Study of the Local Water Absorption Property of Three Dimensional Pulp Mold

This study investigated the structural variations in pulp mold, a promising alternative to non-degradable single-use products, and their impact on absorption properties. Pulp mold, made from natural fibers, are increasingly used as eco-friendly packaging solutions due to their recyclability and biodegradability. This research focused on the differences between the bottom and side structures of three dimensional pulp mold, examining how these differences affect their absorption characteristics. It was found that the bottom of the pulp mold samples, with a higher basis weight and lower bulk compared to the side, exhibited greater absorption capacity. Additionally the study developed a localized absorption test method to evaluate these structural variations more accurately. Experimental results showed that coating layers significantly improved the water resistance of pulp molds; however, non-uniform coating application due to structural differences led to variable resistance across the mold. The proposed localized absorption testing method effectively assessed the regional differences in absorption properties, offering a more precise evaluation compared to traditional methods. This research could contribute valuable insights into optimizing pulp mold production processes and enhancing the quality of eco-friendly packaging materials.