PAPER making! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL ® FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TEC Volume 11, Number 3, 2025
Optimizing Fiber Quality in Recycled Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Using Ultra-Fine Bar Plate Technology MIN-SIK PARK 1 , CHUL-HWAN KIM2, HYEONG-HUN PARK 1 , JU-HYUN PARK 1 & JAE-SANG LEE 3 This study evaluated the performance of ultra-fine bar refiner plates with a cutting edge length (CEL) of 97 km/s in enhancing the properties of Korean Old Corrugated Containers (KOCCs) compared to conventional plates with a CEL of 37 km/s. While unrefined KOCCs demonstrated compromised mechanical properties except for higher paper bulk, refining with the ultra-fine bar plate significantly improved tensile strength, tear strength, and water retention value (WRV). Although the conventional plate achieved higher stock throughput at lower specific energy, the ultra-fine bar plate proved more energy-efficient for achieving targeted fiber quality enhancements. The observed throughput plateau of the ultra-fine bar plate is attributed to its narrower groove design, which increases flow resistance. Overall, the ultra-fine bar plates offer a promising route for producing high-performance recycled paper by balancing refining energy inputs and fiber 1. Department of Forest Products, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea. 2. Department of Forest Products, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science (IALS), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea. 3. Department of Pulp & Paper Chemical Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea. Appl. Sci . 2025, 15, 9036 quality improvements. Contact information:
https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169036 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
The Paper Industry Technical Association (PITA) is an independent organisation which operates for the general benefit of its members – both individual and corporate – dedicated to promoting and improving the technical and scientific knowledge of those working in the UK pulp and paper industry. Formed in 1960, it serves the Industry, both manufacturers and suppliers, by providing a forum for members to meet and network; it organises visits, conferences and training seminars that cover all aspects of papermaking science. It also publishes the prestigious journal Paper Technology International ® and the PITA Annual Review , both sent free to members, and a range of other technical publications which include conference proceedings and the acclaimed Essential Guide to Aqueous Coating .
Article 7 – Refining OCC
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