This page contains list of various types of pulp and paper based on their end use, process

of manufacturing, raw material used etc. Papers can be graded in 'n' numbers of ways and
if we count all permutation and combination of grades total grades may well exceed
10000. Some of the major grades classifications are;

1. Based on basis weight

2. Based on Color
Tissue: Low weight, <40 g/m2
Brown: Unbleached
Paper: Medium weight, 40 - 120 g/m2
White: Bleached
Paperboard: Medium High weight,
Colored: Bleached and dyed or
120-200 g/m2
pigmented
Board: High weight, >200 g/m2
3. Based on Usage
4. Based on Raw Material
Industrial: Packaging, wrapping,
Wood: Contain fibers from wood
filtering, electrical etc.
Agricultural residue: Fibers from
Cultural: Writing, printing,
straw, grass or other annual plants
Newspaper, currency etc.
Recycled: Recycle or secondary
Food: Food wrapping, candy
Fiber
wrapping Coffee filter, tea bag etc.
6. Finish
5. Based on Surface Treatment
Fine/Course
Coated: Coated with clay or other
calendered/ supercalendered
mineral.
Machine Finished (MF)/Machine
Uncoated: No coating
Glazed (MG)
Laminated: aluminum, poly etc
Glazed/Glossed

Abrasive Papers
Papers covered on one or both sides with abrasive powder, e.g. emery, sandpaper
etc.
Absorbent Paper
Papers having the specific characteristic of absorbing liquids such as water and
ink. These papers are soft, loosely felted, unsized and bulky e.g. blotting paper.
Acid Free Paper
A type of paper, which does not contain any acidic substance that may affect acid
sensitive material. Acid free paper is anti rust and is used for metal wrapping.
Acid Proof Paper
A paper that is not affected by acid physically or chemically. This paper is used
with substance containing acid.
Account Book Paper
Paper primarily used for pen and ink writing. It is usually made from cotton
fibers or bleached chemical pulp or a mix of two. It has good strength, erasability
and resistance to water and ink.
Adhesive Paper
Base paper for coating with an adhesive, the type depending upon end use.
Air Dried Paper
Paper dried by direct contact of heated or ambient air.
Air Filter Paper
A type of paper used for filtration of air to remove suspended particles. (car air
filter, vacuum bag etc.)
Air Mail Paper
It is lightweight, high opacity, good quality writing/printing type paper used for
letters, flyers and other printed matter to be transported by airlines.
Album Paper
Paper used in photographic albums.It has a soft surface which will not wrinkle or
cockle when photographs are pasted or glued on it, and when wet with such
adhesive, it will not 'bleed'.
Albumin Paper
A coated paper used in photography; the coating is made of albumen (egg whites)
and ammonium chloride.
Alkaline Paper
Paper having pH values greater than 7 and made by using an alkaline sizing process.
Alkali Proof Paper
A paper, either white or colored, which does not discolor when in contact with
alkaline materials, such as soap. Careful selection of fibers and coloring matters is
necessary, but no particular strength$ requirements need be met. Many book
papers are sufficiently alkali-proof and glassine and waxed papers are also
satisfactory.
Alligator Imitation Paper
A cover paper embossed to resemble alligator leather. It is used for book cover,
wallet and large envelopes.
Aluminum Paper
A wrapping paper made by mixing aluminum powder in to pulp furnish or by
coating the sheet with aluminum powder. It is used in food and tobacco wrapping.
When used in general label work, it is referred as silver label paper.
Aluminum Foil Lamination
The combination of thin Aluminum foil with a paper backing used as a positive
moisture barrier. Normal combination is kraft backing with Aluminum foil
laminated to the kraft by means of asphalt, adhesive, or polyethylene. The
Aluminum foil can also be coated with polyethylene.
Ammunition Paper
The type of papers used in the manufacture of ammunition such as cartridge
paper, which forms the tube section of shotgun shell and basewad paper, which is
used in the base of the shell.
Analytical Filter Paper
A type of low ash content paper with high filtering rate that does not allow
particles or precipitates pass when slutty are poured over it. It is used in chemical
labs foe analytical testing.
Announcement Cards Paper
 Cards of paper with matching envelopes generally used for social stationery,
announcements, weddings, greetings, etc.
Anti Rust Paper
Paper containing added substances which give it the property of protecting the
surfaces of ferrous metals against rusting.
Anti-Tarnish Paper
A term originally applied to tissues used for wrapping silverware, but now used
for all papers so prepared that they will not rust or discolor razor blades, needles,
silverware, etc. Various fibers are used and weights of paper made; the chief
requirements are freedom from acidity and reducible sulfur compounds. Copper
salts or other inhibitors are sometimes used for silver tissues.
Antique Paper
Printing paper having good bulk and opacity with rough or matt surface.
Archival Paper
A paper that is made to last for long time and used for long lasting records.
Art Paper
High quality and rather heavy two-side coated printing paper with smooth surface.
The reproduction of fine screen single- and multicolor pictures ("art on paper")
requires a paper that has an even, well closed surface and a uniform ink
absorption.
Artificial Parchment
Wood free paper that is produced by fine and extended grinding of certain
chemical pulps and/or the admixture of special additives. As a result of the
"smeary" grinding, the fiber structure closes homogeneously. It is used e.g. for
wrapping meat and sausages or as corrugating medium for biscuit packaging
Asbestos Paper
A fire retardant and heat insulating paper made chiefly from asbestos fiber on a
cylinder machine. Generally not over 0.06 of an inch thick.
Asphalt Laminated Paper
Two sheets of natural kraft paper laminated in a single ply by means of asphalt.
This is used as a moisture barrier; also to resist action of weak acids and alkalis .
Azurelaid Paper
A laid paper usually bluish green in colour having a good writing surface.

Back Liner
The back side layer in a multi-ply paperboard. Normally back liner is made out of
inferior grade pulp compared to top liner.
Bacon Paper
A single ply or laminated with grease resistant wrapping, usually made from
glassine paper, used to wrap bacon or other fatty meat. Also known as Bacon
Wrapper.
Bag Paper
Any paper made to be used in the manufacturing of bags.
Bagasse Paper
 Paper made from bagasse pulp.
Bakelite Paper or Hard Paper
A hard sheet made by saturating soft paper with resin, which is then polymerized
to a Bakelite like material by drying, curing and pressing under high pressure and
temperature.
Bakers' Wrap
A paper used by bakers for wrapping bakery goods. It has high brightness, good
finish and strength.
Balloon Paper
A paper used for toy hot air balloon. It is well sized, nonporous and pinhole free.
Banknote or Currency Paper
Used for printing currency. De-facto highest grade of paper. Very high folding
endurance, permanency, tensile strength, suitable for 4-colour printing, with
watermark and other falsification safeguards such as embedded metal strip. Often
contains cotton fibers.
Barograph Paper
Red thin paper coated on one side with a white wax, so that the needle of the
barograph leaves a red line on a white ground, sold in rolls and coils and to suit
the type of barograph.
Barrier Paper
Specially treated, coated and/or laminated paper to provide resistance to passage
of vapor, gas, moisture, oil, water or other fluids.
Baryta Paper
A paper coated with barium sulfate to give a smooth, low-gloss surface; used
chiefly as a base for photographic emulsions.
Base Paper
Refers to paper that will be subsequently be treated, coated or laminated in other
ways.
Beedi Wrap Paper
Used for wrapping beedi (east Indian style cigarette) and decorative purposes in
different colours.
Beer Filter Paper
Filter paper specially made from long fiber pulp, used in the centrifugal
clarification of beers.
Bible Paper
Thin white opaque heavily loaded, used for printing bibles. Not suitable for pen
and ink, because of its absorbency.
Black Waterproof Paper
An asphalt impregnated paper usually made from jute fibers, used as insulation
for roofs, walls, and floor in building construction.
Blade Wrapping Paper
Translucent paper used for individual wrapping of razor blades.
Blanks
A name applied to thick cardboards, coated or uncoated, pasted or unpasted, and
made in standard thicknesses with either white or colored liners. They should
have maximum smoothness of surface and stiffness. They range from 0.012 to
 0.078 of an inch with corresponding ream weights of 120 to 775 pounds (22 x 28-
500). Their use is for calendar backs, signs, and window displays.
Bloodproof Paper or Butcher Paper
A high strength paper having maximum resistance to animal blood. It is used for
wrapping fresh meat. It is normally sized with wax emulsion or other anti-
absorption chemicals.
Blotting Paper
An un-sized paper used generally to absorb excess ink from freshly written
manuscripts, letters and signatures.
Blueprint Paper
Base paper for blue printing. See Diazo Base Paper.
Board
Thick and stiff paper, often consisting of several plies, widely used for packaging
or box making purposes. Its grammage normally is higher than 150 g/m2 or
thickness is more than 9 point (thousandth of an inch).
Bogus Paper
Bogus refer to a product that is made from recycled fiber or an inferior pulp to
imitate higher quality grades. There are bogus back liner, bogus bristol, bogus
kraft, bogus wrapping etc. Gray bogus is used for packaging material, void fill,
wipes, bedding, and a variety of other industrial and agricultural purposes. It is
biodegradable.
Bond Paper
The name "bond" was originally given to a paper, which was used for printing
bonds and stock certificates. It is now used in referring to paper used for
letterheads and many printing purposes. Important characteristics are finish,
strength, freedom from fuzz, and rigidity.
Book Paper
A general term used to define a class or group of papers having in common A
paperboard used in the manufacture of light non-corrugated container.
Boxboard
A class of board frequently lined on one or both sides, with good folding
properties and used for making box and cartons.
Braille Printing Paper
Used for embossing dot patterns used by blinds in touch reading. It is bulky. The
sheet must be smooth so the dots will be pronounced. The caliper should be
uniform, so all dots are of same height.
Bread Wrapping Paper
Used for wrapping sliced bread. It is thin, waxed paper normally made opaque for
printing by loading with titanium dioxide.
Bristol Board
A fine quality cardboard made by pasting several sheets together, the middle
sheets usually of inferior grade.
Business Form Paper
Used for business forms and data processing such as computer printouts.
Butter Wrapping Paper
Paper, which is used for wrapping butter, margarine etc.
Burnt Paper
Paper, which has been discolored and is brittle, but otherwise intact.

Cable Paper
A strong paper suitable for cutting into narrow strips and winding on wire as
insulation. High tensile strength is essential.
Calf Paper
A book printing type of paper with a surface looking like leather.
Calico Paper
Type of paper with a surface look like calico mainly used for decoration.
Candy Twisting Tissue
A light-weight paper, generally waxed for wrapping candy kisses, taffy, etc.
Canvas Paper
Embossed paper with a surface appearance of canvas cloth.
Carbon Paper
A low basis weight paper (8 to 15 g/m2) with very low air permeability, free of
pin holes and with a waxy coating, that is used to produce carbon copies on
typewriters or other office equipment.
Carbonless Paper
A paper that uses a chemical reaction between two different contacting coatings to
transfer image when pressure is applied.
Cardboard
A thin, stiff paperboard made of pressed p
Carton board
A rigid wood fibre based packaging material. Carton-board is normally of at least
180 g/m2 substance and 250 microns thickness.
Cartridge paper
Tough, slightly rough surfaced paper used for a variety of purposes such as
envelopes; the name comes from the original use for the paper which formed the
tube section of a shotgun shell.
Cast Coated Paper
A coated paper with high gloss and absorptivity in which the coating has been
allowed to harden or set while in contact with a mirror like polished chrome
surface.
Catalogue Paper
A light weight, highly opaque and good strength paper typically used for mail
order catalogue and telephone directory.
Chart Paper
A paper with the characteristics of bond or ledger papers. It must have good
printing and erasing properties and low expansion and contraction with changing
humidities. Used for making charts and graphs.
Check or Cheque Paper (MICR)
A strong, durable paper made for the printing of bank checks or cheques. By
careful formulations the paper is designed to react against a wide range of ink
 eradicators. It gives a characteristic coloured stain of "flare up" on contact with
acid, alkali, bleach and organic solvents like acetone, benzene, ethanol.
Cheese Wrapping Paper
Any type of paper used by the food industry to wrap cheese.
Chipboard
A paperboard, thicker than cardboard, used for backing sheets on padded writing
paper, partitions within boxes, shoeboxes, etc.
Chromo
A term used to describe both papers and boards used for subsequent brush
coating. The various qualities are determined both by the actual grade of base
material used and the quality of the coating, which may be gummed. Coating may
be applied to one or both sides, depending on end use.
Cigarette Paper
This light weight, unsized paper (grammage 18 to 24g/m2), converted to improve
glowing. It normally has approx. 30% calcium carbonate as filler to control the
burning rate and match it with tobacco burning rate. Very long fiber such as jute,
cotton etc is used to achieve high strength and porosity.
Clay Coated Boxboard
A grade of paperboard that has been clay coated on one or both sides to obtain
whiteness and smoothness. It is characterized by brightness, resistance to fading,
and excellence of printing surface. Colored coatings may also be used and the
body stock for coating may be any variety of paperboard.
Coarse Paper (also Industrial Paper)
Various grades of papers used for industrial application (abrasive, filter etc.)
rather than cultural purposes (writing, printing etc.)
Coated Paper
Term that applies to paper which has a special coating applied to its surface.
Material such as clay, casein, bentonite, talc, applied by means of roller or brush
applicators; or plastics applied by means of roll or extrusion coaters.
Coated White Top Liner
White liner that is coated to produce superior printability.
Cockle Finish Paper
A finish that simulates characteristics of hand made paper with a wavy, rippled,
puckered finish. The effect is obtained by air drying the paper under minimum
tension.
Coffee Filter Paper
Used for coffee filtering. Paper should have no impurities or fillers. It is a wet
strength paper and able to withstand boiling water. Synthetic resins are used for to
provide wet strength.
Color-fast papers
Colored papers that will not run when wet or fade under bright light.
Commodity Paper
A classification for low-quality bond and offset papers.
Colored Kraft
Natural or bleached kraft paper to which a dye or pigment has been added.
Condenser Tissue
 A very thin paper of uniform thickness, good formation, and especially free from
conducting particles. Used as a dielectric between the foils of condensers.
Construction Paper
Sheathing paper, roofing, floor covering, automotive, sound proofing, industrial,
pipe covering, refrigerator, and similar felts.
Containerboard
The paperboard components (linerboard, corrugating material and chipboard)
used to manufacture corrugated and solid fiberboard. The raw materials used to
make containerboard may be virgin cellulose fiber, recycled fiber or a
combination of both.
Copier Paper or Laser Paper
Lightweight grades of good quality and dimensionally stable papers used for
copying correspondence and documents.
Correspondence Papers
Writing papers in attractive finishes, weights or colors.
Corrugated Board
Usually a nine-point board after if has passed through a corrugating machine.
When this corrugated board is pasted to another flat sheet of board, it becomes
single-faced corrugated board; if pasted on both sides, it becomes double-faced
corrugated board or corrugated (shipping) containerboard.
Corrugated Medium or Fluting Media or Media
The wavy center of the wall of a corrugated container, which cushions the product
from shock during shipment (see flute). Media can contain up to 100% post-
consumer recycled fiber content without reducing its ability to protect the product.
Cotton Paper or Rag Paper
Paper made with a minimum of 25% cotton fiber. Cotton paper is also called rag
paper.
Cover Paper
Any wide variety of fairly heavy plain or embellished papers, which are converted
into, covers for books, catalogs, brochures, pamphlets, etc. Good folding qualities,
printability, and durability characterize it.
Creamwove Paper
Medium brightness paper now mainly used for computer stationery purposes or
school children note books.
Crepe Paper
A light weight paper, normally colored, with crinkly finish used for party
decoration..
Cut Sheet
Paper cut in sheets (letter, legal, A, B or any other standard size) to be used in
printer, photocopier, fax machines etc.

Damask Paper
Paper with a finish that resembles linen.
Decalcomania Paper
 A type of transfer paper that allows the transfer a printed image to another object
such as glass. Also called a decal.
Diazo Base Paper
The process involves coating of paper with Diazo solutions and a coupler. This is
exposed to ultra violet rays coming through the image. The final print is
developed by making the coating alkaline. In some cases it is developed by
ammonia vapor.
Directory Paper
A light weight grade of catalog or printing paper with good strength, high opacity
and good printability. It is made from a mixture of bleached chemical, semi-
chemical, CMP and recycled fiber and used for printing telephone directory.
Document Paper
Document paper is paper with a high ageing resistance. It is woodfree but may
also contain rags or be fully made from rags and is used for documents that have
to be preserved for a longer period.
Drawing Paper
Dull finished paper that is of good quality and stable enough to withstand erasing.
Duplex Board
Paperboard made with two plies or layers. Normally two layers are formed and
joined together at wire part.
Duplex Paper
Paper made with two plies or layers. Normally two layers are formed and joined
together at wire part.

Electrical Grade Paper

Strong, pin-hole free paper, sometimes impregnated with synthetic resins and
made from unbleached Kraft pulp. Electrical insulating paper must neither contain
fillers nor conductive contaminants (metals, coal, etc.) nor salts or acids. Lava
stone bars are used on rotor and stator to avoid any metal contamination. Cable
papers, that are wound around line wires in a spiral-like fashion, are electrical
insulating papers with a particularly high strength in machine direction. Electrical
grade papers include cable papers, electrolytic papers and capacitor paper.
End-leaf Paper
Strong, fine quality papers, either plain or coated and sometimes colored or
marbled used at both ends of a book. Also called sheets.
Envelop Paper
The paper made specifically for die cutting and folding of envelopes on high-
speed envelop machine.
Esparto Paper
The writing and printing paper made from esparto pulp.
Extensible Kraft
Very strong virgin Kraft papers which stretches (approximately 6%) more in MD
and tears less easily than regular Kraft paper.
Extrusion Coated Board
 Board that has been covered with a continuous layer of a thermoplastic material,
typically polyethylene or polypropylene, by the extrusion coating process i.e.
where a thermoplastic material is melted and forced through a narrow slot onto a
moving web of board.

Fax Base Paper

It is first coated with photo conductive zinc oxide on which images are exposed.
Hence electrical conductivity / resistivity is to be controlled to ensure that the
image is not conducted through the paper to the other side
Fiberboard
Board made from defibrated wood chips, used as a building board.
Filter Paper
Unsized paper made from chemical pulp, in some cases also with an admixture of
rags, sometimes with a wet strength finish. Filtration rate and selectivity, which
are both dependent on the number and the size of the pores, can be controlled by
specific grinding of the pulps and creping.
Fine Papers
Uncoated writing and printing grade paper including offset, bond, duplicating and
photocopying.
Flame Resistant
Treatment applied to kraft paper to make it resistant to catching on fire (not fire
proof—will char but not burst into flame).
Flocked Paper
Paper with a velvet-like, smooth unglazed surface.
Fluorescent Paper
Paper coated or surface treated with fluorescent dye to make it glow in dark. Used
for labels, posters and decorative application.
Folding Boxboard
Single or multi-layer paperboard made from primary and/or secondary fibers,
sometimes with a coated front, used to make consumer packaging (cartons).
Form Bond
A lightweight commodity paper designed primarily for printed business forms. It
is usually made from chemical wood and/or mechanical pulps. Important product
qualities include good perforating, folding, punching, and manifolding properties.
The most common end use for this grade is carbon-interleaved multi-part
computer printout paper, which is marginally punched, cross-perforated, and
fanfolded.
Freesheet
Paper that is free of mechanical wood pulp, which is true of virtually all fine
printing papers.
Fruit Wrapping Paper
A lightweight tissue used for wrapping fruit for shipment. Sometimes treated
chemically to retard decay of the fruit with which it is in contact.
G

Gasket Board
A highly absorbent pulp board, which is chemically treated for use in making
gaskets.
Glassine Paper
A translucent paper made from highly beaten chemical pulp and subsequently
supercalendered.
Glazed Paper
Paper with high gloss or polish, applied to the surface either during the process of
manufacture or after the paper is produced, by various methods such as friction
glazing, calendering, plating or drying on a Yankee drier.
Grade
Papers are differentiated from each other by their grade. Different grades are
distinguished from each other on the basis of their content, appearance,
manufacturing history, and/or their end use.
Granite Paper
A paper containing a small percentage of deeply dyed fibers to give a
characteristic mottled effect.
Gravure Paper
Paper for gravure printing that has very low print roughness and good wettability
of gravure inks.
Gray Board
A homogeneous board made usually of mixed waste papers with or without
screenings and mechanical pulp on a continuous board machine, in thickness less
then 1 mm.
Greaseproof Paper
A protective wrapping paper made from chemical wood pulps, which are highly
hydrated in order that the resulting paper may be resistant to oil and grease.
Green Paper
Immature paper which has not been conditioned or had the opportunity to mature
naturally.
Groundwood Papers
A general term applied to a variety of papers made with substantial proportions of
mechanical wood pulp together with bleached or unbleached chemical wood
pulps (generally sulfite), or a combination of these, and used mainly for printing
and converting purposes.
Gummed Paper
The main ingredient in gypsum board is gypsum (calcium sulfate - Ca2SO4), a
mineral.. Board is lined with sheet of paper on both sides. This is used for making
panel boards for interior partitions, false ceiling etc.
Gypsum Board
The main ingredient in gypsum board is gypsum (calcium sulfate - Ca2SO4), a
mineral.. Board is lined with sheet of paper on both sides. This is used for making
panel boards for interior partitions, false ceiling etc.
 H

Handmade Paper
A sheet of paper, made individually by hand, using a mould and deckle.
Hanging Paper
The raw stock used in making wall paper. The converter usually coats it with a
ground coat of clay, and then prints it with any decorative design desired.
Hard Sized Paper
Paper treated with high degree of internal sizing.
Heat Seal Paper
Paper that has an adhesive coating applied to it that requires heat to activate the
adhesion properties.
Heat Transfer Paper
The paper used in Thermal transfer printing (Sublimation printing).
Hi-Fi (High Finish) Paper
Machine calendered newsprint.

Index Paper
A stiff, inexpensive paper with a smooth finish. The high bulk but low weight of
this paper makes it a popular choice for business reply cards.
Industrial Papers
A very general term, which is used to indicate papers manufactured for industrial
uses as opposed to cultural purposes. Thus, building papers, insulating papers,
wrapping papers, packaging papers, etc. would be considered industrial papers.
Insect Resistant
Paper treated with insecticide compounds to make it resistant to insect attack.
Insulating Board
A type of board composed of some fibrous material, such as wood or other
vegetable fiber, sized throughout, and felted or pressed together in such a way as
to contain a large quantity of entrapped or "dead" air. It is made either by
cementing together several thin layers or forming a non-laminated layer of the
required thickness. It is used in plain or decorative finishes for interior walls and
ceilings in thicknesses of 0.5 and 1 inch (in some cases up to 3 inches) and also as
a water-repellent finish for house sheathing. Desirable properties are low thermal
conductivity, moisture resistance, fire resistance, permanency, vermin and insect
resistance, and structural strength. No single material combines all these
properties but all should be permanent and should be treated to resist moisture
absorption.
Ivory Board
High-quality board made in white or colors with a bright, clear appearance,
particularly used for visiting cards and similar high-class printed work. Original
Ivory Board was and still is made in Holland, although the grade is made in many
countries.
J

Japan Paper
An imitation of the Japanese vellum paper in which the fibers are very long and
have a very irregular formation, giving the surface a characteristic mottled effect.
Used for greeting cards, novelties and artistic printing of various types. The real
Japanese paper is made from very long native fibers, such as paper mulberry,
mitsumata, etc.
Jute Paper
Any paper made from jute fiber or burlap waste. The fiber is long and the paper
has high strength and good folding properties. The name is becoming misleading
because of its application to fiber furnishes which contain little or no jute.

Kraft Bag Paper

A paper made of sulfate pulp and used in the manufacture of paper bags. It
normally has a greater bulk and a rougher surface than the usual kraft wrapping
paper.
Kraft liner
Paperboard of grammages of 120g and more, generally made from bleached or
unbleached sulfate pulp and used as an outer ply in corrugated board.
Kraft Paper
A paper of high strength made from sulfate pulp. Kraft papers vary from
unbleached Kraft used for wrapping purposes to fully bleached Kraft used for
strong Bond and Ledger papers.
Kraft Waterproof Paper
A highly moisture resistant paper made of sulfate pulp and treated with moisture
repellent material such as paraffin wax or asphalt and used for wrapping purposes.
Kraft Wrapping Paper
A group of paper grades made from sulfate pulp using various material and used
for general wrapping purposes.

Label Paper
Mostly one-side coated papers which must be printable in 4-colour offset and
gravure printing. These papers are usually suitable for varnishing, bronzing and
punching and sometimes also feature wet strength and alkali resistance (See "Wet
strength and alkali resistant paper") in order to en-sure the removal of the labels
e.g. in the bottle rinsing machines of breweries
Lace Paper
A medium weight, well sized paper made from bleached chemical pulp, that has
high tensile and tear strength.
Laid Paper
 Paper that has a laid finish. Commonly used for letterheads and personalized
stationery.
Laminated Paper
A paper built up to a desired thickness or a given desired surface by joining
together two or more webs or sheets. The papers thus joined may be alike or
different; a totally different material, such as foil, may be laminated with paper.
Laminated Linerboard
Two or more plies of linerboard adhered to one another for increased structural
stability.
Latex Paper
A type of paper that has been made from pulp in which a latex emulsion is added.
It is used as a coating after the sheet is made or impregnated in to the sheet.
Ledger Paper
A strong paper usually made for accounting and records. It is similar to Bond
paper in its erasure and pen writing characteristics.
Lens Paper
A soft, lightweight, nonabrasive tissue made from bleached pulp. It is used to
make wrapping and polishing paper for eyeglasses, camera and other optical
lenses.
Light Weight Coated (LWC)
Coating applied at 7-10 g/m2 on one or both sides of the paper
Light Weight Paper
Papers having a grammage (basis weight) normally less than 40 g/m2.
Lightproof Paper
Paper made specifically to stop light transmission.
Linen Paper
Paper with a finish that resembles linen cloth.
Linear Paper
A watermarked sheet with lines to guide the user.
Liner
A creased fiberboard sheet inserted as a sleeve in a container and covering all side
walls. Used to provide extra stacking strength or cushioning. Also used as a short
hand for "linerboard" or facing."
Linerboard
The inner and outer layers of paper that form the wall of a corrugated board.
Litmus Paper
An absorbent paper saturated with, litmus, a water-soluble dye extracted from
certain lichens. The resulting piece of paper becomes a pH indicator, used to test
materials for acidity. Blue litmus paper turns red under acidic conditions and red
litmus paper turns blue under basic conditions, the color change occurring over
the pH range 4.5-8.3 (at 25°C).

Machine Coated aka On Machine Coated

Paper coated one side or both side during papermaking.
Magazine Paper
Any paper made to be used for printing magazine, books or periodicals etc..
Manifold Paper
A light weight bond paper used for making carbon or manifold copies or for
airmail correspondence.
Manila
A semi-bleached chemical sulfate paper. Not as strong as Kraft, but have better
printing qualities.
Map Paper
Paper used for making maps must be subject to minimum change in dimensions
with moisture to avoid poor register of colors. Wet strength properties are often
demanded.
Marble Paper
A type of paper having surface pattern that of marble.
Matrix Paper
A bulky, absorbent paper used for making molds for casting printing plates. It
must have high compressibility and strength when wet, and become rigid and hard
when molded and dried. It is sometimes made by allowing a thin web to wind up
on the cylinder of a wet-machine and cutting it off when of the proper thickness.
Matt Finished Paper
A dull finish paper.
Mechanical Paper
This paper contains mechanical pulp, thermomechanical pulp (TMP) or
chemithermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) and also chemical pulp. The shares of
chemical and mechanical pulp vary depending on the application. Highly
mechanical papers such as newsprint tend to yellow more rapidly if exposed to
light and oxygen than woodfree papers so that they are mainly used for short-
lived products. In printing papers the mechanical pulp improves opacity.
Mellow Paper
Type of paper that are characteristically soft and have been allowed to mature.
Metalization Base Paper
Paper used for very high vacuum deposition. Metals are vaporized at low
temperature but very high vacuum and deposited on paper. Base paper is light
weight, no conductive particles and no pin holes.
MF
Machine finished. Smooth paper calendered on the paper machine.
MG
Machine glazed. Paper with a glossy finish on one side produced on the paper
machine by a Yankee cylinder.
Millboard
A thick, dense, homogeneous board, for book production, made generally from
wastepaper, on a special board making machine one sheet at a time. Used in
binding case bound books, ledgers etc. as binders’ boards.
Mulberry Paper
This term is given to a wide range of actual handmade and "handmade" papers.
"Handmade" meaning that is has the rough look of actual handmade paper but it is
 in fact mass produced by machine.

Many mulberry papers are made from Kozo and other similar fibers. Some in fact
do contain mulberry bark and/or fibers.

It is easy to recognize Mulberry papers as they generally have distinct fibers

running through the papers. There are some mulberry papers that have finer fibers
that are not as noticeable but a large majority have the easy to recognize large
fibers. It is very pretty stuff and can be used in all sorts of crafts applications.

Natural Colored Papers or Self Colored Papers

Papers where color is that obtained only from wood fibers used to make it. No dye
or pigment is added.
Newsprint
A paper manufactured mostly from mechanical pulps specifically for the printing
of newspaper. Pulp and Paper Product Council provides the following definition
for newsprint. A general term used to describe paper between 40 g/m2 and 57
g/m2 generally used in the publication of newspapers. The furnish is largely
mechanical wood pulp with some chemical wood pulp.

North America

The definition of newsprint used by the PPPC for statistical purposes is as

follows:

Grammage 40 - 57 grams per square metre;

Colour white or slightly coloured;
Caliper under 100.0 microns (0.00394 inches);
Brightness less than or equal to 65 ISO;
Ash Content not exceeding 8.0% by weight;
Sizing unsized or lightly sized;
Smoothness greater than or equal to 2.61 PPS :m (S10)

Western Europe

Newsprint is that quality of paper used chiefly for the publication of

 newspapers and which has a basis weight of 40 - 57 grams. Other properties
correspond to the EU harmonized definition, with a brightness up to and
including 71 ISO.

Grammage 40 - 57 grams per square metre;

Colour white or slightly coloured;
Brightness 59 - 71ISO;
Ash content not exceeding 10 percent by weight;
Smoothness not exceeding 200 seconds BEKK;
Bulky Factor below 1.7;
Furnish not less than 65 percent mechanical pulp by weight.

Rest of World

Uncoated paper of a kind used for the printing of newspapers, of which not
less than 65% by weight of the total fibre content consists of wood fibres
obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, unsized or very
lightly sized, having a surface roughness Parker Print Surf (1 MPa) on each
side exceeding 2.5 micrometres (microns), weighing not less than 40g/m2
and not more than 65g/m2.

For PPPC definition of some other common grades of pulp and paper, please
visit http://www.pppc.org/en/1_0/index.html

Oatmeal Paper
A paper such as wallpaper to which fine sawdust is added to its stock.
Offset Paper
Also known as book paper. General description of any paper primarily suited for
offset printing. Can be coated or uncoated. Characterized by strength, dimensional
stability, lack of curl and freedom from foreign surface material. Finish can be
vellum or smooth.
One Time Carbon Base Paper
Unlike regular carbon paper which is used multiple time, one time carbon as name
suggest is used only once e.g. government form. The specification on this paper is
not as stringent as regular carbon paper.
Onionskin Paper
A lightweight, bond-type, thin and semitransparent paper used for duplicate
copies of typed matter to save filing space.

Packaging Paper
 A paper or paperboard used for wrapping or packing good.
Paper
A homogeneous sheet formed by irregularly interviewing cellulose fibers.
Paperboard
A heavy weight, thick, rigid and single or multi-layer sheet. What differentiates
paperboard from paper is the weight of the sheet. If paperboard is very heavy it is
called Board. Paper heavier than 150 gram per meter square are normally called
Paperboard and paperboard heavier than 500 gram per meter square are called
board.
Parchment
A sheet of writing material made from the skins of goats or other animals.
Vegetable or imitation parchment is made to resemble animal parchment by
passing a sheet of unsized, pure fiber paper through a bath of sulfuric acid and
then washing it very thoroughly and drying. The acid gelatinizes the surface fibers
and the dried surface is grease-proof, has a high wet strength and is very resistant
to disintegration by water and many solutions.
Pattern Paper
A type of high-strength paper used by designers and tailors for making patterns.
Permanent Paper
A paper that can resist large chemical and physical changes over and extended
time (several hundred years). This paper is generally acid-free with alkaline
reserve and a reasonably high initial strength.
Photographic Paper
The base paper used for the production of photographic papers is a dimensionally
stable, chemically neutral chemical pulp paper with wet strength properties, that
must be free from contaminants. Today papers are coated on both sides with a
thin polyethylene film. The cooking prevents chemicals and water entering the
paper during development. This also permits shorter rinsing and drying cycles.
Playing Card Stock
A stiff board, usually made by pasting sheets of fourdrinier paper, and given a
coating which will take a high polish.
Poly Extrusion Paper
Paper used for plastic extrusion. Hot melted plastic is applied at the paper surface,
so the base paper should be able to withstand heat.
Postcard Board
Postcard board is either slightly mechanical or woodfree and calendered.
Post-Consumer Waste Paper
Waste paper materials recovered after being used by consumers.
Poster Paper
Poster paper is a highly mechanical, highly filled, mostly coloured paper that has
been made weather resistant by sizing.
Pre-Consumer Waste Paper
Paper recovered after the papermaking process, but before used by a consumer.
Pressure Sensitive Coated Paper
Paper coated with a self-adhesive material which in dry form (solvent free) is
permanently tacky at room temperature. A bond with the receiving surface may
 be formed by the application of pressure (e.g. by the finger or hand). A permanent
adhesive is characterized by relatively high ultimate adhesion and a removable
adhesive by low ultimate adhesion. Until the time of application, the adhesive
surface should be covered by a suitable release coated paper.
Publishing Paper
On-machine coated printing paper. Suitable for color printing or toning with low
grid number or single color printing. Our products in this category includes:
Wood-free printing and writing paper, Ivory wood-free printing and writing
paper.
Pulp Board
Also known as Printers’ Board, this grade is made from a single web of pulp on a
paper making machine, and is produced in various substances. Used for index
cards and other general products, these boards may be white or colored.
Pyroxylin Paper
Paper coated with pyroxylin lacquer to make it water resistant and glossy.

Rag Paper
Today rag paper is mostly made from vegetable fibres consisting of cellulose,
such as cotton, linen, hemp and ramie. Rags are the most precious raw material
for the papermaker. Rag papers and rag-containing papers with admixtures of
chemical pulp are used for banknotes, deeds, documents, books of account, maps
and copperplate engravings and as elegant writing papers. They are also used for
special technical applications.
Recovered Paper
Paper recovered for recycling into new paper products. Recovered paper can be
collected from industrial sources (scraps, transport packaging, unsold
newspapers...) or from household collections (old newspapers and magazines,
household packaging).
Recovered Paper Grades
Recovered paper sorted by types in order to be recycled by paper mills. Specific
grades are used by paper mills, in order to produce different types of paper and
boards.
Release Paper
Release paper is used to prevent the sticking of glue, paste or other adhesive
substances. Coating paper with silicone yields papers with a surface that prevents
adhesion of most substances. Application: cover material for self-adhesive papers
or films, e.g. in label production.
Rice Paper
A common misnomer applied to lightweight Oriental papers. Rice alone cannot
produce a sheet of paper. Rice or wheat straw is used occasionally mixed with
other fibers in paper making. The name may be derived from the rice size (starch)
once used in Japanese papermaking
Roofing Paper
Board that is impregnated with tar, bitumen and/or natural asphalt.
S

Sack Paper
High strength kraft paper used for paper sacks.
Safety Paper
Papers with a special protection against abusive imitation. The safeguards are
used during the production of the paper. It is also known as antifalsification paper.
Sanitary Papers
The group of sanitary papers includes cellulose wadding, tissue and crepe paper,
made from waste paper and/or chemical pulp - also with admixtures of
mechanical pulp. As a consequence of the importance of tissue today, this name is
now used internationally as a collective term for sanitary papers. These grades are
used to make toilet paper and numerous other sanitary products such as
handkerchiefs, kitchen wipes, towels and cosmetic tissues.
Sanitary Tissue Paper
Tissue is a sanitary paper made from chemical or waste paper pulp, sometimes
with the admixture of mechanical pulp. It has a closed structure and is only
slightly creped. It is so thin that it is hardly used in a single layer. Depending on
the requirements the number of layers is multiplied. Creping is made at a dryness
content of more than 90 %. The dry creping (unlike with sanitary crepe papers)
and the low grammage of a single tissue layer result in a high softness of the
tissue products. For consumer products it is normally combined in two or more
layers. The flexible and highly absorbent product [is mainly produced from
chemical pulp and/or DIP - sometimes also with admixture of groundwood pulp]
can also be provided with wet strength. Applications: facial tissues, paper
handkerchiefs, napkins, kitchen rolls, paper towels, toilet paper.
Security paper
Paper which includes identification features such as metallic strips and
watermarks to assist in detecting fraud and to prevent counterfeiting.
Self Adhesive paper
Used essentially for labeling purposes, this grade has a self-adhesive coating on
one side and a surface suitable for printing on the other. The adhesive is protected
by a laminate which enables the sheet to be fed through printers or printing
machines, the laminate subsequently being stripped when the label is applied
Self Contained paper
A self imaging carbonless paper that does not need the use of any other carbonless
stock to make an image appear. When pressure is applied, it causes the chemicals
on the front of the sheet to create an image. This paper is used in ribbonless
impact printers.
Silicon Treated Paper
A strong paper with a glazed finish that is treated with silicones on one side. This
produces a release quality that is necessary for the liners used for pressure
sensitive paper.
Single Faced Corrugated Board
Corrugated fiberboard consisting of two layers, one of fluted paper and one of
facing.
Sized Paper
Sizing reduces the water absorbency of the paper and thus creates the condition
for the writability with ink. Sized paper is also used for many other purposes
(printing, coating, gluing, etc.), and the sizing agents must fulfil a wide range of
tasks. For instance, they control the water absorbency and increase the ability to
retain water and ink (pick resistance).
Solid Fiberboard
Collective term for all solid board grades.
Specialty Paper
The group of specialty papers comprises numerous paper grades, each
characterized by particular properties. These properties often require special raw
materials.
Spinning Paper
Paper with a particularly high tensile strength in the machine direction; suitable
for being spun into yarn or string.
Stamp Paper
Paper used for printing postal stamp. Paper should have good printability, high
strength, good glueability, permanence and high dimensional stability.
Strawboard
Board made from partially cooked straw, bagasse or grass or a mixture of these.
Suede Paper
Paper that has a velour finish.
Supercalendered Paper
A type of uncoated paper that has been supercalendered to obtain a smooth
surface and high gloss than the machine-finished paper. It is used for printed
advertising material, catalogues, and magazines.
Surface-Sized
Paper that has been treated with starch or other sizing material at the size press of
the paper machine. This term is used interchangeably with the term "tub-sized",
although tub-size more properly refers to surface sizing applied as a separate
operation where the paper is immersed in a tub of sizing (starch or glue), after
which it passes between squeeze rolls and is air dried.
Super Art Paper
Highest grade of art paper with double or triple coating. Coat weight of 25g/m2
per side, with gloss level over 80%, surface feels smooth and shiny, superb
printing quality, suitable for high-quality picture books, product catalogues, and
refined printing products..
Synthetic Fiber Paper
Papers made from synthetic fibers such as polyamide and polyester, from viscose
staple fiber or sometimes also with fillers. The fibers are mainly held together by
binders. The durable synthetic fiber papers are used for maps and highly
important documents such as driving licenses or vehicle registration books.

Tag Paper
 A heavy utility grade of paper used to print tags, such as the store tags on
clothing. Tag paper must be strong and durable, yet have good affinity for
printing inks.
Tea Bag Paper
Used to pack tea leaves. Paper should not have any impurities. It should have high
liquid permeability and should withstand boiling water.
Technical Paper
Variety of medium-grammage papers used in different industrial purposes.
Testliner
Mainly produced from waste paper used as even facing for corrugated board or as
liner of solid board. They are often produced as duplex (two-layer) paper. The
grammage is higher than 125 gsm.
Text Paper
Text papers are defined as fine, high quality uncoated papers. Typically, they are
made in various colors, with numerous textures and a variety of surface finishes.
Text papers are made from high-grade bleached wood pulp, cotton fibers, or tree-
free pulp such as bamboo. Recycled sheets include high quality recycled waste
paper and post-consumer waste pulp, in addition to bleached wood pulp, tree-free
pulp or cotton fibers.
Thermal Paper
Any paper with a heat-sensitive coating on which an image can be produced by
the application of heat.
Thin Paper
Includes carbonizing, cigarette, bible, air mail and similar papers.
Tissue
A low weights and thin sheet. Normally a paper sheet weighing less than 40 gram
per meter square is called tissue.

At-Home products: Also known as Consumer Products, these are the tissue
products you purchase in the grocery store and convenience store for use in your
home and include toilet paper and facial tissue, napkins and paper towels, and
other special sanitary papers.

Away-from-Home products: Also known as Commercial & Industrial Tissue,

these are the products that serve markets such as hospitals, restaurants, businesses,
institutions, and janitorial supply firms.

Specialty: These types of tissue papers are often high-end, decorative papers that
are glazed, unglazed, or creped, and include wrapping tissue for gifts and dry
cleaning, as well as crepe paper for decorating.

Facial tissue: The class of soft, absorbent papers in the sanitary tissue group.
Originally used for removal of creams, oil, and so on, from the skin, it is now
used in large volume for packaged facial tissue, toilet paper, paper napkins,
professional towels, industrial wipes, and for hospital items. Most facial tissue is
made of bleached sulfite or sulfate pulp, sometimes mixed with bleached and
 mechanical pulp, on a single-cylinder or fourdrinier machine. Desirable
characteristics are softness, strength, and freedom from lint.

Translucent Drawing Paper

A paper suitable for drawing office use; sufficiently translucent for an image on it
to be reproduced by processes using transmitted light and for a design to be traced
on it from an original placed beneath it. Such processes include blueprint and
diazo.
Transparent Paper
Extended and particularly careful grinding of high quality fibres (hard chemical
pulps, rags) yields a raw material permitting the production of transparent paper.
Treated Paper
Papers which have functional characteristics added through special treatment.
Among the most common are insect resistant, mold resistant, clay coated, and
flame retardant.
Twisting Paper
A paper of high tensile strength in the machine direction which is cut into narrow
widths and spun or twisted into yarn or twine.

Union Kraft
A packaging material comprising two layers of Kraft paper bonded together by
means of a laminate that is resistant to the transmission of water in liquid or vapor
form. E.g. bitumen or plastic.
Unglazed Paper
Un-calendered paper.
Un-sized Paper
A paper which has not been sized.

Vaporproof Paper
Paper or paperboard that has been chemically treated or laminated with vapor
barrier so that it will resist the passage of gases or vapor through it. It is typically
used for food packaging.
Varnish-Label Paper
Paper made from bleached chemical pulp to be converted in to label which are
subsequently varnished.
Vegetable Parchment
Paper that has acquired, by the action of sulfuric acid, a continuous texture. It
offers high resistance to disintegration by water and grease.
Vellum Paper
(1) Paper finish that exhibits a toothy surface similar to eggshell or antique and is
relatively absorbent for fast ink penetration.
 (2) A high-grade paper made to resemble parchments originally made from calf’s
skin.
(3) Social and personal stationery is often called vellum.
Velour Paper
A paper with a velvet like finish, produced by flocking the surface with fine bits
of rayon, nylon, cotton, or wool, it is sometimes embossed in various patterns.
Velvet Finish Paper
Paper with a smooth finish without any gloss, simulating velvet.
Verdol Paper
A high strength rigid paperboard or pressboard made typically from jute fibers. It
is also known as jacquard board.
Vulcanizing Paper
Paper made specifically for treatment with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and sulfuric acid
(H2SO4) to gelatinize the surface cellulose. Vulcanizing converts the paper in to a
hard, dense and tough sheet which is used in electrical insulation, luggage,
mechanical assemblies and building material.

Wadding
A single or multi-layer loosely matted fiber pad made from chemical pulp and
used in packaging, thermal insulation and /or acoustical applications. It is also
used in diaper and as absorbent material in other sanitary products.
Wall Paper
A paper used for wall covering. Also known as hanging paper.
Washi
Washi comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper, and the term is
used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner. Washi is
commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata
shrub, or the paper mulberry, but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and
wheat.
Water-Color Paper
A medium weight, hard sized, coarse surface paper, suitable for painting with
water based colors.
Water Finished Paper
A high glazed paper produced by moistening the sheet with water or steam during
calendering.
Water Resistant Paper
Paper which has been impregnated, coated or laminated to resist the penetration
of water.
Waterleaf
A paper with little or no sizing, like blotter, making it very absorbent If
dampening is desired, this paper can be sprayed with an atomizer.
Waxed Paper
Nearly woodfree papers that are impregnated with paraffin, wax or
wax/paraffin/plastic mixtures. With the appropriate saturation agent and process
 the product may be tailored for specific applications, e.g. packaging of bread or
sweets or wrapping razor blades.
Wet Strength Paper
A chemically treated paper strong enough to withstand tear, rupture or falling
apart when saturated with water.
White Top Liner
A two-ply sheet comprised of one bleached and one unbleached layer.
Willesden Paper
Paper made waterproof by immersing in a bath of cuprammonium hydroxide,
washing and drying. The treatment partially dissolves and gelatinizes the surface
and the final paper is parchment-like, tough, waterproof, rotproof and distasteful
to insects. It is used for roof covering and insulating purposes.
Wipes or Wiper
Folded absorbent tissue used for cleaning purpose.
Wood Free Paper
The paper made without using mechanical pulp.
Wove
The Paper having a uniform surface and no discernible marks. Soft, smooth
finish, most widely used writing, printing, book and envelope paper. Relatively
low opacity, brightness and bulk.
Wrapper
The materials, consisting usually of paper or paperboard, sometimes with
treatment for moisture barrier properties, which are used to protect the roll or pile
form damage.
Writing Paper
Uncoated paper that is suitable for writing with ink on both sides. The writing
must neither bleed nor strike through. Writing paper is always fully sized (See
"Sized paper") and also suitable for printing. It can be woodfree or mechanical,
depending on the intended purpose. The admixture of fillers makes it less
translucent.

Xerographic Paper
Copying paper used on photocopier made by Xerox.

Yellow Pages
Used for telephone directory advertising. Paper used for this needs to have high
bulk (1.1 to 1.2), high tensile strength of about 2 kg/15 mm in MD and good
opacity (90%) so that the fine print made on thin paper like 40 gsm would be
readable on both side. Excellent reel build up is required for smooth feeding
during printing. This requires every uniform profile of bulk, gsm, caliper,
moisture etc.
Physical Properties

Basis Weight or Grammage

The basis weight, substance or grammage is obviously most fundamental property

of paper board. The Basis weight of paper is the weight per unit area. This can be
expressed as the weight in grams per square meter (GSM or g/M2), pounds per
1000 sq. ft. or weight in Kgs or pounds per ream (500 sheets) of a specific size.
Paper is sold by weight but the buyer is interested in area of paper. The basis
weight is what determines, how much area the buyer gets for a given weight. e.g.
if basis weight is 50 g/m2, for every 1 kg weight, the buyer gets 20 m2. When the
 basis weight is expressed as ream weight, it tells the buyers how many reams
he/she getting for a given weight.

For papermaker basis weight is important from point of view of production rate.
For a given machine deckle and machine speed, the production rate per day in MT
will be = Machine Deckle (m) * Machine Speed (m/min) * Basis Weight (g/M2) *
1440/1000000.

Papermaker always strive to get all desired properties of paper with minimum
possible basis weight.

All paper machines are designed to manufacture paper in a given basis weight
range. Tighter the range and more efficient will be the machine.
The standard procedure of measuring basis weight is laid out in TAPPI T 410,
SCAN P6, DIN53104 & ISO: BSENISO536

Typical Grammage Values

Grade g/m2
Newsprint 40 - 50
Cigarette Tissue 22 - 25
Bond 60 -90
Paperboard 120 - 300
Accepted trade tolerance +/- 5%
Bulk
Bulk is another very important parameter of paper particularly for printers. Bulk
is a term used to indicate volume or thickness in relation to weight. It is the
reciprocal of density (weight per unit volume). It is calculated from caliper and
basis weight. Bulk (cubic centimeter/g) = Thickness (mm)* Basis Weight (g/m2) *
1000. Sheet bulk relates to many other sheet properties. Decrease in bulk or in
other words increase in density makes the sheet smoother, glossier, less opaque,
darker, lower in strength etc.

High bulk is desirable in absorbent papers while lower bulk is preferred for
printing papers particularly bible paper, dictionary paper etc.

Book Bulk: Book bulk is defined as the overall thickness in mm of a given

number of paper sheets. The bulking number is defined as number of sheets
required to bulk 25 mm or approximately 1". The standard procedure of
measuring book bulk is laid out in TAPPI T 500, SCAN P7 DIN53105, ISO 534,
BS: EN ISO20534
 Typical Thickness Values
Grade μm
Newsprint 60 - 80
Office/Business Paper 105 - 110
Blotting Paper (230g/m2) 540 - 590
Tracing Paper (90g/m2) 78
Label Paper (79g/m2) 63
Tissue(28g/m2) 125
Accepted trade tolerance +/- 10%
Caliper or Thickness

For a given basis weight, thickness determines how bulky or dense paper is. A
well beaten/refined pulp, short fiber pulp such as hard wood or straw pulp, highly
filled or loaded paper will show lower thickness for given basis weight. Thickness
or Caliper of paper is measured with a micrometer as the perpendicular distance
between two circular, plane, parallel surfaces under a pressure of 1 kg./ CM2.
Uniform caliper is for good roll building and subsequent printing. Variations in
caliper, can affect several basic properties including strength, optical and roll
quality. Thickness is important in filling cards, printing papers, condenser paper,
saturating papers etc.

The standard procedure for thickness measurement is explained in TAPPI T 411.

Curl
Paper curl can be defined as a systematic deviation of a sheet from a flat form. It
results from the release of stresses that are introduced into the sheet during
manufacture and subsequent use.

Paper curl has been a persistent quality issue and is increasingly important for
paper grades being subjected to high speed printing, xerography and high
precision converting processes.

There are three basic types of curl, mechanical curl, structural curl and moisture
curl. Mechanical curl develops when one side of the paper is stretched beyond its
elastic limits. One example of this is the curl in the sheet which forms near the
centre of a roll. Structural curl is caused by two-sidedness in the sheet, that is a
difference in the level of fines, fillers, fiber area density or fiber orientation
through the sheet thickness. Moisture curl can develop when the paper sheet is
being offset printed. One side of the sheet may pick up more moisture than the
other, the higher moisture side releases the built in drying strains and the paper
will curl towards the drier.

For more details on Curl, please read Curl Basics by Chuck Green

The standard procedure for curl measurement are explained in TAPPI T 466 &
T520
Dimensional Stability

Cellulose fibers (main constituent of paper) swell in diameter from 15 to 20%

from dry condition to saturation point. Since most of the fiber in paper sheet are
aligned in the machine run direction, absorption and de-absorption of moisture by
paper causes the change in CD dimension. Such changes in dimension may
seriously affect register in printing processes and interfere with the use of such
items as tabulating cards. Uneven dimensional changes cause undesirable
cockling and curling. Dimensional changes in paper originate in the swelling and
contraction of the individual fibers. It is impossible to be precise about the degree
of this swelling because paper-making fibers differ considerably in this property,
and because the irregular cross-section of fibers creates difficulty in defining
diameter. Change that occurs in the dimensions of paper with variation in the
moisture content is an important consideration in the use of paper. All papers
expand with increased moisture content and contract with decreased moisture
content, but the rate and extent of changes vary with different papers.

Dimensional stability of paper can be improved by avoiding fiber to absorb

moisture. Well sized papers have better dimensional stability.

For more details on Dimensional Stability, please read Dimensional Stability

Notes by Chuck Green

Typical Values
Grade MD (%) CD (%)
Carbonless Paper 0.050-0.150 0.200-0.400
Bond Paper 0.100-0.200 0.200-0.400
Coated Art Paper (under 200
0.090-0.150 0.150-0.350
g/m2)
Gasket Paper 0.400-1.000 0.500-1.100
Formation

Formation is an indicator of how uniformly the fibers and fillers are distributed in
the sheet. Formation plays an important role as most of the paper properties
depend on it. A paper is as strong as its weakest point. A poorly formed sheet will
have more weak and thin or thick spots. These will affect properties like caliper,
opacity, strength etc. Paper formation also affects the coating capabilities and
printing characteristics of the paper.

There is no standard method or unit to express formation. It is a relative or

subjective evaluation.
Friction
 Friction is the resisting force that occurs between two paper or paperboard
surfaces in contact when the surfaces are brought to slide against each other. This
property is measured as a coefficient of friction, which is the ratio of the frictional
force, to a force acting perpendicular to the two surfaces.

Two components of friction can be measured, these being static and kinetic
friction. Static friction is the force resisting initial motion between the surfaces
and kinetic friction is the force resisting motion of the two surfaces sliding against
each other when already sliding at a constant speed.

Measurement of the coefficient of friction has applications in packaging where a

high coefficient will indicate that containers such as sacks, bags and paperboard
containers will resist sliding in unit loads or on packaging lines. This property is
also important in printing papers, since a specific coefficient of friction is needed
so that individual sheets will slide over each other, otherwise double press feeding
may result.

There are two methods of measuring Co-efficient of friction of paper. One, which
uses Incline Plane is explained in TAPPI T 548 & T815, the second method,
which uses Horizontal Plane is explained in TAPPI T 549 & T816.

Typical Co-efficient of Friction Values Using Horizontal Plane Method

Grade Static Friction Kinetic Friction
Office/Business Paper 0.50-0.65 0.35-0.5
Silk Coated Paper 0.45-0.55 0.30-0.45
Gloss Coated Paper 0.40-0.50 0.30-0.40

Machine and Cross Direction

In paper machine approach flow system, when stock passes through pressure
screen, the fibers are oriented lengthwise. If the stock velocity from headbox slice
is equal or less than wire speed, fibers which are already oriented lengthwise, will
align in the direction of wire run. Fiber alignment can be altered to some extent if
stock velocity is less than wire speed. So all papers have a definite grain direction
due to greater orientation of fibers in the direction of paper machine run. This
grain direction is known as machine direction. The cross direction is the direction
of paper at right angles to the machine direction. Some of the properties vary with
the MD and CD and hence the values are reported in both the directions. The
sheet which have all relevant properties same or almost same in both direction are
known as 'square sheet'.

While sheeting the paper, machine and cross direction are to be kept in mind and
the sheet cutting to be done to suit the end use requirements. E.g. 1. All printing
 papers are to be cut in long grain (The biggest dimension in the grain direction).
2. Book papers fold better and the book stays open better if the sheets are out so
that the machine direction runs up and down the pages. 3. Wrap around labels for
metal cans and bottles are to be cut with the machine direction vertical to obtain
greater flexibility about the can. Long grain and Short grain : The sheet is in long
grain if the larger dimension is parallel to grain (MD) direction. The sheet is said
to be in short grain if the larger dimension is parallel to cross direction (CD).

There is no sure way to determine the MD or CD of a sheet but one crude method
which work is; cut a strip of about 1" wide and 2" long paper and moist it. Put this
moist sheet on a smooth surface or hand. As sheet will dry it will curl. The
direction of curl is CD as paper contract in CD more than MD while drying.
Moisture
Almost all grade of paper has some percentage of moisture. Moisture in paper
varies from 2 - 12% depending on relative humidity, type of pulp used, degree of
refining and chemical used. Most physical properties of paper undergo change as
a result of variations in moisture content. Water has the effect of plasticizing the
cellulose fiber and of relaxing and weakening the inter-fiber bonding. The
electrical resistance and the dielectric constant of paper both vary with moisture
content. The absorption and reflectance of certain bands of infrared and
microwave radiation by paper are affected by its moisture content. The amount of
water present in a sheet of paper is usually expressed as a percent. The amount of
water plays an important role in calendaring, printing and converting process.
Moisture control is also significant to the economic aspect of paper making.
Water comes free. Poor moisture control can adversely affect many paper
properties.

The absolute moisture content is expressed as a % of the paper/paperboard

weight. The sample is generally not conditioned while doing this test. The
standard procedures are laid out in TAPPI T 412 and ISO 287, SCAN P4

Typical Moisture Values

Grade %
Newsprint 7.5 - 9.5
Office/Business Paper 4 -4.5
Marketing Wood Pulp 10
Printing Paper 6 -7
Tissue 2-7
Accepted trade tolerance +/- 10%
Smoothness

It is most important parameter for printer. Smoothness is concerned with the

surface contour of paper. It is the flatness of the surface under testing conditions
 which considers roughness, levelness, and compressibility. In most of the uses of
paper, the character of the surface is of great importance. It is common to say that
paper has a "smooth" or a "rough" texture. The terms "finish" and "pattern" are
frequently used in describing the contour or appearance of paper surfaces.
Smoothness is important for writing, where it affects the ease of travel of the pen
over the paper surface. Finish is important in bag paper as it is related to the
tendency of the bag to slide when stacked. Smoothness of the paper will often
determine whether or not it can be successfully printed. Smoothness also gives
eye appeal as a rough paper is unattractive.

Smoothness (Bekk Method): This test is an indirect measure of paper

smoothness when it is under moderate pressure( 100 kPa). The standards test
procedure is described in TAPPI T 479.

Roughness (Sheffield Method): This test is an indirect measure of paper

smoothness or roughness. It is a measurement of air flow between the specimen
(backed by flat glass on the bottom side) and two pressurized, concentric annular
lands that are impressed in to the sample from top. The standards test procedure is
described in TAPPI T 538.

Roughness (Print-surf Method): Very similar to Sheffield methods. The

standards test procedure is described in TAPPI T 555.

Typical Smoothness Values

Grade Parker Print Surf (μm) Bendtsen (mls/min)
2
Newsprint (40 - 49g/m ) 2.6-4.5 80-140
2
Stationery (45-135g/m ) 0.8-2.6 50-300
2
Business Papers (80g/m ) 100-300
Test Liner (186 g/m2) 1750
Temperature and Humidity: Conditioning of Paper

As explained above it is important to control the moisture content of paper and

keep it stable during converting operation. To keep moisture content constant, it is
important that paper is conditioned. Conditioning of paper is also of important in
many printing and converting operations. In addition to the effect of moisture
content on physical properties, it also determines the build up of static of the
paper sheet subjected to pressure and to friction. The tendency for paper to
develop static becomes greater with increasing dryness. Cellulose fibers are
hygroscopic i.e. they are capable of absorbing water from the surrounding
atmosphere. The amount of absorbed water depends on the humidity and the
temperature of the air in contact with the paper. Hence, changes in temperature
and humidity, even slight changes, can often affect the test results. So, it is
 necessary to maintain standard conditions of humidity and temperature for
conditioning.
Wire side and Felt side

Also referred as wire side and top side. The side which is in contact with the
paper machine wire during manufacturing is called the wire side. The other side is
top side. Before a thin layer of fibers deposit on machine wire, fines and fillers
drain out hence wire side has less fines and fillers compared to top side. Certain
properties such as smoothness, texture and ink absorbency differ between wire
and felt side and it is customary to measure these properties on both sides. This
difference of properties on two sides of paper is known as two-sidedness. Highly
filled or loaded or paper made from short fiber pulp will show higher two-
sidedness.

In case of paper to be printed on one side only, best results are obtained by
printing on felt side. Postage stamps are printed on wire side and then gummed on
felt side, where the smoothness is helpful for attaining an even application.

Wire side and top side described above are in reference to single ply paper. In
case of multi-ply paper/board, every ply will have wire side and top side. The top
side of top most layer will be top side and wire side of bottom most layer is wire
side of multi-ply board. Different type of fibers, fillers and chemicals are used in
different layers for techno-economical reasons.

The standards procedure is described in TAPPI T 455

Optical Properties

Brightness, Whiteness and Color

Brightness may or may not add much value to the 'useful' properties of the paper
but it is the most important selling feature. It is a bragging right every paper
manufacturer want to have that he/she produces most bright paper.

Brightness is defined as the percentage reflectance of blue light only at a

wavelength of 457 nm. Whiteness refers to the extent that paper diffusely reflects
light of all wave lengths throughout the visible spectrum. Whiteness is an
appearance term. Colour is an aesthetic value. Colour may appear different when
viewed under a different light source. Brightness is arbitrarily defined, but
carefully standardized, blue reflectance that is used throughout the pulp and paper
industry for the control of mill processes and in certain types of research and
development programs. Brightness is not whiteness. However, the brightness
values of the pulps and pigments going into the paper provide an excellent
measure of the maximum whiteness that can be achieved with proper tinting. The
colour of paper, like of other materials, depends in a complicated way on the
characteristics of the observer and a number of physical factors such as the
spectral energy distribution of the illuminant, the geometry of illuminating and
viewing, the nature and extent of the surround and the optical characteristics of
the paper itself.

Brightness is measured with two different standards - TAPPI/GE and ISO.

Though there is correlation, ISO brightness of a sample is usually lower by 1-1.5
units over GE brightness. The standards are as per Tappi T 452.

Colour is related to perception and therefore measured or specified in terms of

color space. A commonly used system is the CIE L,a,b system. This is based on
the idea of color opposites.

L - measure of luminance and varies from 100 for perfect white to 0 for perfect
black.
a - redness to greenness.
b - yellowness to blueness.

Whiteness is the extent to which paper diffusely reflects light of all wavelengths
throughout the visible spectrum i.e. the magnitude & uniformity of spectral
reflectance measured as the percent light reflectance for the whole wavelength
range. The procedural standards for the measurement of whiteness are explained
in ISO 11475.

Typical Brightness Values

Grade % ISO
Newsprint 62-65
Fully Bleached Pulp 90
Office/Business Paper 80-95
Bond 70-92
Coated Paper 85-90

American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA) Brightness Quality Levels

Level % TAPPI
Premium 88.0 & above
No. 1 85.0 - 87.9
No. 2 83.0 - 84.9
No. 3 79.0 - 82.9
No. 4 73.0 - 78.9
No. 5 72.9 & Below
Color
The quality of light given off by a sheet as described by its hue (tint), saturation
(strength), and value (darkness or lightness). A whiter sheet reflects equal
amounts of red, green, and blue light - the entire visual spectrum. While most
balanced white sheets have a slightly yellowish cast, most people will perceive a
sheet with a slightly blue tint to be whiter.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence measures the amount of fluorescent whitening agent present in the
paper. Optical brightening agent absorbs UV light and re-emits it as visible blue
light. Under lighting with a UV component this makes the paper appear more blue
and brighter. All high white grades have high levels of optical brightener. Less
than 5 fluorescence indicates very little optical brightener is present.

Gloss
It is the specularly and diffusely reflected light component measurement against a
known standard. Gloss is important for magazine advertisements printing . The
level of gloss desired is very dependent on the end use of the paper. Gloss and
smoothness are different properties and are not dependent on each other.

Gloss is the specular reflection of light, which is reflected at an equal and

opposite angle. Normally measured at 75° or 20°. Generally, gloss of unprinted
sheet/ board is measured at 75° (except for cast coated papers). Printed and
varnished surfaces are measured at 60° angle. The standard procedures are laid
out in TAPPI T 480.

Typical Gloss Values

Grade Gloss at 750
Uncoated Printing Paper 4-6
Matt Coated 10-30
Silk Coated 25-50
Art Coated 65-86

Opacity

Opacity is the measure of how much light is kept away from passing through a
sheet. A perfectly opaque paper is the one that is absolutely impervious to the
passage of all visible light. It is the ratio of diffused reflectance and the
reflectance of single sheet backed by a black body. Opacity is important in
Printing Papers, Book Papers, etc. The opacity of paper is influenced by
thickness, amount and kind of filler, degree of bleaching and coating etc.
 Opacity is measured as the percentage of light absorbed by a sheet of paper.
Important in book printing where both sides of paper are printed. The procedural
standards are explained in ISO 2471 and TAPPI T425.

Typical Diffuse Opacity Values

Grade Diffuse Opacity %
2
Newsprint (40-49 g/m ) 90-94
Stationery (50-100 g/m2) >88
Tracing Paper (60-110 g/m2) 25-40

Strength Properties

Bursting Strength

Bursting strength tells how much pressure paper can tolerate before rupture. It is
important for bag paper.

Bursting strength is measured as the maximum hydrostatic pressure required to

rupture the sample by constantly increasing the pressure applied through a rubber
diaphragm on 1.20 - inch diameter (30.5 mm) sample. The standards procedure is
described in TAPPI T 403.

Bursting strength depends on basis weight of paper. To normalized the bursting

strength for various paper, bursting strength is reported as
Burst Index = Bursting Strength (kPa)/ Grammage (g/m2) or
Burst Factor = Bursting Strength ( g/cm2)/ Grammage (g/m2) or
Burst Ratio = Bursting Strength ( lb/inch2)/ Basis Weight (lbs/ream)

Typical Bursting Strength Values

Grade KPa
2
Coated Paper (130 g/m ) 200-300
Coated Paper (250 g/m2) 300-650
Bond Office/Business Paper (100 g/m2) 250-300
Carbonless Paper (50-60 g/m2) 150-200
Bleached Kraft (60 g/m2) 210-260
Test Liner (186 g/m2) 250-475
Compressibility
 The reduction in thickness under compressive forces or pressure. It influences the
ability of paper to change its surface contour and to conform to and make contact
with the printing plate or blanket during printing impression. This is highly
relevant in gravure and letterpress printing. Compressibility is measured as a ratio
of roughness under two different standard pressures in a Parker Print Surf tester.
Folding Endurance (Double Folds)

Folding endurance is the paper's capability of withstanding multiple folds before

it breaks. It is defined as the number of double folds that a strip of 15 mm wide
and 100 mm length can withstand under a specified load before it breaks. Folding
endurance has been useful in measuring the deterioration of paper upon aging. It
is important for printing grades where the paper is subjected to multiple folds like
in books, maps, or pamphlets. Fold test is also important for carton, box boards,
ammonia print paper, and cover paper etc. High folding endurance is a
requirement in Bond, Ledger, Currency, Map, Blue Print and Record Papers.
Currency paper has highest folding endurance (>2000). Long and flexible fibers
provide high folding endurance.

The procedural standards for measuring Folding Endurance using MIT tester are
explained in TAPPI T 511.

Hardness

The degree to which paper will resist indentation by some other material such as a
stylus, pen or printing plate. Hardness is measured with the help of Bendtsen
smoothness tester with load on the measuring head.

Ply Bond/ Scott Bond

The Internal Bond Strength of paper or paperboard (also known as Ply Bond
Strength or Z Directional Strength) is the ability of the product to resist splitting
when a tensile load is applied through the paper’s thickness i.e. in the Z direction
of the sheet.

The internal bond strength is often determined on high tack coated Fine papers,
offset papers and for multiply papers (e.g. top liner of carton board or abrasive
paper used to form belts in grinding machines). One particular application is
determining the ply bond strength of “Peelable”

The interlayer strength of the paperboard, measured on Scott Bond Tester,

expressed in J/m2. The standard procedures are explained in TAPPI T 403 &
T833 & SCAN P80. In paper, it is a measure of the internal strength of the sheet.

Typical Scott Bond Values

 Grade J/M2
Cover Paper 125-230
Offset Paper 240-290
Xerographic Paper 220-400
Coated Cover Paper 200-315
Coated Text 240-365

Resiliency

The ability of paper to recover its original thickness and surface contour after
release of the compressive forces of printing nips.

Stiffness

Stiffness is the measure of force required to bend a paper through a specified

angle. Stiffness is an important property for box boards, corrugating medium and
to certain extent for printing papers also. A limpy and flimsy paper can cause
feeding and delivery problems in larger sheet presses. A sheet that is too stiff will
cause problems in copier machines where it must traverse over, under, and around
feed rollers. Bond papers also require certain stiffness to be flat in typewriters etc.

Stiffness (Taber): A measure of flexural rigidity, Stiffness is the bending moment

(g-cm or mNm) required to deflect the free and of a 1.5 in wide vertically
clamped sample 15° from its center line when load is applied 50 mm away from
the clamp; measured in MD & CD.

The procedural standards are explained in Tappi T 489 and ISO 2491.

Droop Rigidity CD: Droop rigidity measures the stiffness of the paper or board,
more often applied to lighter weight grades. CD refers to cross direction, and MD
to machine direction, Droop rigidity is higher in the machine direction. The higher
the value the stiffer the paper.

Droop Rigidity MD: Droop rigidity measures the stiffness of the paper or board,
more often applied to lighter weight grades. CD refers to cross direction, and MD
to machine direction, Droop rigidity is higher in the machine direction. The higher
the value the stiffer the paper.

Bending Resistance/ Stiffness (Lorentzen & Wettre): It is a measure of the

resistance offered to a bending force by a rectangular sample, expressed in mN
(milli Newtons). The standards are as per Tappi T 556.

Typical Bending Values

 Resonance Length
Grade Bending Moment Stiffness (mNm)
Stiffness (mNm)
MD CD MD CD
2
Coated Paper (135 g/m ) 65 45 1043 721
Office/Business Paper (80
39 17 493 160
g/m2)
Carbonless Paper (46 g/m2) 7.5 3.3 76 34

Stretch (Elongation)

Stretch is the amount of distortion which paper undergoes under tensile stress.
Stretch elongation is usually expressed, as percent stretch to rupture. Stretch can
be related to the paper's ability to conform and maintain conformance to a
particular contour, e.g. Copier paper, multicolor offset printing papers, liquids
packing cartons base papers etc. It is an important property in sack kraft papers
which are used for cement bags etc. Stretch is higher in cross direction than
machine direction.

The tensile strain developed in a test sample at maximum tensile strength before
rupture, measure as the % increase in the length of the sample to the original
length. The procedural standards are explained in TAPPI T 494

Surface Strength (Wax Pick No.)

A measure of the surface strength of the sample or surface resistance to picking.

Pick occurs due to poor internal bonding strength, making it susceptible to
adherence to grade wax sticks (Dennison). This test is valid only for uncoated
board or paper. For Coated stock IGT pick test is applicable.

Acceptable pick level for uncoated papers =>Wax #6

Acceptable pick level for Gloss papers =>Wax #11

IGT is a measurement of the surface strength of the paper. A tacky ink is applied
to sample of the paper at an increasing speed. As the speed increases the peeling
force applied to the paper also increases and the speed at which the fibers begin to
be pulled from the sheet is recorded as the IGT. A high IGT (>300) indicates a
strong surface strength suitable for demanding offset applications.
Tearing Resistance

Tearing resistance indicates the behavior of paper in various end use situations;
such as evaluating web runnability, controlling the quality of newsprint and
characterizing the toughness of packaging papers where the ability to absorb
shocks is essential. fiber length and inter-fiber bonding are both important factors
in tearing strength. The fact that longer fibers improve tear strength is well
recognized. The explanation is straight forward; longer fibers tend to distribute
 the stress over a greater area, over more fibers and more bonds, while short fibers
allow the stress to be concentrated in a smaller area.
Tearing Resistance: Tearing resistance/ strengths is the ability of the paper to
withstand any tearing force when it is subjected to. It is measure in both MD &
CD, expressed in mN (mili Newton).

The procedural standards are explained in TAPPI T 414, ISO 1974 & SCAN P11

Typical Tear Resistance Values

Grade Elmendorf Tear mN
2
Coating Base (80g/m ) 500 - 700
Bond (100g/m2) 700
Office/Business Paper (80g/m2) 500 - 600
Test Liner (186g/m2) 1800
Tensile Strength

The tensile force required to produce a rupture in a strip of paperboard, measured

in MD & CD, expressed in kN/m. Tensile strength is indicative of fiber strength,
fiber bonding and fiber length. Tensile strength can be used as a potential
indicator of resistance to web breaking during printing or converting. The
procedural standards are explained in TAPPI T 494.

Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA): TEA is the Tensile Energy Absorption, ie

the amount of work required to break the sheet under tension.

Z Direction Tensile Strength: Or internal bond strength provides an indication

of strength of board in relation to glue bonding at carton side seams and possible
Delamination on scoring, or use of high tack coating. The procedural standards
are explained in TAPPI T 541.

Typical Tensile Index Values

Grade MD (Nm/g) CD (Nm/g)
Newsprint (40 - 49g/m2) 45 -60 -
Stationery (50-100 g/m2) 40-70 20-40
Tracing Paper (60-110 g/m2) 70 40
Test Liner (186 g/m2) 175 80
Wet Strength

Some grades of paper such as tea bag paper, coffee filter paper etc. come in
contact with water in use. So these paper have to be strong enough to withstand
 tear, rupture or falling apart when saturated with water. To impart wet strength,
paper are treated chemically.

Typical Wet Tensile Strength Values

Wet Tensile
Grade Dry Tensile Strength (g)
Strength (g)
Kitchen Towel (20g/m2), 2 ply 650 200
Facial Tissue (13g/m2) 2 ply 115 35

Miscellaneous Properties

Ash Content

The residue left after complete combustion of paper at high temperature. It is

generally expressed as percent of original test sample and represents filler content
in the paper. As it is ash content is not important property of paper but in some
grade of papers such as filter papers are ash free and other such as cigarette tissue
have certain level of filler to control cigarette burning rate.

The ash content measurement procedural standards are explained in TAPPI T 413,
SCAN P5, ISO 1762.

Typical Ash Content Values

Grade %
Market Wood Pulp 0.3 - 0.5
Newsprint 0 - 12
LWC 30 - 50
Fine Paper 0 - 35
Dirt Content

The paper may have number of dirt specks or contraries. These specks can be any
unwanted foreign particle that is visible to the eye such as bark, undigested wood
(shives), pitch, rust, plastic, slime etc. For pulp, paper and board the number or
area covered by such specks on both surfaces and sometimes in the body of the
material, can be estimated in either reflected or transmitted light.

The number of specks of each area are expressed either as mm2/Kg for pulp or
mm2/m2 for paper
 Typical Dirt Content Values
Grade %
Bleached Market Wood Pulp < 7 mm2/Kg
Newsprint from deinked pulp 100-300 ppm
Fine Paper from deinked pulp < 10 ppm

pH
The pH value of paper can show residual acidic/alkaline chemicals in pulp, or
atmospheric pollutants (e.g. SO2) in valuable paper archives.

The pH value of paper can be determined by:

- Disintegrating the paper in hot distilled water and determining the pH of the
extract.
- Disintegrating the paper in cold distilled water and determining the pH of the
extract.
- Directly using a wet electrode on the paper surface.

These 3 methods measure different solutions and so give different

Permanence

Permanence is degree to which paper resists deterioration over time. Permanent

paper can resist large chemical and physical changes over and extended time
(several hundred years). These paper are generally acid-free with alkaline reserve
and a reasonably high initial strength. Paper containing pure cellulose fiber are
more permanent. Permanency is desirable in currency, bond and record papers.

Pin Holes

Imperfections in paper which appear as minute holes upon looking through the
sheet. They originate from foreign particles, which are pressed through the sheet.
Absence of pin hole in electrical grade papers is very important.

Porosity

Because paper is composed of a randomly felted layer of fiber, it follows that the
structure has a varying degree of porosity. Thus, the ability of fluids, both liquid
and gaseous, to penetrate the structure of paper becomes a property that is both
highly significant to the use of paper. Paper is a highly porous material and
contains as much as 70% air. Porosity is a highly critical factor in Printing Papers
Laminating Paper, Filter Paper, Cigarette Paper. Bag Paper, Anti-tarnish Paper
 and Label Paper. Porosity is the measurement of the total connecting air voids,
both vertical and horizontal, that exists in a sheet. Porosity of sheet is an
indication of absorptivity or the ability of the sheets to accept ink or water.
Porosity can also be a factor in a vacuum feeding operation on a printing press.

Air Resistance (Gurely Method): It is the resistance to the passage of air,

offered by the paper structure, when a pressure difference exist between two sides
of paper. It is measured as the time for a given volume of air to flow through a
specimen under specified conditions. Air resistance is indirect indicator of degree
of beating, compaction of fibers and type and amount of fillers.

The Gurely Method is explained in TAPPI T 460 and TAPPI T 536 for low and
high air resistance respectively.

Air Resistance ( Sheffield Method): is explained in TAPPI T 547

Typical Porosity Values

Grade Gurley Air Resistance (sec) Bendtsen (mls/min)
Uncoated Paper 500-1500
Coated Paper 0-10
Test Liner (186 g/m2) 25
Gasket 1-5
Blotting Paper 1 -2

For more on Porosity, please visit http://www4.ncsu.edu/

%7Ehubbe/TShoot/G_Poros.htm

Print Quality

The degree to which the appearance and other properties of a print approach a
desired result. Lot of parameters in paper surface like roughness, gloss, ink
absorption, whiteness, brightness affect this.

Printability

The extent to which properties of paper lends them to the true reproduction of the
original artwork. This is influenced by the printing process and can be evaluated
in terms of - dot reproduction, dot gain, print gloss, hue shift and print uniformity.

Sizing / Cobb

Because paper is composed of a randomly felted layer of fiber, it's structure has a
varying degree of porosity. Thus, the ability of fluids, both liquid and gaseous, to
penetrate the structure of paper becomes a property that is both highly significant
to the use of paper. The need to limit the spreading of ink resulted in "sizing" the
 paper with gelatinous vegetable materials which had the effect of sealing or filling
the surface pores. Later, the term "sizing" was applied to the treatment of paper
stock prior to the formation of the sheet, with water-repellent materials such as
rosin or wax. Resistance towards the penetration of aqueous solution / water is
measured by Sizing or Cobb values.
The surface water absorption over 60 seconds, expressed in g/m2, measured by
Cobb Test. The procedural Standards are explained in TAPPI T 441.

Typical Cobb Values

Grade g/m2
Bond 24-30
Office/Business Paper 22-26
Test Liner (186 g/m2) 100
Unsized 50+
Carbonless Base 18-22
Water Absorption (EDGE WICK)

Water absorption at the edge, expressed in kg/m2, using Wick Test. Board surface
is sealed with waterproof tape on both sides, weighed, placed in water @ 80°F for
20 minutes and weighed again to measure the water absorbed by wicking. It is an
important test for measuring the water absorption capacity of cupstock grade,
which is used for the manufacture of soft drink cups.
Corrugated Boards - Bursting Strength

The combined tensile strength and stretch of a material as measured by the ability
of the material to resist rupture when pressure is applied under specified
conditions to one of its sides by an instrument used for testing the property.
Testing for the bursting strength of paper is a very common procedure, although
its value in determining the potential permanence or durability of paper is suspect.
Corrugated Boards - Ring Crushed Test

Ring Crush is a traditional test of linerboard and corrugating medium strength.

Ring crush measures compression resistance, and this compression strength is
considered to relate to the eventual compression strength of combined board made
from the component. Linerboard called high strength or high performance
linerboard is board that is able to achieve a specified minimum ring crush at basis
weights that are lower than traditional basis weights.

Corrugated Boards - Concora Crush Test

The Concora Crush Tester performs a series of tests to determine the rigidity and
crush resistance of corrugated material. It is used in conjunction with the Concora
Liner Tester. The first test measures the flat crushing resistance of a laboratory-
 fluted corrugated material. The second test determines the edgewise strength,
parallel to the flutes, of a short column of single-, double-, or triple-wall
corrugated board. The third test evaluates the ability of corrugated material to
contribute to the compression strength of a corrugated box by measuring the
edgewise compression strength of a laboratory-fluted strip of corrugated material
in a direction parallel to the fluted tips.

Corrugated Boards - Flat Crush Strength

The flat crush test is a measure of the resistance of the flutes in corrugated board
to a crushing force applied to the surface of the board under prescribed conditions.
Flat crush is a measure of the flute rigidity of corrugated board. A high flat crush
value indicates a combination of good flute formation and at least adequate
strength medium. Low flat crush may indicate a number of conditions including
low strength medium, leaning flutes and crushed flutes.
The three most important Parameters which defines the pulp are. 1.) Fiber Length, 2.)
Brightness, 3.) Pulping process used. e.g. Northern Soft Wood Bleached Kraft
(NSWBK). The Northern Soft Wood tells it is long fiber pulp. Bleached tells, it has high
brightness and Kraft tells that Kraft (Sulfate) pulping process is used to produced this
pulp. Similarly Southern Hard Woof Unbleached Kraft, will be a short fiber wood
unbleached (low brightness) pulp made by kraft process. Link to a few typical Market
Pulp data sheets

http://www.ariver.com/HardwoodDataSheet.pdf

http://www.ariver.com/HardwoodDataSheet.pdf

Ash Content in Pulp

Ash content in pulp may consists of various chemicals used during
pulping/bleaching, mineral matter from wood or metallic matter from pipes and
other machinery. It is not important parameter of pulp.

Ash is the residue left after igniting pulp at 525 0C (As per TAPPI T211). Ash is
reported in % of residue to dry pulp basis.

The standard procedure of measuring ash content is laid out in TAPPI T211, ISO
1762
Brightness of Pulp
Brightness of paper is discussed in Paper Properties. The paper brightness is
mainly dictated by pulp brightness. There are some modification in stock
preparation which can alter paper brightness to some extent such as filler, sizing,
whitening agent, dying etc. In short

Conductivity of Pulp
Electrical grade papers such as cable paper, condenser tissue or insulation paper
etc., require very low conductivity to electricity. The presence of metal ion more
specifically iron ion contribute to pulp conductivity The pulp used for electrical
grades are washed with demineralized water, beater or refiner use lava or other
non-metallic bars and contacting surfaces of all equipment are made of stainless
steel.

Values for the conductivity of the water extract of the pulp are expressed in
µS/m.

S = Siemen (SI unit of electric conductance) = 1 mho.

Dirt in Pulp
Dirt content of pulp particularly of recycled pulp is important for its suitability to
make fine paper. Dirt is any foreign material in pulp. TAPPI defines dirt as
foreign matter in a sheet which, when examined by reflected, not transmitted
light, has a marked contrasting color and has an equivalent black area of 0.04 mm2
or more.

The standard procedure of measuring dirt content is laid out in TAPPI T213

Drainage Time of Pulp

Here the drainage time of pulp is discussed in reference to market pulp and/or
unrefined pulp. The drainage time of pulp or freeness or slowness of pulp is
modified to have some desired properties in the paper, here that is not discussed.

Drainage of unrefined pulp which is measured as freeness can give an indication

on : 1) Fiber Length of pulp, as long fiber pulps have more freeness compared to
short fiber pulps, 2) Damage to fiber during pulping, bleaching or drying as short
fibers or fines produced during pulping operation, reduces pulp freeness, 3)
Refining energy required to achieve certain slowness during stock preparation.

The standard procedure of measuring pulp drainage is laid out in TAPPI T221,
T227, ISO 5267-1 and ISO 5267-2

Dry Content of Pulp

Consistency: is the term used to describe solid content of pulp during pulp
processing. For pulp and paper maker this is the most important process
parameters. All equipments are designed to handle pulp at and up to certain
consistency. Pulp consistency is roughly divided in to three ranges:

Low Consistency: <5%

Medium Consistency: 5 - 15%
High Consistency: >15%

It is the desire of every pulp maker to keep pulp at the highest possible
consistency to minimize dilution water usage and which ends up as effluent.
Higher consistency also helps in reducing the bleaching chemical consumption.
But there are practical limitation of handling pulp at higher consistency such as
high viscosity which make pulp flow very difficult.

The standard procedure of measuring pulp consistency (up to 25%) is laid out in
TAPPI T240.

Moisture Content of Market Pulp: is important from storage, transportation

and handling point of view. Most of the market pulp are sold, stored, transported
 and used as air dry. The useable part of pulp is dry fiber only, so the tendency is
to minimize the moisture content op pulp.

Small quantity of pulp is sold as wet lap also. Wet lap pulp is not dried at source
and transported at about 50% moisture content. It is feasible for short distance
transportation and if pulp is to be used immediately at user end.

Extractives (Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates) in Pulp

The low molecular carbohydrates indicates an extent of cellulose degradation
during pulping and bleaching process, which may effect pulp strength and other
properties. Pulp is treated with 1% hot NaOH solution for one hour to estimate
loss of yield due to extractives.

The standard procedure of measuring 1% Hot Alkali Solubility is laid out in

TAPPI T212
Fiber Length of Pulp
Length of fibers (arithmetic average, weighted average etc.) is one of the most
important parameters of pulp. Pulp strength is directly proportional to fiber length
and dictates its final use. A long fiber pulp is good to blend with short fiber pulp
to optimize on fiber cost, strength and formation of paper. Softwood with pulps in
general have longer fiber compared to hard wood pulp. Pulp made from woods
grown in cold climate in general have longer fiber compared to wood grown in
warmer climates.

Chemical pulps in general have higher fiber length compared to semi chemical
pulp and mechanical pulp, when made from same wood. More fibers get
damaged/shorten by mechanical action than chemical action.

There are several method to measure /report fiber length of pulp. The 'fiber length
of pulp by projection' is described in TAPPI T232. The 'fiber length of pulp by
classification' is described in TAPPI T233. "Fiber length of pulp and paper by
automated optical analyzer using polarized light' is described in TAPPI T271.

The coarseness of pulp fiber is described in TAPPI T234.

Kappa Number of Pulp
Kappa number is determination of relative hardness, bleachability or degree of
delignification of pulp. It is important parameter of unbleached pulp which is to
be bleached.

The method to find kappa # of pulp is described in TAPPI T236.

Pulping Process
Though the pulping process used is directly not a pulp property but this is one of
the most important parameters used in specifying the pulp. As we move from full
mechanical to full chemical pulping process, strength of pulp and bleachability
 improves. Strength improves due to less degradation of fibers and bleachability as
more lignin is removed in chemical than mechanical pulping processes.

Yield: Pulp yield is mainly govern by the pulping process. Mechanical pulping
processes which provide high yield, retain almost all constituents of wood. Lignin
which is second highest to cellulose, does not bond to itself or cellulose fibers as
fibers do, don't contribute to any bonding, resulting in weak pulp. Secondly lignin
is brown in color and to maintain high yield of bleached pulp, lignin is not
removed during bleaching, but only chemically modified.

Tensile Strength of Pulp

This is not the tensile strength of individual fiber, which is even higher than or
comparable with steel. The tensile strength discussed here is maximum strength of
randomly oriented pulp fiber when formed in a sheet. This tensile strength gives
an indication of the maximum possible strength of pulp beaten under ideal
condition. This again an indication of what level of tensile strength can be
achieved in real paper making environment.

One way of measuring tensile strength of pulp is "zero span breaking strength'
described in TAPPI T231. Wet zero span tensile strength of pulp is measured
using TAPPI T273.
Viscosity of Pulp
Solution viscosity of a pulp gives an estimation of the average degree of
polymerization of the cellulose fiber. So the viscosity indicate the relative
degradation of cellulose fiber during pulping /bleaching process.

Dissolving pulps from wood, which contains a large proportion of alpha

cellulose, give higher viscosity values than paper pulps.

The standard procedure of measuring pulp viscosity is laid out in TAPPI T230