The thesis aimed to conclude whether improving the viscosity of AKD dispersion influences hydrophobization on the pilot coater. Adding CMC to the dispersion raised the viscosity from 42 mPas to 1200 mPas. In preliminary trials, the increased viscosity lessened the impregnation of dispersion on the nonwoven fabric.
The pilot coater
The thickened AKD dispersion, provided by Kemira, was applied on the air-laid nonwoven fabric, provided by SharpCell, with the pilot coater.
The pilot coater’s driving parameters were altered for the best coating result. The coated samples were analyzed in the paper laboratory of TAMK, where it was concluded that the addition of the coating improved tensile strength and bursting strength while decreasing tearing strength and the absorbency of water and oil.
The results
The results prove that it is possible to hydrophobize nonwovens with the pilot coater, although due to the coating impregnation, the drying capacity proved insufficient. Therefore, the pilot coater is not suitable for nonwovens with the combination used. The research could be continued with thicker nonwovens.
Read Kirsikka Nordström’s Bachelor Thesis “Kuitukankaiden hydrofobisointi pilotkoneella” in Theseus.
Additional information:
Kirsikka Nordström
kirsikka.nordstrom@tuni.fi
kirsikka.nordstrom@tuni.fi