Analysis of Fiber Orientation of Paper using Pilot Machine with Open Headbox: Effect of Stock Dispersion at Headbox

In this study, it was explored whether it is possible to improve the fiber orientation and formation of paper by controlling the flow of the fiber dispersion in the headbox during papermaking using a pilot scale wet-web forming machine having open type headbox. After preparing paper specimens by adjusting the height of the turbulence plate and the height of the slice opening of the headbox, the physical properties of each paper specimen, such as CD and MD tensile strength and bond strength, were measured and compared. As the gap between the bottom of the headbox and the turbulence plate or the gap of slice was smaller, that is, the flow velocity of the stock were increased, fibers of the paper were oriented in the machine direction and the formation was relatively good. These results indicate that it is possible to change the fiber orientation and formation of paper by controlling the flow of the stock at the headbox.