Processing cellulosic fiber-based materials using foams as suspended media can resolve issues related to unwanted fiber flocculation, as well as to save water and energy consumption in conventional papermaking. Foam forming is a process involving complex colloidal interactions. Fundamental understandings of the physicochemical interactions taking place at the interface of air bubbles, aqueous phase and fiber surfaces still remains a challenge. Moreover, it is difficult to correlate the published data due to the different preparation methods of foam-laid sheets, as well as the different fiber types and foaming agents used. In order to investigate the mechanisms relevant to foam forming and to elucidate the effect of processing variables, fiber and surfactant species, we prepared handsheets both from water and foams with different surfactants (anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric) and cellulosic fibers (chemical and mechanical).<br/><br/>We compare the physical-mechanical properties of the produced handsheets in relation to the foaming process. The structure of the obtained fiber networks are proposed to explain the changes in physical properties. Overall, this study contributes better understanding of the capabilities and limits of foam forming in papermaking.

Fiber-based foams for papermaking

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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