 specimens (five layers each), four CD and four MD.
Program the tensile tester to perform an extension test, collecting force and extension data at an acquisition rate of 20 Hz as the crosshead raises at a rate of 4.00 in/min (10.16 cm/min) until the specimen breaks. The break sensitivity is set to 50%, i.e., the test is terminated when the measured force drops to 50% of the maximum peak force, after which the crosshead is returned to its original position.
Set the gage length to 2.00 inches. Zero the crosshead and load cell. Insert the specimen into the upper and lower open grips such that at least 0.5 inches of specimen length is contained each grip. Align specimen vertically within the upper and lower jaws, then close the upper grip. Verify specimen is aligned, then close lower grip. The specimen should be under enough tension to eliminate any slack, but less than 0.05 N of force measured on the load cell. Start the tensile tester and data collection. Repeat testing in like fashion for all four CD and four MD specimens.
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses extension (in) curve:
Tensile Strength is the maximum peak force (g) divided by the product of the specimen width (1 in) and the number of usable units in the specimen (5), and then reported as g/in to the nearest 1 g/in.
Adjusted Gage Length is calculated as the extension measured at 11.12 g of force (in) added to the original gage length (in).
Elongation is calculated as the extension at maximum peak force (in) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in) multiplied by 100 and reported as % to the nearest 0.1%.
Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) is calculated as the area under the force curve integrated from zero extension to the extension at the maximum peak force (g*in), divided by the product of the adjusted Gage Length (in), specimen width (in), and number of usable units in the specimen (5). This is reported as g*in/in2 to the nearest 1 g*in/in2.
Replot the force (g) verses extension (in) curve as a force (g) verses strain curve. Strain is herein defined as the extension (in) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in).
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses strain curve:
Tangent Modulus is calculated as the least squares linear regression using the first data point from the force (g) verses strain curve recorded after 190.5 g (38.1 g×5 layers) force and the 5 data points immediately preceding and the 5 data points immediately following it. This slope is then divided by the product of the specimen width (2.54 cm) and the number of usable units in the specimen (5), and then reported to the nearest 1 g/cm.
The Tensile Strength (g/in), Elongation (%), TEA (g*in/in2) and Tangent Modulus (g/cm) are calculated for the four CD specimens and the four MD specimens. Calculate an average for each parameter separately for the CD and MD specimens.
Calculations
Geometric Mean Tensile=Square Root of [MD Tensile Strength (g/in)×CD Tensile Strength (g/in)]
Geometric Mean Peak Elongation=Square Root of [MD Elongation (%)×CD Elongation (%)]
Geometric Mean TEA=Square Root of [MD TEA (g*in/in2)×CD TEA (g*in/in2)]
Geometric Mean Modulus=Square Root of [MD Modulus (g/cm)×CD Modulus (g/cm)]
Total Dry Tensile Strength (TDT)=MD Tensile Strength (g/in)+CD Tensile Strength (g/in)
Total TEA=MD TEA (g*in/in2)+CD TEA (g*in/in2)
Total Modulus=MD Modulus (g/cm)+CD Modulus (g/cm)
Tensile Ratio=MD Tensile Strength (g/in)/CD Tensile Strength (g/in)
Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Facial Tissue (for Paper Towels, use: “Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Paper Towels;” for Toilet Paper, use: “Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Toilet Paper”):
Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Tangent Modulus are measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage from the Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. Wet Berlin, NJ) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the load cell. Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic jaws are fitted with smooth stainless steel faced grips, with a design suitable for testing 1 inch wide sheet material (Thwing-Albert item #733GC). An air pressure of about 60 psi is supplied to the jaws.
Eight usable units of fibrous structures are divided into two stacks of four usable units each. The usable units in each stack are consistently oriented with respect to machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). One of the stacks is designated for testing in the MD and the other for CD. Using a one inch precision cutter (Thwing Albert) take a CD stack and cut one, 1.00 in ±0.01 in wide by at least 5.0 in long stack of strips (long dimension in CD). In like fashion cut the remaining stack in the MD (strip long dimension in MD), to give a total of 8 specimens, four CD and four MD strips. Each strip to be tested is one usable unit thick, and will be treated as a unitary specimen for testing.
Program the tensile tester to perform an extension test, collecting force and extension data at an acquisition rate of 20 Hz as the crosshead raises at a rate of 6.00 in/min (15.24 cm/min) until the specimen breaks. The break sensitivity is set to 50%, i.e., the test is terminated when the measured force drops to 50% of the maximum peak force, after which the crosshead is returned to its original position.
Set the gage length to 4.00 inches. Zero the crosshead and load cell. Insert the specimen into the upper and lower open grips such that at least 0.5 inches of specimen length is contained each grip. Align specimen vertically within the upper and lower jaws, then close the upper grip. Verify specimen is aligned, then close lower grip. The specimen should be under enough tension to eliminate any slack, but less than 0.05 N of force measured on the load cell. Start the tensile tester and data collection. Repeat testing in like fashion for all four CD and four MD specimens.
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses extension (in) curve:
Tensile Strength is the maximum peak force (g) divided by the specimen width (1 in), and reported as g/in to the nearest 1 g/in.
Adjusted Gage Length is calculated as the extension measured at 11.12 g of force (in) added to the original gage length (in).
Elongation is calculated as the extension at maximum peak force (in) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in) multiplied by 100 and reported as % to the nearest 0.1%.
Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) is calculated as the area under the force curve integrated from zero extension to the extension at the maximum peak force (g*in), divided by the product of the adjusted Gage Length (in) and specimen width (in). This is reported as g*in/in2 to the nearest 1 g*in/in2.
Replot the force (g) verses extension (in) curve as a force (g) verses strain curve. Strain is herein defined as the extension (in) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in).
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses strain curve:
Tangent Modulus is calculated as the least squares linear regression using the first data point from the force (g) verses strain curve recorded after 38.1 g force and the 5 data points immediately preceding and the 5 data points immediately following it. This slope is then divided by the specimen width (2.54 cm), and then reported to the nearest 1 g/cm.
The Tensile Strength (g/in), Elongation (%), TEA (g*in/in2) and Tangent Modulus (g/cm) are calculated for the four CD specimens and the four MD specimens. Calculate an average for each parameter separately for the CD and MD specimens.
Calculations
Geometric Mean Tensile=Square Root of [MD Tensile Strength (g/in)×CD Tensile Strength (g/in)]
Geometric Mean Peak Elongation=Square Root of [MD Elongation (%)×CD Elongation (%)]
Geometric Mean TEA=Square Root of [MD TEA (g*in/in2)×CD TEA (g*in/in2)]
Geometric Mean Modulus=Square Root of [MD Modulus (g/cm)×CD Modulus (g/cm)]
Total Dry Tensile Strength (TDT)=MD Tensile Strength (g/in)+CD Tensile Strength (g/in)
Total TEA=MD TEA (g*in/in2)+CD TEA (g*in/in2)
Total Modulus=MD Modulus (g/cm)+CD Modulus (g/cm)
Tensile Ratio=MD Tensile Strength (g/in)/CD Tensile Strength (g/in)
Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Paper Towels (for Facial Tissue, use: “Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Facial Tissue;” for Toilet Paper, use: “Dry Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods for Toilet Paper”):
Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Tangent Modulus are measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage from the Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. Wet Berlin, NJ) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the load cell. Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic jaws are fitted with smooth stainless steel faced grips, with a design suitable for testing 1 inch wide sheet material (Thwing-Albert item #733GC). An air pressure of about 60 psi is supplied to the jaws.
Eight usable units of fibrous structures are divided into two stacks of four usable units each. The usable units in each stack are consistently oriented with respect to machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). One of the stacks is designated for testing in the MD and the other for CD. Using a one inch precision cutter (Thwing Albert) take a CD stack and cut one, 1.00 in ±0.01 in wide by at least 5.0 in long stack of strips (long dimension in CD). In like fashion cut the remaining stack in the MD (strip long dimension in MD), to give a total of 8 specimens, four CD and four MD strips. Each strip to be tested is one usable unit thick, and will be treated as a unitary specimen for testing.
Program the tensile tester to perform an extension test, collecting force and extension data at an acquisition rate of 20 Hz as the crosshead raises at a rate of 4.00 in/min (10.16 cm/min) until the specimen breaks. The break sensitivity is set to 50%, i.e., the test is terminated when the measured force drops to 50% of the maximum peak force, after which the crosshead is returned to its original position.
Set the gage length to 4.00 inches. Zero the crosshead and load cell. Insert the specimen into the upper and lower open grips such that at least 0.5 inches of specimen length is contained each grip. Align specimen vertically within the upper and lower jaws, then close the upper grip. Verify specimen is aligned, then close lower grip. The specimen should be under enough tension to eliminate any slack, but less than 0.05 N of force measured on the load cell. Start the tensile tester and data collection. Repeat testing in like fashion for all four CD and four MD specimens.
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses extension (in) curve:
Tensile Strength is the maximum peak force (g) divided by the specimen width (1 in), and reported as g/in to the nearest 1 g/in.
Adjusted Gage Length is calculated as the extension measured at 11.12 g of force (in) added to the original gage length (in).
Elongation is calculated as the extension at maximum peak force (in) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in) multiplied by 100 and reported as % to the nearest 0.1%.
Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) is calculated as the area under the force curve integrated from zero extension to the extension at the maximum peak force (g*in), divided by the product of the adjusted Gage Length (in) and specimen width (in). This is reported as g*in/in2 to the nearest 1 g*in/in2.
Replot the force (g) verses extension (in) curve as a force (g) verses strain curve. Strain is herein defined as the extension (in) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (in).
Program the software to calculate the following from the constructed force (g) verses strain curve:
Tangent Modulus is calculated as the least squares linear regression using the first data point from the force (g) verses strain curve recorded after 38.1 g force and the 5 data points immediately preceding and the 5 data points immediately following it. This slope is then divided by the specimen width (2.54 cm), and then reported to the nearest 1 g/cm.
The Tensile Strength (g/in), Elongation (%), TEA (g*in/in2) and Tangent Modulus (g/cm) are calculated for the four CD specimens and the four MD specimens. Calculate an average for each parameter separately for the CD and MD specimens.
Calculations
Geometric Mean Tensile=Square Root of [MD Tensile Strength (g/in)×CD Tensile Strength (g/in)]
Geometric Mean Peak Elongation=Square Root of [MD Elongation (%)×CD Elongation (%)]
Geometric Mean TEA=Square Root of [MD TEA (g*in/in2)×CD TEA (g*in/in2)]
Geometric Mean Modulus=Square Root of [MD Modulus (g/cm)×CD Modulus (g/cm)]
Total Dry Tensile Strength (TDT)=MD Tensile Strength (g/in)+CD Tensile Strength (g/in)
Total TEA=MD TEA (g*in/in2)+CD TEA (g*in/in2)
Total Modulus=MD Modulus (g/cm)+CD Modulus (g/cm)
Tensile Ratio=MD Tensile Strength (g/in)/CD Tensile Strength (g/in)
This test is based on the cantilever beam principle. A Cantilever Bending Tester such as described in ASTM Standard D1388 is used to measure the distance a strip of sample can be extended beyond a horizontal flat platform before it bends to a ramp angle of 41.5±0.5°. The measured Bend Length, in addition to the Basis Weight and Caliper, of the sample is used to calculate Flexural Rigidity.
Using a 1 inch (2.54 cm) JDC Cutter (available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, PA), carefully cut eight (8) 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide test strips from a fibrous structure sample oriented in the MD direction. From a second fibrous structure sample from the same sample set, carefully cut eight (8) 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips of the fibrous structure in the CD direction.
The sample strip must be adjusted to 4.0±0.1 in (101.5±2.5 mm), or 6.0±0.1 in (152±2.5 mm) in length. Towel samples and those products which are perforated into usable units 6 inches (152 mm) or greater in both dimensions without folds or perforations are tested as 6 in (152 mm) strips. Toilet tissue samples and facial tissue samples are tested as 4 in (101.5 mm) long strips. To adjust the strips to length, carefully make a cut exactly perpendicular to the long dimension of the strip near one end using a paper cutter. It is important that the cut be exactly perpendicular to the long dimension of the strip. Make a second cut exactly 4.0±0.1 in (101.5 mm), or 6.0±0.1 in (152±2.5 mm) along the strip, again being careful that the cut is exactly perpendicular to the long dimension of the strip. In the case of perforated or folded products, be sure that all cuts are made in such a way that perforations and/or folds are excluded from the 4.0 (101.5 mm) or 6.0 in (152 mm) strip which will be used for the test. All sample strips should be cut individually with minimal mechanical manipulation. No fibrous structure sample which is creased, bent, folded, perforated, or in any other way weakened should be tested using this test.
Mark the direction (MD or CD) very lightly on one end of the strip, keeping the same surface of the sample up for all strips. Later, half of the strips will be turned over for testing, thus it is important that one surface of the strip be clearly identified, however, it makes no difference which surface of the sample is designated as the upper surface.
Using other portions of the fibrous structure sample (not the cut strips), determine the basis weight of the fibrous structure sample in lbs/3000 ft2 and the caliper of the fibrous structure in mils (thousandths of an inch) using the standard procedures disclosed herein. Place the Cantilever Bending Tester level on a bench or table that is relatively free of vibration, excessive heat and most importantly air drafts. Adjust the platform of the Tester to horizontal as indicated by the leveling bubble and verify that the ramp angle is at 41.5±0.5°. Remove the sample slide bar from the top of the platform of the Tester. Lay one of the strips flat on the horizontal platform using care to align the strip to be parallel with the movable sample slide. Align the end of the strip exactly even with the vertical edge of the Tester where the angular ramp is attached or where the zero mark line is scribed on the Tester. Carefully place the sample slide bar on top of the sample strip in the Tester. The sample slide bar must be carefully placed so that the strip is not wrinkled or moved from its initial position.
Using the sample slide bar, move the strip at a rate of approximately 0.5±0.2 in/second (1.3±0.5 cm/second) toward the end of the Tester to which the angular ramp is attached. This can be accomplished with either a manual or automatic Tester. Ensure that no slippage between the strip and movable sample slide occurs. As the sample slide bar and strip project over the edge of the Tester, the strip will begin to bend, or drape downward. Stop moving the sample slide bar the instant the leading edge of the strip falls level with the ramp edge. Read and record the overhang length from the linear scale to the nearest 0.5 mm. Record the distance the sample slide bar has moved in cm as overhang length. This test sequence is performed a total of eight (8) times for each fibrous structure in each direction (MD and CD). The first four strips are tested with the upper surface as the fibrous structure was cut facing up. The last four strips are inverted so that the upper surface as the fibrous structure was cut is facing down as the strip is placed on the horizontal platform of the Tester.
The average Overhang Lengths (MD, CD, and Avg) and Bend Lengths (MD, CD, and Avg) are determined by the following calculations:
Where W is the basis weight of the fibrous structure in lbs/3000 ft2; C is the Bend Length (MD, CD, or Avg) in cm; and the constant 0.1629 is used to convert the basis weight from English to metric units. The results are expressed in mg-cm to the nearest 0.1 mg-cm.
GM Flexural Rigidity=Square root of (MD Flexural Rigidity×CD Flexural Rigidity)
CRT Rate and Capacity values are generated by running the test procedure as defined in U.S. Patent Application No. US 2017-0183824.
Dry and Wet Caliper values are generated by running the test procedure as defined in U.S. Patent No. U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,723 and states, in relevant part:
Samples are conditioned at 23+/−1° C. and 50%+/−2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.
Dry Caliper of a sample of fibrous structure product is determined by cutting a sample of the fibrous structure product such that it is larger in size than a load foot loading surface where the load foot loading surface has a circular surface area of about 3.14 in 2. The sample is confined between a horizontal flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The load foot loading surface applies a confining pressure to the sample of 14.7 g/cm2 (about 0.21 psi). The caliper is the resulting gap between the flat surface and the load foot loading surface. Such measurements can be obtained on a VIR Electronic Thickness Tester Model II available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa. The caliper measurement is repeated and recorded at least five (5) times so that an average caliper can be calculated. The result is reported in mils.
Samples are conditioned at 23+/−1° C. and 50% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.
Wet Caliper of a sample of fibrous structure product is determined by cutting a sample of the fibrous structure product such that it is larger in size than a load foot loading surface where the load foot loading surface has a circular surface area of about 3.14 in2. Each sample is wetted by submerging the sample in a distilled water bath for 30 seconds. The caliper of the wet sample is measured within 30 seconds of removing the sample from the bath. The sample is then confined between a horizontal flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The load foot loading surface applies a confining pressure to the sample of 14.7 g/cm2 (about 0.21 psi). The caliper is the resulting gap between the flat surface and the load foot loading surface. Such measurements can be obtained on a VIR Electronic Thickness Tester Model II available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa. The caliper measurement is repeated and recorded at least five (5) times so that an average caliper can be calculated. The result is reported in mils.
The Wet Tensile Strength test method is utilized for the determination of the wet tensile strength of a sanitary tissue product or web strip after soaking with water, using a tensile-strength-testing apparatus operating with a constant rate of elongation. The Wet Tensile Strength test is run according to ISO 12625-5:2005, except for any deviations or modifications described below. This method uses a vertical tensile-strength tester, in which a device that is held in the lower grip of the tensile-strength tester, called a Finch Cup, is used to achieve the wetting.
Using a one inch JDC precision sample cutter (Thwing Albert) cut six 1.00 in ±0.01 in wide strips from a sanitary tissue product sheet or web sheet in the machine direction (MD), and six strips in the cross machine direction (CD). An electronic tensile tester (Model 1122, Instron Corp., or equivalent) is used and operated at a crosshead speed of 1.0 inch (about 1.3 cm) per minute and a gauge length of 1.0 inch (about 2.5 cm). The two ends of the strip are placed in the upper jaws of the machine, and the center of the strip is placed around a stainless steel peg. The strip is soaked in distilled water at about 20° C. for the identified soak time, and then measured for peak tensile strength. Reference to a machine direction means that the sample being tested is prepared such that the length of the strip is cut parallel to the machine direction of manufacture of the product.
The MD and CD wet peak tensile strengths are determined using the above equipment and calculations in the conventional manner. The reported value is the arithmetic average of the six strips tested for each directional strength to the nearest 0.1 grams force. The total wet tensile strength for a given soak time is the arithmetic total of the MD and CD tensile strengths for that soak time. Initial total wet tensile strength (“ITWT”) is measured when the paper has been submerged for 5±0.5 seconds. Decayed total wet tensile (“DTWT”) is measured after the paper has been submerged for 30±0.5 minutes.
This method is typically used for sanitary tissue products in the form of toilet (or bath) tissue.
Wet decay (loss of wet tensile) for a sanitary tissue product or web is measured according to the Wet Tensile Test Method described herein and is the wet tensile of the sanitary tissue product or web after it has been standing in the soaked condition in the Finch Cup for 30 minutes. Wet decay is reported in units of “%”. Wet decay is the % loss of Initial Total Wet Tensile after the 30 minute soaking.
The Dry Burst Test is run according to ISO 12625-9:2005, except for any deviations described below. Sanitary tissue product samples or web samples for each condition to be tested are cut to a size appropriate for testing, a minimum of five (5) samples for each condition to be tested are prepared.
A burst tester (Burst Tester Intelect-II-STD Tensile Test instrument. Cat. No. 1451-24PGB available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co., Philadelphia, Pa., or equivalent) is set up according to the manufacturer's instructions and the following conditions: Speed: 12.7 centimeters per minute; Break Sensitivity: 20 grains; and Peak Load: 2000 grams. The load cell is calibrated according to the expected burst strength.
A sanitary tissue product sample or web sample to be tested is clamped and held between the annular clamps of the burst tester and is subjected to increasing force that is applied by a 0.625 inch diameter, polished stainless steel ball upon operation of the burst tester according to the manufacturer's instructions. The burst strength is that force that causes the sample to fail.
The burst strength for each sanitary tissue product sample or web sample is recorded. An average and a standard deviation for the burst strength for each condition is calculated.
The Dry Burst is reported as the average and standard deviation for each condition to the nearest gram.
This method measures the amount of distilled water absorbed by a paper product. In general a finite amount of distilled water is deposited to a standard surface. A paper towel is then placed over the water for a given amount of time. After the elapsed time the towel is removed and the amount of water left behind and amount of water absorbed are calculated.
The temperature and humidity are controlled within the following limits:
The following equipment is used in this test method. A top loading balance is used with sensitivity: ±0.01 grams or better having the capacity of grains minimum A pipette is used having a capacity of 5 mL, and a Sensitivity±1 mL. A Formica™ Tile 6 in×7 in is used. A stop watch or digital timer capable of measuring time in seconds to the nearest 0.1 seconds is also used.
For this test method, distilled water is used, controlled to a temperature of 23° C.±1° C. (73° F.±2° F.). For this method, a usable unit is described as one finished product unit regardless of the number of plies. Condition the rolls or usable units of products, with wrapper or packaging materials removed in a room conditioned at 50%±2% relative humidity, 23° C.±1° C. (73° F.±2° F.) for a minimum of two hours. Do not test usable units with defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes etc.
Remove and discard at least the four outermost usable units from the roll. For testing remove usable units from each roll of product submitted as indicated below. For Paper Towel products, select five (5) usable units from the roll. For Paper Napkins that are folded, cut and stacked, select five (5) usable units from the sample stack submitted for testing. For all napkins, either double or triple folded, unfold the usable units to their largest square state. One-ply napkins will have one 1-ply layer; 2-ply napkins will have one 2-ply layer. With 2-ply napkins, the plies may be either embossed (just pressed) together, or embossed and laminated (pressed and glued) together. Care must be taken when unfolding 2-ply usable units to keep the plies together. If the unfolded usable unit dimensions exceed 279 mm (11 inches) in either direction, cut the usable unit down to 279 mm (11 inches). Record the original usable unit size if over 279 mm (11 inches). If the unfolded usable unit dimensions are less than 279 mm (11 inches) in either direction, record the usable unit dimensions.
Place the Formica Tile (standard surface) in the center of the cleaned balance surface. Wipe the Formica Tile to ensure that it is dry and free of any debris. Tare the balance to get a zero reading. Slowly dispense 2.5 mL of distilled water onto the center of the standard surface using the pipette. Record the weight of the water to the nearest 0.001 g. Drop 1 usable unit of the paper towel onto the spot of water with the outside ply down. Immediately start the stop watch. The sample should be dropped on the spot such that the spot is in the center of the sample once it is dropped. Allow the paper towel to absorb the distilled water for 30 seconds after hitting the stop watch. Remove the paper from the spot after the 30 seconds has elapsed. The towel must be removed when the stop watch reads 30 seconds±0.1 sec. The paper towel should be removed using a quick vertical motion. Record the weight of the remaining water on the surface to the nearest 0.001 g.t
Calculations
Handsheet Preparation
Low Density handsheets are made essentially according to TAPPI standard T205, with the following modifications which are believed to more accurately reflect the tissue manufacturing process.
Sample Preparation
Condition the handsheet to be tested for a minimum of 2 hours in a room controlled to 73° F.±2° F. (23° C.±1° C.) 50±2% relative humidity. After conditioning the handsheet for at least the minimum time period, measure and record the Basis Weight of the handsheet. The Basis Weight should be within the range 15.0-18.0 pounds per 3000 square feet, if the Basis Weight of the handsheet falls outside of this range the handsheet should be discarded and a new one made. From the handsheet, cut eight sample strips 1.00 inch wide and at least 6-7 inches long in the cross direction (only) using a precision 1″ cutter or an appropriate die.
Measurement
Using an electronic tensile tester (Thwing Albert EJA or Intellect II-STD, Corp., Philadelphia, Pa., or equivalent) measure the Tensile Strength of each of the eight sample strips. To perform the test, set the gage length to 4.00 inches, properly secure the sample strip into the upper and lower grips, and perform an extension test, collecting force and extension data as the crosshead raises at a rate of 0.5 in/min until the sample breaks. The resulting Tensile Strength values for each of the eight individual sample strips are recorded in g/in. The Tensile Strength is the maximum peak force (g) divided by the specimen width (1 in), and reported as g/in to the nearest 1 g/in.
Calculations
Calculate the Average Tensile Strength of the eight test strips using the following formula:
Basis weight corrected tensile (BWCT) is calculated via the following formula:
Where Basis Weight has the units of pounds per 3000 ft2 and Average Tensile Strength and BWCT have the units of g/in. This equation has the effect of normalizing the strength of the tensile strip to a standard 16.5 pound/3000 ft2 weight when the handsheet is in the specified 15-18 pound/3000 ft2 range.
Breaking Length is then calculated by the following formula:
Breaking Length=BWCT×1.4673
Where Breaking Length has the units of meters reported to the nearest whole meter.
Any test methods described in U.S. Ser. No. 63/456,020, titled “Fibrous Structures Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” filed on Mar. 31, 2023 or any of the test methods described in U.S. Ser. No. 18/131,384, titled “Premium Sanitary Tissue Products Comprising Non-wood Fibers,” filed on April 6, that are not otherwise described herein, may be used for the present disclosure.
In the interests of brevity and conciseness, any ranges of values set forth in this specification are to be construed as written description support for Claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are whole number values within the specified range in question. By way of a hypothetical illustrative example, a disclosure in this specification of a range of 1-5 shall be considered to support Claims to any of the following sub-ranges: 1-4; 1-3; 1-2; 2-5; 2-4; 2-3; 3-5; 3-4; and 4-5.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein in this application are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any example disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such example. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular examples of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended Claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/353,167, filed Jun. 17, 2022; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/353,183, filed Jun. 17, 2022; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/375,858, filed Sep. 16, 2022; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/456,020, filed Mar. 31, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/472,379, filed Jun. 12, 2023, the entire disclosures of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63353167 | Jun 2022 | US | |
| 63353183 | Jun 2022 | US | |
| 63375858 | Sep 2022 | US | |
| 63456020 | Mar 2023 | US | |
| 63472379 | Jun 2023 | US |
