Master’s Thesis – Strength Additives for TMP Liner

Are you interested in fibre and polymer technology? Would you like to combine academic knowledge with hands-on laboratory work and real industrial development? Are you curious about how new strength additives can improve the performance of paper?

Mechanical pulp (TMP and CTMP) has traditionally mainly been used for printing papers and paperboard. For those applications, the goal has usually been to attain the highest possible brightness and, for most products, also a high bulk. Holmen has launched a lightweight paper product for corrugated paperboard (liner and fluting) based on 100% TMP. It is important to have a high pulp yield for this product, since that contributes to a more efficient use of our wood resources. The demands on paper used in corrugated board differ from those of traditional printing papers. Corrugated packaging consists of multiple layers that work together to provide strength, stability, and protection while keeping the material light and cost-efficient. The customers want the paper to be strong, with a focus on tensile- and burst strength, as well as short-span compression (SCT).

The purpose of this study is to evaluate various strength additives for improved mechanical performance of Holmen’s TMP-based liner product. The components/additives might be commercial or non-commercial.

In brief, you will work with a two-component system, i.e. cationic starch, in combination with other novel strength additives, to improve the mechanical properties of handsheets made of TMP. The handsheets will be characterized in detail with respect to mechanical properties, formation, and bulk. An additional potential benefit of adding strength additives might be a crosslinking mechanism that prevents mechanosorptive creep, i.e., the accelerated deformation of paper under varying humidity.

The thesis work is preferably performed on-site at Holmen Braviken mill and is carried out in collaboration with KTH's Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology. KTH might also be an option for parts of the work, depending on the candidate. The ideal candidate should have attended courses in fiber technology, pulp and paper processes, or similar subjects. However, the most important thing is a genuine interest in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries.

The thesis corresponds to 30 ECTS and is preferably starting in January 2027.

Apply today

Are you interested in this opportunity? We look forward to hearing from you!

Please apply no later than November 1.

You apply by attaching your CV and answering our selection questions. No cover letter is needed.

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