The major performance criteria for modern toweling grades or wet crepe hand-towels are a high level of wet strength, excellent hand-feel and good absorbency properties.  It is not sufficient to produce a very strong, soft towel that will only move liquid around a work surface instead of absorbing it.  As today’s consumer demands increasing levels of strength, so that tissue/towel can be used in more diverse applications, it is having a negative effect on absorbency.

At the same time, the increasing use of recycled fiber in the production of tissue/towel can have an internal sizing effect resulting in a loss of absorbency as the tissue/towel ages. By the time fresh paper, with excellent absorption, reaches the consumer the level of absorbency may have deteriorated.

To combat these problems, Hercules developed Surfax® Rewetting and Wickit® Absorbency Technologies.  When added to the wet end, these products can significantly improve the absorbency rate of tissue.   Over the years, these products have been continuously improved to maximize their effect on absorbency by eliminating any impact on tensile strength and ensuring that there is no reversion of absorbency.

Mode of Action

Surfax® Rewetting and Wickit® Absorbency Technologies are surface-active products that adsorb onto the paper fibers and become part of the final tissue sheet.  They lower the contact angle of water when it comes into contact with the surface of the tissue, making the surface more hydrophilic and, therefore, absorb water more easily and quickly.

Method of Application

These products are added internally to the thick stock with fresh water dilution ensuring good contact with the papermaking fibers, maximizing efficiency.  The actual dosage will depend on fiber selection and the level of absorbency improvement required.

Recorded Benefits

The following benefits have been recorded from practical applications of Surfax® Rewetting and Wickit® Absorbency Technologies:

Increased absorbency rates
Loss of absorbency reversion
Improved product performance