Abstract

In the traditional paper making, foam is found typically to cause problems. However, in the 1970s foam-laid technology has been demonstrated in a pilot scale based on Radfoam process [1]. Aqueous foam containing small spherical air bubbles is excellent material to transport particles in the dispersed state and this kind of foam is used instead of water as a process fluid and flowing medium in foam-laid technology.

Foam forming is found to improve many product properties including more homogenous mass distribution, reduced density, improved retention of polymers and small particles, and enhanced water removal [2]. In this presentation I will go through these improved properties and using our current knowledge to try to explain why these improvements are obtained in foam forming process.

T.L.W., The Radfoam process for fine papers, Paper Technology, December 1974. [2].Lehmonen J., Jetsu P, Kinnunen K. and Hjelt T. (2013): Potential of foam-laid forming technology for paper applications, NPPRJ 28(3), 392-398.