Literature

"Oji Unveils Paper Recycling Process." Jpn Econ. J. v.28 #1386, 21 Oct. 1989, P. 21. Oji Paper Co. has applied for a patent on their method of melting office waste paper into phenol for the more economical production of a superior phenol aldehyde resin. [The problem addressed by this new technology is apparently not the pulp shortage, but the surplus of paper waste.]

"Properties and Uses of Surface Treated Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) as Paper Filler in Acid Sizing Processes," by M. Tokarz, R. Sikkar and S. Jaras. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 5/2, June 1990, 88-92. Three-micron particles were coated with zinc chloride, sodium-waterglass and 10%. sulfuric acid, or sodium -waterglass and zinc chloride. This made then seven times as resistant to acid as uncoated PCC. Paper made at pH 4-6 with coated KC was just as strong, bright and opaque as paper made with TiO₂.

"Accelerated Thermal Degradation of Pulp Sheets: Effect of Beating and Importance of Humidity," by S. B. Lee, J. Bogaard and R. L. Feller. Paper presented at 10th Cellulose Conference, "Cellulose and Wood-Chemistry and Technology," May 9 - June 2,1988, Syracuse. P. 863-884 in the proceedings Published by John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York: NY 10158 (212/850-6000). Also available from PIRA; send fax for price inquiry: (0372) 377526.

The effect of beating on thermal degradation of bleached, unbleached and groundwood pulps is examined, with a focus on formation of hot-alkali-soluble matter and color reversion.

Hercules had a two-page spread in the December Tappi Journal advertising its chemicals on the basis of the permanence they impart to paper. At the top is says, "To demonstrate why you should use our alkaline technology, we'd like to show what'll happen if you don't." Right beneath that, taking up most of the two pages, is a picture of the ad itself, aged to show browning and embrittlement; and this form an infinite regression, like the picture in a mirror placed facing another mirror. The text to the left and right of the picture gives equal emphasis to the advantages of economy and permanence, with a couple of paragraphs m improved quality of the product. This ad is a sign of the times; it could never have been effective ten or even five years ago, when communication between producers and consumers of longer-lasting paper was very poor, and when production was half what it is today.

Readings in Risk, edited by Theodore S. Glickman and Michael Cough. 262 pp. Resources for the Future, 1990. $24.95. This was reviewed favorably in the Nov.-Dec. 1990 American Scientist by John F. Ahearne, Chairman of the National Research Council Committee on Risk Perception and Communication. This book addresses some of the same issues discussed in the videotape "Big Fears...Little Risks," reviewed in the December issue of this Newsletter, but is more scholarly and detailed.

"The Effects of Recycling on Paper Quality," by R. C. Howard. J. Pulp & Pap. Sci. 16/5 Sept. 1990, J143-J149. A literature survey with 57 references. Possibilities for compensating for loss of papermaking potential in a recycled are described.

According to a 1971 study by R. C. McGee, tear increases up to 20%. as the same fibers are recycled up to six times; fold and burst decrease 30-35%. On the basis of this finding, the presence of recycled fiber would actually help a paper qualify as permanent by all the standards that are using tear as the only measure of strength.

The following reference books, now superseded, are available from the Abbey Publications office for $5 apiece to cover shipping and handling:

1990 Lockwood-Post's Directory
1989 TAPPI Membership Directory
1989 TAPPI Test Methods (2 vols.)
Fall 1989 Walden's Paper Catalog (Western edition)
1988 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, v.15.09 (Paper, etc.)

It is recomended that orders be placed by phone (801/

373-1598) or fax (801/375-4423). One book (or set) per customer. Some of these books are described in the April 1989 issue of this Newsletter.

"Why Alkaline Paper's So Popular," by Cary Graham. Publishing Technology 3(3), July 1989, P. 36 (2 pp.). $6 from GATF.

A Guide to Standards, by Albert L. Batik. Published by the author, Parker, 00, 1989; available for $12 from ASTM, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 (215/299-5585); $10 to ASTM members. 129 pages, soft cover. As the author confesses, this book is, not all-encompassing; in fact, its coverage is spotty. Its main emphasis is promotion of the use of standards. It is not well written, there are not enough subheadings to help the reader find specific sections already read, and there is no index. Still, the author seems to have a lot of experience with standards, and is able to explain some of the puzzling aspects of their use pretty well. Page 77 to 128 consists of an annotated directory of organizations involved in one way or another with voluntary consensus standards.

The proceedings of the Chloralkali Symposium held September 19-21, 1990 in Washington, DC, are now available for $68.25 from the Chlorine Institute, 2001 L St., NW, Suite 506, Washington, DC 20036. This symposium was held to examine the actual human health risk from low-level dioxin exposure. 245 pages.

"Paper-Formation Experiments Encouraging." Presstime 11/10, Oct. 1989, 53. The Forest Products Lab of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has found a way to make paper without water. Nearly dry fibers are bonded with the application of heat and pressure. [The text of this short article can be obtained from PIRA (see Useful Addresses list) for a small fee.] They are also working on a way to separate clean from inked fibers.