3D fiber models to simulate and optimize tissue materials

Abstract

Tissue materials development using 3D computational tools to predict the influence of the combination of different fibers can be employed in the design of innovative tissue products and furnish optimization. Fibrous materials can be designed using different 3D fiber models for each type of fibers, detailed to the point where the wall fiber thickness, fiber lumen, and collapse degree are considered and presented in this work. Eucalyptus, Pinus, and Picea kraft cellulose pulp fibers were selected because they are representative of differentiated fiber types. The fiber morphological measurements were obtained using two methods: one uses the fibers in suspension, without restraints, and the other uses a capillary fiber alignment. The results indicate good repeatability for both methods but differences of 14% for fiber length weighted in length, 2% for fiber width, 11% for coarseness, 35% for curl, and 88% for fines content. Scanning electron microscopy images were used to identify the fiber dimensions inside the tissue structure. Four different types of fiber models for eucalyptus fibers, with different fiber wall thickness and lumen dimensions, were presented and used to predict 3D computational fibrous structures.