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In this study, the spreading of a liquid droplet on the surface of a fibrous paper and its penetration into the paper is studied. The spreading of the droplet was visualized using confocal microscopy and the penetration depth was quantified using Automatic Scanning Absorptiometry (ASA) measurements. The three-dimensional structure of the paper was obtained through micro-tomography imaging with a resolution of 0.9 µm. The obtained images were used to reconstruct the pore space, which was in turn used in direct numerical simulations of penetration of a droplet into paper. Simulations were performed using open source code OpenFOAM, which solves equations of two-phase flow (in our case air and water) in pores based on the Volume of Fluid Method. Simulation results showed a good agreement with the experimental observations. In particular, the dimensions of spreading area of a droplet and the depth of penetration were simulated reasonably well. Then, we used the model to investigate effects of changes in various liquid properties on spreading and penetration of a droplet liquid. We made calculations for three different values of contact angle ( CA ): 0°, 60°, and 120°. We found the largest penetration depth for CA  = 0. For CA  = 60 and CA  = 120, we found that the liquid droplet moved sideways from the jetted location, which is not favorable in inkjet printing. We also made simulations with larger values for viscosity and density, based on properties of an ink-based liquid used in inkjet printing. The results have shown a slower spreading and penetration compared with water. The model can be used to study effects of changes in either ink physical properties or paper layer microstructure on final spreading/penetration extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of paper and cardboard coated with different emulsions as food contact materials. The paper and cardboard were covered (impregnated) with a single layer of three different emulsions produced using paraffin and waxes, varying in content of dry matter, pH and emulsifiers. The organoleptic properties, overall and specific migration expressed as cadmium and lead content, were evaluated. Moreover, the water and oil contact angle and samples’ microstructure were analyzed in order to determine the resistance of materials to moisture and grease penetration. The analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that some of the examined emulsions penetrated the material, and others created a layer of coating. Impregnation of paper and board caused a change in smell, but did not influence the taste of food used to test the impact on sensorial properties. It is worth emphasizing that overall migration limit was not exceeded in the case of all investigated samples. The samples impregnated with emulsions were characterized as having better water (including water vapour) and oil resistance in comparison with the non-coated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fracture process in two fiber network materials, a low- and a high-density paper, is analyzed experimentally and numerically. The high-density paper is able to localize continued fracture to very small defects while a rather large defect is required in the low-density paper. Whereas the high-density paper has a homogeneous and limited variation in local mass density, the low-density paper is substantially more heterogeneous and has a higher local mass density variation. It is hypothesized that these fairly large regions of lower mass density govern the fracture process in paper and similar fiber network materials. A nonlocal fracture model is applied to describe and capture this length scale phenomenon and intents to simulate forces bridged over distant regions in the material via connected fibers. The suggested fracture hypothesis is consistent with experiments and hence offers an explanation to why network materials with different mass density variation may fracture differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several low-density crumpled paper-based materials were fabricated by varying both the volume fraction and the geometry and mechanical properties of paper sheets. Their 3D architecture was investigated using X-ray microtomography. Microstructure descriptors such as the pore size distribution, the mean curvature distribution and the volume fraction of ordered domains were finely analyzed. Their mechanical properties were also assessed using uniaxial compression tests. Our results showed that crumpled materials exhibited a particular porous microstructure with a reproducible mechanical behavior between foams and entangled fibrous materials. Their compressive behavior was characterized by successive elastic, strain-hardening and densification regimes. The effects of the geometry, microstructure and mechanical properties of the sheets on the process-induced microstructures and mechanical performances were discussed. In particular, a simple micromechanical approach was used to estimate analytically and from the 3D images the role of ridges and ordered domains on the mechanical properties of crumpled papers. The evolution of their Young's moduli and yield stresses were studied as a function of their relative densities and compared with experimental data available in the literature for other cellular materials, showing that crumpled papers are promising renewable alternatives to standard polymer foams for several engineering applications, due to the proper combination of mechanical properties, porosity, cost, and easy fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical applications require scalable, low cost and facile approaches to fabricate coatings that are repellent to liquids and yet are resistant to mechanical impact and abrasion which may occur during service operation of these materials. Here we report fabrication of superhydrophobic (SHP) coatings on paper substrates by one-step spray-coating of fluorinated silica nanoparticles. The coatings were extremely repellent to water and organic liquids with surface tensions higher than ~ 45 mN/m, as demonstrated by the sliding angles that are lower than 5°. The coated paper substrates retained their liquid repellency behavior without any discernable change in their static contact and sliding angles following different mechanical wear tests. Mechanical robustness together with demonstrations in self-cleaning, anti-icing and food-packaging show great promise for the use of fabricated paper substrates in different applications. A significant finding of the present work is that the mechanical robustness of the spray-coated fluorinated silica nanoparticles in the absence of any polymeric matrix/binder was dramatically higher on paper in comparison to flat substrates. These results suggest that the inherent microstructure of the paper provides a suitable matrix for protecting the functionalized nanoparticles against external mechanical effects and present an effective strategy for improving the mechanical robustness of the coatings fabricated by one-step spray-coating of nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multi-scale approach to predict the effective hygro-mechanical behaviour of paper sheets based on the properties of the underlying fibrous network. Despite the vast amount of literature on paper hygro-expansion, the functional dependence of the effective material properties on the micro-structural features remains yet unclear. In this work, a micro-structural model of the paper fibrous network is first developed by random deposition of the fibres within a planar region according to an orientation probability density function. Asymptotic homogenization is used to determine its effective properties numerically. Alternatively, two much more idealized micro-structural models are considered, one based on a periodic lattice structure with a regular network of perpendicular fibres and one based on the Voigt average. Despite their simplicity, they reproduce representative micro-structural features, such as the orientation anisotropy and network level hygro-elastic properties. These alternative models can be solved analytically, providing closed-form expressions that explicitly reveal the influence of the individual micro-scale parameters on the effective hygro-mechanical response. The trend predicted by the random network model is captured reasonably well by the two idealized models. The resulting hygro-mechanical properties are finally compared with experimental data reported in the literature, revealing an adequate quantitative agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis volatiles and the environmental impact of printing paper, newspaper, and silk were investigated to identify suitable materials for heat-induced eco-printing (HIEP) using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Furthermore, the printing effects of simulated HIEP and the material microstructures were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the toxicity of pyrolysis volatiles is highest for newspaper, followed by silk and then printing paper, whereas environmental friendliness follows the opposite trend. A high concentration of lignin, the basic structural element of which is phenyl propane, and the presence of halogens in the newspaper led to the generation of more toxic substances during the pyrolysis process. The benzene compounds and heterocyclic compounds in silk also produced high levels of toxic substances. Based on these findings and the higher color permeability of newspaper, printing paper was the most suitable material for HIEP and newspaper was the least suitable. Additionally, silk may still be used in HIEP in small amounts for the production of art, name cards, and clothing tags. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Natural self-assembled microstructured particles (diatomaceous earth) were used to develop a gas sensor paper with detection mechanism based on visible and distinct color changes of the sensor paper when exposed to volatile basic nitrogen compounds. The coating formulation for paper was prepared by applying diatomites, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and pH sensitive dyes on acidic paper substrate. The surface coating was designed to allow a maximum gas flow through the diatomite sensors. The produced sensor paper was tested for sensitivity using different ammonia concentrations and we observed a sensitivity lower limit at 63 ppm. As a comparison, the results show comparable sensitivity levels to carbon nanotube based sensor technologies reported in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructural changes in paper after heat-induced inkless eco-printing (HIEP) and pyrolysis productions of paper were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-G/MS). The results were as follows: (1) When the heat-induced temperature is between 350°C and 600°C, slight scratches are left on the paper surface after scan printing, but click printing leaves obvious concave indentations. Both of these printing methods can create a clear and clean boundary with no significant carbonized microstructure. (2) Experimental studies show that paper undergoes true pyrolysis at 500°C. The simulated printing test shows that the fibers on the paper surface exhibit a yellow discoloration that meets printing requirements. (3) Compared with current laser printing techniques and laser inkless eco-printing (LIEP), HIEP has the advantages of avoiding the de-inking process during paper recycling and preserving paper strength better than LIEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe an ultra-low-cost origami-based approach for large-scale manufacturing of microscopes, specifically demonstrating brightfield, darkfield, and fluorescence microscopes. Merging principles of optical design with origami enables high-volume fabrication of microscopes from 2D media. Flexure mechanisms created via folding enable a flat compact design. Structural loops in folded paper provide kinematic constraints as a means for passive self-alignment. This light, rugged instrument can survive harsh field conditions while providing a diversity of imaging capabilities, thus serving wide-ranging applications for cost-effective, portable microscopes in science and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Gold nanoparticle–polyelectrolyte necklace structures were formed on paper. [•] The effect of polymer properties on necklace characteristics was quantified. [•] Optimized conditions and mechanism were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is a material exhibiting a complex microstructure that is composed of a network of fibres at the micro-level. When subjected to external loading or variations in moisture conditions over different time scales, changes in strain that are non-linear with respect to time are observed at the sheet level (macro-scale). In order to investigate this time-dependent behaviour of paper, a creep power law model is implemented within a finite element approach at the level of single fibres. This rate-dependent model is found to capture experimental results available in literature for single fibres with a good agreement (both quantitatively and qualitatively). Based on the identified model at the level of single fibres, the time-dependent hygro-mechanical response is upscaled towards the network scale. To this end, random model networks of ribbon shaped fibres are generated and their response is simulated. The network-scale response, emerging from the rate-dependent fibre model, demonstrates the ability to predict the response of networks subjected to relaxation at a constant moisture level. The developed numerical model predicts lower values of overall stress response in single fibres as compared to networks. Also, stress relaxation predicted by the rate-dependent model in the cross-direction of the networks is in agreement with the experimental observations by Johanson and Kubát (1967). Therefore, one of the remarkable findings of the present work is that the developed rate-dependent model is robust enough to capture the sheet scale response also qualitatively. Based on the study of these computational results, a better understanding is achieved regarding the influence of mechanical and rate-dependent properties of single fibres on the hygro-expansion of complete fibre networks, and in particular of paper sheets. • A rate-dependent non-linear model is developed to study creep in paper networks. • It is calibrated with experiments on the single paper fibres with a good match. • It also captures the experimental response of the networks qualitatively. • One of the remarkable achievement of our work is the robustness of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) microcapsules containing laccase from Trametes hirsuta(ThL) and Trametes versicolor(TvL) were printed onto paper substrate by three different methods: screen printing, rod coating, and flexo printing. Microcapsules were fabricated via interfacial polycondensation of PEI with the cross-linker sebacoyl chloride, incorporated into an ink, and printed or coated on the paper substrate. The same ink components were used for three printing methods, and it was found that laccase microcapsules were compatible with the ink. Enzymatic activity of microencapsulated TvL was maintained constant in polymer-based ink for at least eight weeks. Thick layers with high enzymatic activity were obtained when laccase-containing microcapsules were screen printed on paper substrate. Flexo printed bioactive paper showed very low activity, since by using this printing method the paper surface was not fully covered by enzyme microcapsules. Finally, screen printing provided a bioactive paper with high water-resistance and the highest enzyme lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Platinum/aluminum oxide (Pt/Al2O3) catalyst powders were successfully fabricated to give paper-like composites using ceramic fibers by a papermaking technique. As-prepared composites, called paper-structured catalysts, possessed a fiber-network microstructure on which the Pt/Al2O3 powders were scattered. The paper-structured catalysts were subjected to a catalytic reduction process of nitrogen oxides (), and demonstrated a higher performance than the original Pt/Al2O3 powders and a commercial honeycomb catalyst. A simple mixture of catalyst powders and inorganic fibers was not effective, suggesting that the characteristic porous microstructure (average pore size: ca. porosity: ca. 70%) in the paper-structured catalyst possibly contributed to the efficient reduction. Besides, the paper-structured catalyst exhibited a quick response in the catalytic reduction at a rapidly increasing reaction temperature as compared to the honeycomb catalyst. The paper composite is flexible, lightweight and easy to handle; thus the paper-structured catalyst is expected to be a promising catalytic material for exhaust gas purification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Laminated Si/SiC ceramics were synthesized from paper via impregnation with phenolic resin, followed by lamination and carbonization of the paper–resin laminates and subsequent infiltration and reaction with liquid silicon at a temperature of 1550°C for 10–90min. Due to the capillarity infiltration and in situ reaction with liquid silicon, intrinsic micro- and macrostructure in the carbon preform was retained within the final ceramics. The XRD, TGA, and microscopy analysis indicated that the final material exhibited a distinguished laminar structure with alternating arrangement of SiC and silicon layers. The thick SiC layer was composed of beta-SiC and a little of free silicon and un-reacted carbon. Studies on the evaluation of R-curves behavior by the indentation-strength method indicated a strong R-curve behavior for the Si/SiC composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, a computational micromechanics material model for the unloading behavior of paper and other nonwoven materials is presented. The asymptotic fiber and bond (AFB) model for paper elastic–plastic behavior [Sinha, S.K., Perkins, R.W., 1995. Micromechanics constitutive model for use in finite element analysis, In: Proceedings of the 1995, Joint ASME Applied Mechanics and Materials Summer Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Jun 28–30, 1995] has been extended to model the unloading process through a computational algorithm and implemented using the UMAT subroutine in ABAQUS finite element code. For every unloading increment, the material model assumes elastic unloading with a slope equal to the initial elastic modulus. The Jacobian matrix of the constitutive model is updated at every unloading increment by applying the incremental form of AFB model for a planar element with an elastic fiber and bond condition. A uniaxial tensile and a biaxial Mullen burst loading–unloading experiments were carried out for a paperboard sample and simulated using the model. The stress–strain curve and residual strain for the uniaxial loading were in good agreement with experimental results. The finite element model of the burst test with the AFB unloading material model predicted the general shape of the pressure versus deflection curve. However, the model over predicted the residual deflection by more than 50%. The loading portion of the pressure–deflection curve had a significant offset from experimental curves, and the nonlinearity in the unloading curve towards the end was not predicted. The discrepancies with experimental results are attributed to the burst test itself, model parameter estimation inadequacies, boundary conditions used in the FEA, and neglecting time-dependant effects. Nevertheless, the model can be useful in parametric studies relating microstructure to unloading behavior in structural problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wheat gluten (WG), calcium caseinate (CC) and corn gluten meal (CGM), were selected as protein raw material to prepare coating solutions. Different concentrations of protein (10–20%, w/w) and deposited solution layer (50–500μm) were used to obtain coated papers with thicknesses varying between 143(±3) and 227(±8)μm. As expected, the thicknesses of coated paper increased with coating weight, but, for a given coating weight, different thicknesses were observed according to the raw material used and its concentration in the coating solution. A phenomenon involving a penetration of coating solution inside paper was suspected with WG-based solutions. The microstructure of coated papers was analyzed by SEM, OM and AFM and differences in structure and morphology were observed between the three raw materials. The percentages of coating agent impregnated inside paper were also calculated from the apparent density of coated paper and the density of self-supported films prepared in the same conditions but deposited on an inert and smooth Plexiglas® support. These percentages of impregnation ranged from 4.8 to 63.3% and increased as following: CC

Chemical vapor infiltration and reaction (CVI-R) is used to produce biomorphic high porous SiC ceramics based on biological structures such as paper. The paper fibers are first converted into a biocarbon (Cb) template by a carbonization step. In a second step methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) in excess of hydrogen is infiltrated into the Cb-template by CVI technique, depositing a Si/SiC layer around each fiber. The reaction (R) between biocarbon and excess silicon to form additional silicon carbide occurs during a subsequent thermal treatment as a third step of the ceramization process. Due to the mild infiltration conditions (850–900 °C) the initial micro- and macrostructure of the carbon preform is retained in the final ceramics. The applied characterization methods after every step of the ceramization process are X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The bending strength of the resulting porous ceramics is measured by the double ring bending test. It is found that a slight excess of free Si in relation to the amount of carbon from the Cb-template must be deposited in the Si/SiC layer to achieve a nearly complete conversion of the Cb-templates into SiC ceramic. The weight gain after infiltration has to be at least 400 wt.%. Varying the infiltration conditions such as temperature, MTS concentration and infiltration time, ceramics in a wide range of porosity (55–80%) and mechanical properties (5–40 MPa) can be produced. A thermal treatment temperature of 1400 °C is found to be optimal for the reaction between the deposited Si and the biocarbon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Solution-phase deposition of nanomaterials represents a highly promising technology with strong industrial application potential for the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces. An important barrier towards the adaptation of such materials and processes in a broad range of applications is the limited mechanical durability of the nanostructures. Herein, we present a universal solution to this challenge by benefiting from the unique micro-structure of paper. Our approach is based on transferring the structure of paper into a target material, to form a mechanical protection layer for nanomaterials that were deposited from solution-phase, i.e. spray-coating. We demonstrate this concept through the transfer of the structure of paper to a free-standing PDMS film using a simple molding process. Spraying a dispersion of alkyl-silane functionalized silica nanoparticles on the structured free-standing film results in a hierarchically structured superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 175° ± 2° and a sliding angle <2° ± 1°. The fabricated superhydrophobic surface displays high levels of mechanical, chemical and thermal stability. The robust, inexpensive, scalable, flexible, and environmentally friendly nature of the presented approach may be a key enabler in superhydrophobic coating applications. Unlabelled Image • Transferring the structure of paper as a generalizable strategy for fabrication of robust superhydrophobic surfaces • All-solution processable, inexpensive, scalable, and environmentally friendly fabrication • Inherently flexible coatings adaptable to virtually all types of substrates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]