Preparation of fine fiber sheets from recycled pulp fibers using aqueous counter collision

The utilization of waste paper is very important for saving wood resources and reducing waste generation. Various techniques for preparing cellulose nanofibers, which is a material recently proposed for potential applications in the paper industry, have been investigated. In the present study, fine fibers were prepared using recycled pulp and a nanoengineering aqueous counter collision treatment, and sheets composed of these fine fibers were prepared by filtration under reduced pressure conditions. Measurement of specific surface area and optical microscopic observation of fine fibers showed the recycled pulp was not readily miniaturized by the treatment compared with virgin pulp. The tensile strength of sheets produced from recycled pulp by 5 times of the treatment was higher than of those prepared from recycled pulp by 60 times and from virgin pulp regardless of the number of the treatment. Furthermore, the density of the sheet produced from recycled pulp by 5 times was lower than other sheets.