Strengthening Paper Towels: How to Balance Softness, Absorbency, and Durability?

In the tissue and towel manufacturing industry, producers face a persistent "Trade-off Triangle": Strength, Softness, and Absorbency. Typically, increasing paper strength leads to a stiffer hand-feel, while pursuing extreme softness can result in fragile sheets that tear easily.

Guanru Chemical, with extensive R&D expertise in papermaking chemicals, addresses this industry pain point through a synergistic solution featuring our PAE Wet Strength Agent and GR-9020 Branched Dry Strength Agent. This combination allows manufacturers to upgrade product performance without sacrificing absorbency.

1.Solving the core challenge of tissue paper manufacturing: performance balance

The performance of paper towels in wet conditions is critical. Whether it's kitchen towels or hand towels, a lack of wet strength leads to shredding during use. However, conventional additives often bind fibers too tightly, resulting in a "plastic" or rigid feel.

The Guanru Chemical Approach:

Our R&D team has optimized the cross-linking structure of our polymers, allowing additives to form effective chemical bonds between fibers while maintaining the essential voids. This ensures:

• Superior Absorbency Rate: Maintains the porous structure for rapid liquid intake.

• Delicate Hand-feel: Minimizes disruption to the fiber's natural softness.

• High-Efficiency Dry Strength: Improves tensile strength during converting, reducing break rates and increasing productivity.

2. Core Product Technology & Advantages

2.1 High-Efficiency PAE Wet Strength Agent

Guanru PAE is a water-soluble, cationic, thermosetting resin (Polyamide-Polyamine Epichlorohydrin).

• Formaldehyde-free: As a formaldehyde-free polymer, it is non-toxic and odorless, meeting strict safety standards for tissue and food-contact paper.

• Rapid Curing: It cures quickly off the press, significantly improving wet tensile strength.

Technical Specs

2.GR-9020 Dry Strength Agent: The Branched Polymer Advantage

Unlike traditional linear polymers, GR-9020 utilizes a unique Branch Design.

• Covalent Bonding: It promotes stronger covalent bonds compared to conventional hydrogen-oxygen (H-O) bonding by improving fiber-fiber contact.

• High Conductivity Tolerance: With high cationic charge density, it maintains excellent retention even in high-conductivity environments (closed white water systems).

• Sustainability: As a ZERO CO2 concept product, it optimizes drainage on the wire, reducing steam consumption in the dryer section.

3. Case Study: Guanru vs. International Competitors

In a comparative test for Linerboard/Tissue grades, GR-9020 demonstrated superior cost-efficiency:

The Data Proves: Even with a 25% reduction in dosage, Guanru’s solution provided greater physical strength, directly increasing the paper mill's profit margin.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does using strength agents always sacrifice softness?

A: Not necessarily. While linear additives can cause stiffness, Guanru GR-9020 uses a branched design that focuses on "fiber bridging" rather than total surface coating. This maintains bulkiness and a silky touch while achieving high tensile targets.

Q2: Is Guanru PAE Wet Strength Agent eco-friendly?

A: Yes. Our PAE is formaldehyde-free, non-toxic, and odorless. It is ideal for facial tissues, napkins, and any paper products with direct skin contact or food-grade requirements.

Q3: Why is GR-9020 effective in harsh chemical environments?

A: In closed-loop systems, impurities and high conductivity interfere with standard additives. GR-9020’s high cationic charge density ensures strong attraction even under high conductivity, ensuring high retention and minimal chemical loss.

Q4: What are the recommended dilution ratios?

A: To ensure uniform mixing, we recommend:

• PAE: Dilute 3-5 times with room temperature water.

• GR-9020: Dilute at a ratio of 1:20-25. Add the solution at points with good shear/mixing, such as before the slurry pump or at the machine chest outlet.

Q5: What technical support does Guanru Chemical provide?

A: We provide more than just chemicals. Our technical team analyzes your fiber conditions and white water systems to optimize refining, J/W ratios, and dosage points, ensuring the most cost-effective application.

5. Conclusion: Defining Tissue Quality Through Science

High-quality paper towels are the result of advanced chemical engineering. By integrating Guanru Chemical’s solutions, you can confidently meet market demands for high strength, absorbency, and softness.

Looking to optimize your tissue quality or production costs? Visit our official website:guanruchem.comor contact our technical experts for samples.