Handbook of physical and mechanical testing of paper and paperboard, vol. 2

Handbook of physical and mechanical testing of paper and paperboard, vol. 2

The Chemical Engineering Journal, 33 (1986) 113 - 115 113 Book Reviews Handbook of Physical and Mechanical Testing of Paper and Paperboard, Vol. 2...

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The Chemical Engineering

Journal, 33 (1986)

113 - 115

113

Book Reviews Handbook of Physical and Mechanical Testing of Paper and Paperboard, Vol. 2 edited by Richard E. Mark; published by Dekker, New York, 1984; 528 pp.; price, U.S. $79.95

This book is the second of two volumes which between them cover most aspects of the physical properties of paper and of board. The first volume, after a delightful introduction by Alfred Nissan, concentrates on the theory and tests needed for mechanical parameters. Then the second volume covers interactions with light, response to liquids and gases, electrical and thermal interactions and, finally, miscellaneous physical parameters. For much of this material it is quite independent of Volume 1. The discussion of light interactions is excellent, dealing with the reflectance spectrum, standard illuminants, standard observers, scattering coefficient and the application to papermaking of the Kubelka-Munk theory. It is a first class overview of the subject of colour and in particular the application of colour theory to paper. The four chapters dealing with interactions of liquids and of gases with paper give a good coverage of the subject. Incidentally, tucked away in the chapter on the penetration of non-aqueous liquids is the only presentation of the viscoelastic compressibility behaviour of paper and of board, this being an important aspect of paper in calendering, supercalendering and intaglio printing. The electrical and thermal properties are fairly reasonably presented; there is currently no other single source giving the same coverage. Here, as is also true for some other physical tests, no mention is made of ASTM, IS0 or BSI standard specifications. For example ASTM is particularly good on electrical properties. Serious also is the lack of reference to static electrification. Both xerography and laser printing depend on insulating properties. On the other hand, the build-up of static can cause serious operating problems with, for example, printing presses. Of the remaining chapters the outstanding contribution is that on the subject of “curl”.

There is a very good discussion of test procedures. Perhaps a little more on sample shape would have been useful. The chapter on fibre-fibre bonds is weak. Some of the theory is out-dated and the analysis of maximum theoretical relative bounded area (RBA) is clearly not related to real paper and board. In fact, the simple chemical engineering analysis given by Clarke (Z’uppi, 56 (7) (1973) 122 - 125) relating RBA to apparent density is much more convincing. The final chapter on fibre structure does, unusually, refer a great deal to material in Volume 1. The importance of fibrilar angle and its dramatic variation with the growth rings in a tree make fascinating reading. Much theory is presented in many parts of the book. When all is said and done, the material presented in this book is primarily of use technologically and will not further Man’s knowledge of things in themselves. Regrettably a lot of the theory has little relevance to measurable properties and the behaviour of materials in ordinary use. In conclusion, the contents of the book are of mixed quality. The best parts arise when the authors concentrate on tests relevant to the title rather than wilder flights of fancy. Both volumes cover highly specialized material so, for example, the four volumes of Casey would be more relevant to the chemical engineer working in the pulp and paper industry. Nevertheless, for the specialist laboratory the books are absolutely essential; there is much useful and exciting material here. H. W. KROPHOLLER

Reducing the Carcinogenic Risks in Industry edited by P. F. Deisler; published by Dekker, New York, 1984; 258 pp.; price, U.S. $55

The problem of carcinogenic risks in industry is a difficult and emotive one. This volume gives a balanced, albeit largely American, treatment of the subject and should be helpful to those in the process industries who have responsibilities in this area. The papers cover a review of the overall problem of carcino@ Elsevier Sequoia/Printed in The Netherlands