Paper is composed of individual cellulose fibers, interacting with each other, leading to the formation of a complex network. One of the most important properties of paper is the strength of this material. Paper strength is mainly governed by two factors which are the strength of the individual fibers and the strength of the fiber to fiber bonds. Getting to know the mechanical and the cross sectional morphological properties of the smallest constituents of the network, namely fibers and bonds, is the basis of understanding fiber and bond failure mechanisms. With the micro bond tester [1] developed at Graz University of Technology mechanical properties of individual softwood and hardwood fibers and bonds can be determined. Such parameters are the breaking load of individual fibers and bonds, single fiber bending stiffness and single fiber tensile strength. Cross sectional morphological properties such as fiber perimeter, thickness and cross sectional area are determined using a microscopic 3-dimensional serial sectioning technique [2]. The combination of these two methods permits the determination of basic mechanical properties like E-modulus and cross sectional area moment of inertia. The above mentioned devices are used to test the mechanical behavior of cellulosic fibers and bonds after chemical and physical modification.<br/><br/>[1] Fischer et al. (2012). Nordic Pulp Paper Res. J. 27(2): 237-244.<br/>[2] Wiltsche et al. (2011). J. Microscopy, 242(2): 197-205.

Cellulose fibers and bonds - Mechanical and morphological properties of the smallest constituents of the paper network

251st National Meeting (2016)

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