<title>Surface structure analysis of paper based on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging: aiming at the prediction of printability for wood-containing paper</title>

Abstract

The printability of newsprint and liner is addressed through the analysis of CLSM images. The surface topography and porous structure of the paper are physical properties heavily correlated with the paper's formation, and, hence, important factors affecting the printability of the paper. The surface 3D structure of the paper is measured by using topographic CLSM images from which the pore size distribution can be estimated using image analysis. The experimental results have both been compared to a theoretical model of the cross-sectional area of void volumes in paper and also with paper physics measurements, specially related to the offset print-through problem. Good correlations have been found, and results so far are promising, but still there is a need for improved analysis of the 3D structure of paper, both on the measurement and modeling side.