Effect of Hydroentanglement on Structures and Properties of Wet-Laid Paper Sheets

In this work, pulp/lyocell wet-laid paper sheets have been consolidated by hydroentanglement techniques. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to evaluate the structures of wet-laid paper sheets before and after hydroentanglement. Wet tensile strength along longitudinal (preferential) and transverse directions show the effect of hydroentanglement techniques on the mechanical properties of wet-laid paper sheets. In addition, the air permeability and water absorbency properties of materials have been evaluated. The results show that the structures of wet-laid paper sheets become fluffy and fiber entanglements increase after consolidation. The wet tensile strength values of wet-laid paper sheets at the longitudinal and transverse directions are increased by 109.0% and 78.7%, respectively after hydroentanglement. The air permeability and water absorbency of wet-laid paper sheets are increased by 957.6% and 137.0%.