A Theory for the Transverse Collapse of Wood Pulp Fibres

Abstract

Theoretical considerations have led us to formulate a general equation for the collapse of wood pulp fibres in terms of trans verse dimensions, transverse elastic modulus of the fibre wall, and the collapse pressure. This equation is in agreement with experimental results on the effects of fibre transverse dimensions on collapse. We have also developed an equation for the transverse elastic modulus of the fibre wall in terms of fibril angle and the orthotropic elastic constants. We can therefore confirm the dependence of collapse on the transverse elastic modulus through the effect of fibril angle on the collapse of chemical pulp fibres.