Paper Towel Absorptive Properties and Measurement using a Horizontal Gravimetric Device

摘要

Consumers often list ability to absorb as a key attribute for paper towels. Paper towel absorbency rate and capacity were measured using a customized horizontal radial absorption instrument. This report discusses repeatability and other details of the method, as well as other similar methods using commercially available equipment. Absorptive properties of both through-air dried and conventional wet pressed papers were compared. Results show that papermaking technology and number of plies, in general, have a much larger effect on absorptive properties as compared to basis weight (within the studied range).