Products

Introduction to the product

FibraShield® is a non-stick technology based on fluoropolymers that prevents accumulation of fibers or sticky additives on any surface in the wet end of the paper machine.

How FibraShield® Works

FibraShield® is an ultra-thin layer of fluoropolymer (<5 microns) which fills the porosity of any surface. By filling the micropores with fluoropolymers, fibers and other additives cannot physically penetrate the micropores of the substrate. Furthermore, the repellant effect is enhanced by the hydrofobic forces of the fluoropolymer. Without FibraShield®, fibers and other additives start to accumulate in these micropores and subsequently, 'stickies' are formed.

In addition to its excellent non-stick properties, FibraShield® effectively resists wear. Abrasive components of the paper machine, such as doctor blades, are not in direct contact with FibraShield®. A roller treated with FibraShield® can still be doctored because the substrate itself will protect the fluoropolymer from being removed from the micropores. Figure 1 shows the roughness profile of a porous surface, like the one in a press roller. If we look at this surface on a microscope, we see that there are numerous pores. We fill this microporosity with FibraShield® adding non-stick properties to the roller.

The surface tension of the base material is significantly reduced after being treated with FibraShield® and therefore, the substrate becomes more repellant.

FibraShield® can be applied:

- In situ.
- At room temperature.
- On any surface (granite, stainless steel, rubber, composites...)
- On any part of the wet end of the paper machine (headbox, press roller, impression roller, doctor blades...)
- Without the use of heavy equipment.

Benefits

Some of the benefits a paper manufacturer can experience from FibraShield® are:

-	Less fiber build-up: The surface tension of the treated surface is significantly reduced after being treated with FibraShield® and therefore, the substrate becomes more repellant.
-	Reduced paper draw: Since paper sticks less to the roller surface, the release angle is reduced (see figure 2). Differential speed between adjacent nips can be controlled more easily. As a result, paper draw is less severe which can be translated into a higher finished quality of the paper and a reduction of line breaks.

For example, we have a Portuguese customer that went from 20 line breaks/day to only 2-3.
A Finish customer was able to reduce differential speed between adjacent nips from 3,7% to 2,5%.

-	Increased lifetime of the doctor blades: Another characteristic of fluoropolymers is a very low coefficient of friction. In fact, fluoroplymers are used as dry lubricants in other industries. This peculiar property creates a system where the abrasive effect of the doctor blades working against the press roller is minimized. One of our customers in France used to change doctor blades every 3-4 days. After using FibraShield®, the lifetime of the blades has increased to 4 weeks.
-	Easier and more economical cleaning process: If for any reason, there is still some pulp accumulation somewhere, it can be easily removed with low presure water.
-	Reduced downtime because of a shorter cleaning process: Due to the treated surface being less sticky, the cleaning process is faster and easier. Therefore, the machine can be restarted sooner than usual.
-	Reduced maintenance and operating costs: Since there is less fiber build-up, the cleaning process becomes easier and more economical. The results are definite production efficiencies.