Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Apply Frictionizer to Multiwall Paper Bags

Frictionizing is a process used on paper products to make the paper less slippery. Frictionizing is common on cardboard boxes and multiwall paper bags. Within the paper industry, paper is tested by the slide angle where one paper or piece of cardboard will slide over another. Paper products are routinely tested to ensure their coefficient of friction remains improved. To frictionize, colloidal silica is applied to the paper surfaces. The coating is so thin that it is not visible to the naked eye.

Things You'll Need

Colloidal silica
Paper manufacturing plant
Application system

Instructions

- 1
  Dilute colloidal silica so that the ratio of silica in the mixture ranges up to 7 percent. This amount is determined by using a sled test to note where the bags begin to slide on each other.
- 2
  Spray colloidal silica onto the paper when the paper is coming out of the dryers and before the wind-up stage of manufacturing. The water in the mixture evaporates rapidly at this point leaving the colloidal silica on the surface of the paper. This is called a dry application.
- 3
  Apply colloidal silica using an alternative method of sponges and rollers. The sponges and rollers pass directly through the colloidal silica reservoir and over the surface of the paper bag paper. This is called a wet application. The paper is dried leaving some tooth from the moisture and the colloidal silica on the surface to act as a frictionizer.

Science