Thermo-Hygro-Paper

Moisture and temperature have a significant influence on the processing behavior of paper, e.g. in drawing and corrugating roll processes. The combined testing of paper under defined coupled temperature and moisture conditions is not yet an industrial standard in measurement technology, which is why moisture and temperature-dependent material parameters can hardly be precisely recorded and calibrated. As a result, there is a lack of fundamental understanding of thermo-hygro-mechanical effects and suitable material modeling, which leads to process inaccuracies and rejects in the processing of paper packaging.

The project will develop and validate a comprehensive material model that maps the relevant influences of moisture and temperature. Innovative experimental methods are developed and used to parameterize and calibrate the material model, with which moisture and temperature input into the material can be realized during material testing and moisture and temperature-dependent material characteristics can be derived. The material model is then implemented in a numerical process model of typical manufacturing processes such as the drawing or corrugating roll process to reproduce their complexity numerically in detail and accurately. The numerical simulation of numerous parameter combinations provides clear target corridors for relevant process parameters.

The experimental material data and simulated process data obtained will be combined in an accessible data matrix for the industrial companies and support their application-specific selection and control of material and process parameters to increase process efficiency and product quality.

The results of the project will be made accessible in a variety of ways: In addition to publications in specialist circles and presentations at trade fairs and events, they are also discussed in committees accompanying the project. Users benefit from practical in-house training courses, workshops and online tutorials that explain how to use the experimental methods, material and process models developed. The material routines are available as open-source solutions, while bilateral consultations are offered for individual questions. In addition, the methods and models can be flexibly transferred to other manufacturing processes such as creasing, folding or sealing, thus opening numerous application possibilities in the processing of paper.