Dimensional analysis of absorbency in paper towels: A study of three- and two-dimensional mechanisms

The dimensional absorbency properties of paper towels were studied, focusing on three- and two-dimensional absorption mechanisms. Key factors affecting these absorption mechanisms were identified through a series of experiments and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the water absorption capacity, driven by capillary action (porosity), exhibited differences between two-dimensional surface absorption (in the X and Y directions) and three-dimensional bulk absorption (including the Z direction, or thickness). Porosity analysis revealed that three-dimensional absorbency is highly correlated with porosity, whereas two-dimensional absorbency has a relatively low correlation and is influenced by fiber properties such as length and width, as well as mass-related characteristics including fines content and freeness. The findings highlight the need to balance these dimensional properties to achieve optimal absorbency in paper towel products. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for developing more efficient paper towels and offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of paper towel absorbency, which will aid in the development of improved hygiene paper products.