Standard: TAPPI
Method: T 401
Title: Fiber analysis of paper and paperboard
Overview
This method provides a procedure for the identification of the kinds of fibers present in a sample of paper or paperboard and their quantitative estimation. This method requires the analyst be skillful and experienced in the field of pulp and paper microscopy. The analyst must make frequent use of standard samples of known fiber composition or of authentic fiber samples and must become thoroughly familiar with the appearance of the different fibers and their behavior when treated with the various stains. Morphological characteristics help identify special fibers such as straw, flax, esparto, soft woods, such as southern pine, Douglas fir, western hemlock, and various species of hardwoods, so that the correct weight factors may be applied.
Many types of paper, particularly bonds, ledgers, index, and book papers are bought on the basis of fiber composition. This method is used to quantitatively and qualitatively identify the fibers in paper. It will also show whether the composition is free from fibers which the specifications particularly prohibit.
Samples
A minimum of 1 square inch of material is recommended but more is preferable. Material prone to shedding or attracting lint should be enclosed to prevent contamination of or by other samples.
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