Tensile Index Research Articles

Preparation of Pulp, Microfibrillated Cellulose, and Paper Hand Sheets from Bakong (<i>Hanguana malayana</i> (Jack) Merr.)

Bakong (<i>Hanguana malayana</i> (Jack) Merr.) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows abundantly in certain parts of the Philippines. This study investigates Bakong fibers' potential as a pulp source for papermaking. Furthermore, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) produced from the fibers was used as an additive in the Bakong fiber-based hand sheets at 2%, 6%, and 10% w/w, and their effects on their strength properties were observed. The soda pulping method produced Bakong pulp with a total yield of 47.36%. Proximate chemical analysis showed that the method reduced the lignin content from 13.19% to 8.76%, and the resulting pulp was successfully formed into paper hand sheets. The strength properties of the hand sheets were tested, and the resulting burst index, tear index, tensile index, and folding endurance values were 5.98 kPa/m2∙g, 6.41 mN∙m2/g, 105.97 N∙m/g, and 626 double folds, respectively. Aside from the tear index, the Bakong hand sheets' strength properties were much higher than that of locally produced commercial printing paper. The addition of MFC on the hand sheets negatively affected the burst and tensile index values of the Bakong hand sheets but significantly improved the tear index up to 6% w/w. These results show that the pulp produced from the Bakong fibers can potentially be used as an alternative source of pulp for papermaking, but further optimization of the pulping process is recommended to increase the yield, lower lignin content, and improve compatibility with the MFC.

Synergistic effect of cellulo-xylanolytic and laccase enzyme consortia for improved deinking of waste papers

This study reports the cellulo-xylanolytic cocktail production from Hypocrea lixii GGRK4 using multi-objective genetic algorithm-artificial neural network tool, resulting in 8.32 ± 1.07 IU/mL, 51.53 ± 3.78 IU/mL activity of CMCase and xylanase, respectively with more than 85 % residual activity at 60 °C and pH 6.0. Interestingly, metal ions viz. K+ and Ca2+ stimulated the enzyme activity, whereas Fe2+ and Cu2+ reduced the activity. Significant amounts of hydrophobic compounds, chromophores, and phenolics were released after wastepapers deinking. The deinking efficiency of 73.60 ± 2.45 % and 38.60 ± 1.34 % was obtained for photocopier paper and newspaper, respectively, whereas brightness of 89.90 ± 2.10 % ISO and 44.90 ± 1.63 % ISO was reported for both types of waste papers. The physical strength of deinked photocopier paper and newspapers, i.e., tensile index (3.10 and 0.50 %), tearing index (7.10 and 4.83 %), and burst factor (8.61) were enhanced whereas double fold property was decreased proving wastepaper reusability. This consortium showed effective and significant enzymatic deinking efficiency for recycled wastepapers.

Fracture properties of ultra-thin friction course mixture containing reclaimed asphalt pavement and glass fiber under monotonic and cyclic loading

Ultra-thin friction courses (UTFC) have demonstrated exceptional efficacy in the preventive maintenance of asphalt pavements. Despite this, research into the influence of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and glass fiber on the fracture behavior of UTFC mixtures under cyclic loading is sparse. In response, this study conducted both monotonic loading tests and tension cyclic loading tests on notched semi-circular specimens at a temperature of 25 °C to elucidate the impact of RAP and glass fiber on UTFC’s fracture resistance. The findings revealed that, during monotonic testing, the introduction of RAP appeared to bolster mechanical performance by increasing peak load and tensile stiffness index (TSI). However, RAP diminished the fracture energy, with the concurrent addition of RAP and glass fiber resulting in further compromise to fracture resistance. Conversely, in the cyclic loading tests operated under load control, the integration of RAP positively influenced fatigue life. Furthermore, the addition of 0.1 % glass fiber (identified as H-25R-0.1F) also improved fatigue life, highlighting its beneficial role in augmenting fatigue endurance. When compared to the mixture devoid of RAP, the inclusion of 25 % and 50 % RAP led to substantial increases in cumulative dissipated energy by 101 % and 398 %, respectively. These results suggest that both RAP and glass fiber have nuanced effects on the fracture and fatigue properties of UTFC mixtures, with potential implications for their application in roadway construction and rehabilitation. Minimum rate of cumulative dissipated energy change (RCDEC_min) could be used to characterize the fatigue performance. The lower the RCDEC_min, the larger the fatigue life. There existed a power law relationship between RCDEC_min and fatigue life, which was independent of the mixture type. Compared to the cumulative dissipated energy method, the maximum displacement method may be more suitable to characterize the damage evolution during the fatigue test.

Feasibility of recycling the filtrate from acidified black liquor for alkaline pulping of golden bamboo grass

To reduce energy consumption, a new pulping process called A-D-E-RC (acidification/desalination/electrolysis/recycle-cooking) was developed by a research group in Guangxi University of China. The present work focuses on the step of recycle cooking (RC) to further investigate the technical feasibility of A-D-E-RC methods. Golden bamboo grass was considered as fiber source material for pulp, and it was cooked with the acidic treating of wastewater from black liquor. Then, the pulp obtained from each cooking was made into paper to test the changes in its physical properties. As a result, the pulp yield increased from 43.9% to 50.2%, after re-using acidified black liquor, and the paper’s tear index and tensile index were improved. Therefore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of recycle cooking (RC) fiber materials for pulp applied the acidic treating wastewater from black liquor, and thereby, it further identifies the technical feasibility of A-D-E-RC pulping methods.

Hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation effects on properties of cellulose fibers

The cellulose pulp refining process is crucial for achieving high-quality paper characteristics. This research aims to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining good fiber quality using hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation (HAC). Experiments were conducted with an in-house developed flow-through sonicator combined with a novel Venturi nozzle for hydrodynamic cavitation. The Venturi design was determined by analytical modeling and verified by CFD simulation with multi-phase turbulence models to balance cavitation intensity and turbulence against the acoustic cavitation effect. Experimental evaluation of two batches of CTMP fibers, pre-processed in different ways, showed significant improvements in paper strength and fiber properties. The best results for Batch 1 (HC and LC) were obtained with 386 kWh/bdt for AC and 350 kWh/bdt for HC (60 °C, 2 % concentration). The tensile strength index increased by 26 %, and the TEA-index, related to freeness, increased by 55 %. HAC treatment (750 kWh/bdt, 70 °C, 1.5 % concentration) of the less refined Batch2 (HC) yielded results better than the Batch 1 reference. These findings confirm the energy-efficient potential of the sonicator concept compared to traditional industrial processes. The conclusion is that HAC-refining of softwood pulp requires a proper balance between hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation intensities. Both fiber concentration by weight and temperature are critical for an energy-efficient process.

Reinforcements of cationic polyvinyl alcohol with low dosage for secondary fibre

ABSTRACT The effect of polyvinyl alcohol, a green water-soluble polymer, usually is not satisfied as a secondary-fiber reinforcing agent in pulp and paper-making industry due to the same negative charges of PVA and pulp fiber. In this study, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride was used as an etherifying agent to prepare cationic modification of polyvinyl alcohol (CPVA) with degree of etherification of 0.059 under a reaction time of 4 hours and n(PVA : etherifying agent) = 1 : 0.5. Compared with PVA, CPVA exhibits positive charge and smaller particle size, enabling it to effectively combine with negatively charged fibers and get in between the fibers. As a result, CPVA demonstrates a remarkable ability to improve the paper’s physical properties. With a dosage of only 0.2% CPVA (based on the absolute dry pulp), which is merely 1/10 of the dosage of PVA, CPVA increases the paper’s tensile index by 54.09%, burst index by 25.96%, and tear index by 21.09%. CPVA as a reinforcing agent for secondary fiber pulps, which can be attributed to the alteration in charge, to enhance CPVA’s affinity for the electrostatic interaction of the fibers. Consequently, CPVA emerges as a viable and eco-friendly enhancement solution, demonstrating significant potential in secondary fiber reuse.

Microstructure and properties of metal inert gas welded joints in a novel Al–Mg–Zn–Er–Zr alloy

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding of a novel Al-5.82Mg-0.61Zn-0.14Er-0.11Zr alloy was performed using ER5E61 and ER5B71 filler wires. The effect of the two filler wires on microstructures and mechanical properties of MIG welded joints was investigated. The study shows that fully penetrated joints are obtained by MIG welding process filled with ER5E61 and ER5B71 wires. Compared with ER5B71, the weld metal (WM) with ER5E61 exhibits a coarse structure and high solid solution of Mg and Mn elements. After the tensile test, the WM with ER5E61 and ER5B71 wires is composed of elongated coarse grains with a higher proportion of low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs). In addition, the lattice rotation occurring within the grains, indicating that single grain has an unevenly plastic deformation after the tensile test. The average microhardness of the WM is 83.4 HV and 82.9 HV for ER5E61 and ER5B71 wire, which is the lowest microhardness in the MIG welded joint. The average ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation index (EI) of the MIG joints are 327.7 MPa and 8.5% for ER5E61 wire, and 314.3 MPa and 8.2% for ER5B71 wire, suggesting the MIG welded joint with ER5E61 wire achieves a good combination of strength and ductility. Quantitative assessments of the effects of different strengthening mechanisms on the strength reveal that dislocation strengthening and solid solute strengthening are the main factors to obtain a higher strength of welded joints with ER5E61.

Evaluasi Indeks Tarik dan Indeks Sobek pada Bleaching Pulp: Pengaruh Hidrogen Peroksida (H2O2), Klorin Dioksida (ClO2) dan Suhu

Indonesia is one of the leading Pulp and paper producers globally, with an estimated annual growth rate of 3.5%. However, domestic production has not yet fully met the domestic needs and export demand for paper. Currently, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are the primary bleaching agents used in Pulp and paper production. This research aims to evaluate the effects of H2O2, ClO2, and temperature on product quality parameters, specifically the tensile and tear indices. The variations of ClO2 used are 2%, 0.4%, and 0.7%; H2O2 concentrations are 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%; and the temperatures used are 75°C and 85°C. The study found that the addition of ClO2 at a concentration of 0.7% resulted in the highest tensile index of 76.9 N.m/g and a tear index of 3.5 m.N.m²/g. The addition of H2O2 at a concentration of 0.1% resulted in a tensile index of 83.9 N.m/g and a tear index of 9.4 m.N.m²/g. Temperature variations did not significantly affect the tensile and tear indices, with the tensile index reaching 9.35 m.N.m²/g. The addition of H2O2 is essential as it enhances the bleaching process and improves the mechanical properties of the Pulp, which is beneficial for optimizing bleaching conditions to enhance product quality, thus meeting both domestic needs and export demands.

Plastic-free, oil- and water-resistant paper for food packing

Abstract Traditional food packaging coated paper is not environmentally friendly, and there have been many studies on oil- and water-resistant paper for food packaging. However, preparing oil- and water-resistant paper that is plastic-free, fluorine-free, and environmentally friendly is still a significant challenge. In this study, oil- and water-resistant paper for food packaging are prepared by layer-by-layer assembly and mixing coating methods. The layer-by-layer assembly coated paper exhibits excellent water resistance (Cobb 60 value of 20.5 g/m2, water contact angle value of 132°). The mixed coated paper not only has good water resistance (Cobb 60 value of 27.1 g/m2, water contact angle value of 131°), but also has excellent oil resistance (kit rating value of 8/12). The oil-resistant and waterproof mechanism of the coated paper is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the mechanical performance and coating adhesion of the mixed coated paper are the best, with an increase in the tensile index of 73.1 %. This study provides a feasible strategy for preparing biodegradable, plastic-free, and fluorine-free food packaging oil- and water-resistant paper, which is beneficial for reducing plastic pollution.

Kombucha fungus bio-coating for improving mechanical and antibacterial properties of cellulose composites

Some microorganisms can produce biofilm to create survival conditions. These biofilms are highly resistant to different environmental conditions, and dealing with them is challenging. However, it significantly increases bacterial resistance. Hence, most relevant articles focus on destroying and preventing microorganisms' biofilm creation, and very few articles have been written on the use of microorganism biofilm for manufacturing (especially biocomposite manufacturing). Also, biofilm production by microorganisms on the intended surface (bio-coating process) is challenging. This study planned the conditions so kombucha fungus produces biofilm on a cellulose layer (bio-coating on the surface). As a result of this action, Kombucha biofilm created a biocomposite with good barrier properties and mechanical properties (tensile index: 59 k Nm/kg, burst index: 4.8 kPa.m2/g, air permeability: 189 ml/min, porosity percentage: %10, density: 0.85 gr/cm3, contact angle:72°)The composite has such strong antibacterial properties that a significant inhibition zone was formed in the well diffusion test, and a semi-inhibition zone was also observed. This inhibition zone for the Gram-positive pathogen (S. aureus) was 10.2 mm, close to the tetracycline control sample (11 mm). (the other antibacterial test results for S. aureus: MIC:15 µl, MBC:25 µl,R-number:8,and for E.coli MIC: 15 µl, MBC:25 µl, R-number7: inhibition zone:7.4 mm) These results, along with the results of the permeability and mechanical tests, further demonstrate the operational success of this surface modification. Also, due to its properties, this biocomposite can be suggested for use in wound dressing, pharmaceutical coating, and protecting food with high nutritional value and perishability.

Preparation of composite food packaging paper through surface self-assembly of regenerated cellulose/chitosan

Regenerated cellulose and chitosan were deposited by self-assembly onto the surface of cellulose base paper to prepare an oil-resistant food packaging paper (ORFPP). The ORFPP exhibited favorable barrier properties to oil and water, and also had good mechanical properties and thermal stability. The cellulose base paper was coated with a 3 wt% solution of regenerated cellulose and then impregnated with a solution of chitosan. Optimum conditions were found to be a 3 min impregnation time, with two impregnations, in a 1 wt% impregnation solution (paper termed ORFPP (3−2-1)). The coated weight of the ORFPP (3−2−1) was 11.76 g/m2 and the oil resistance grade (Kit rating) was 11.6. The tensile index of the ORFPP (3−2−1) increased by 135.14 % and its performance as a barrier to water vapor increased by 78.54 %, compared with the base paper. This study paves the way for the preparation of new environmentally friendly food packaging materials.

Effect of Commercial Cationic Starch on Paper Properties Made from Recycled Pulp

The production of packaging paper is growing steadily annually globally. Packaging paper such as liner paper and medium paper are mainly made from recycled pulp. The strength of pulp deteriorated over the cycle of recycling. To ensure the packaging paper strength produced from recycled paper is up to par, the additive is mandatory. Starch is one of the common and economical additives used in papermaking. In this research, the performance of commercial cationic starch as an additive in packaging papermaking is evaluated. 4 different percentages of starch, including 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, were studied. Five replicates of 60gsm hand sheets were produced for each level, and 0% was introduced as a control. The properties such as thickness, Canadian Standard Freeness Test, Cobb test, tensile index, folding endurance, and tear index were evaluated according to the TAPPI Standard. From the result, an 8% dosage of this commercial cationic starch exhibited the best performance in mechanical tests without compromising the drainage of water significantly.

Wheat straw as base paper for barrier coating

A smooth and dense surface of the base paper is advantageous when the goal is to apply a liquid coating as a barrier layer. For such a base paper, non-wood fibers derived from wheat straw could be an alternative to wood fibers. In this research paper, wheat straw pulp was refined with different beating levels (up to 600 revolutions) followed by different calendering pressure loads (up to 50 N/mm) to test its influence on mechanical and surface properties. Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) was used as sizing agent with concentrations up to 0.2 wt% followed by a mineral-based precoating to test its influence on the smoothness. Eucalyptus pulp was chosen as a benchmark. After beating, the initial Schopper-Riegler degrees of 28 °SR increased to 56 °SR. Beating also increased the tensile index from 24 to 49 Nm/g, the burst index from 1.2 to 2.8 kPa·m²/g, and the tear index decreased from 3.3 to 2.8 mN·m2/g. Calendering reduced the initial roughness of 370 mL/min to 30 mL/min. When precoated and calendered again, the value was lowered to 15 mL/min. In summary, wheat straw paper is a relevant alternative to wood-derived base paper to produce barrier papers. Compared to eucalyptus, wheat straw paper showed better smoothness and much lower air permeability indicating excellent suitability for barrier coating.

Utilization of Areca leaf residues for sustainable production of greyboard

This study primarily focused on the production of greyboard using waste materials from small scale industries, and specifically using Areca leaf waste fibers as a sustainable and environmentally friendly resource. Areca leaf waste fibers were employed as the primary raw material for greyboard manufacturing. The resulting greyboard exhibited commendable properties, including a tear index of 7.53 mN·m2/g, tensile index of 18.34·N·m/g (i.e., breaking length of 1870 m), burst factor of 9.24 (gf/cm2)/(g/m2) and stiffness factor of 33.1. This greyboard was created through a series of steps, including hydrothermal treatment of the material at 155°C and mechanical pulping refinement. The produced greyboard met the specifications outlined in the Indian Standard 2617 (1967) for greyboard. The key objective of this work was to leverage agricultural waste resources to develop a chemical-free greyboard, resulting in reduced waste disposal in open fields and a decrease in chemical usage within the greyboard manufacturing industry. Various characterization techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), attenuated total reflection•Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), were used to assess the fiber quality, including aspects such as functional groups, morphology, and crystallinity for the materials used in the manufacturing process.

Understanding polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin (PAAE) retention in paper

Polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin (PAAE) is a permanent wet strength resin used in papermaking. When applied to paperboard, some amount of resin is retained in the sheet, and some is lost to the white water. The papermaker usually knows the amount of PAAE charged to the pulp but has no idea how much chemical is retained in the sheet. In addition, the influence of PAAE dosage, freeness, zeta potential, and pulp kappa number variability on PAAE retention is not well understood. Factorial design experiments using unbleached and bleached softwood (loblolly pine) kraft pulps were conducted to understand the factors that affect PAAE retention. The results revealed that PAAE retention, wet tear index, and tensile index not only depended on the PAAE charged of the pulp but also depended significantly on the pulp freeness. In lieu of freeness, zeta potential data can be used to predict PAAE retention. In addition, at similar freeness, bleached pulp has the highest retention of PAAE compared to low and high kappa unbleached kraft pulps. The results also suggest that lignin may have potential as a wet strength agent.

Recycling kaolin from paper waste and assessment of its application for paper coating

In the cellulose industry, the paper coating process plays an essential role in reducing manufacturing costs while increasing the quality of the products. Given that cellulose products are being used increasingly, the ability to recycle and reuse these materials might be highly beneficial in this industry. Thus, kaolin—one of the most commonly utilized ingredients in the cellulose industry that has a major impact on the final quality—was recycled from paper waste for this study. Then, to confirm the successful recycling process, the particle distribution, morphology, and chemical composition of recycled kaolin were analyzed by DLS, SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRF, and XRD. The related results verified the recycled kaolin's high purity and crystallinity. Subsequently, coatings with thicknesses of 30, 60, 90, and 120 μm were applied to paper using a suspension of recycled kaolin. Their mechanical properties (burst strength and tensile strength), permeability (air passage, the amount of which indicates the porosity of the paper structure), wettability (the contact angle can reveal the wetting ability of the paper), and water absorbance (the Cobb test) were then assessed. The pertinent findings demonstrated that applying a coating considerably improves paper quality. So, a coating with a thickness of 30 µm is superior to uncoated paper. In addition, among all the coating thicknesses, the treatment with the best mechanical strength, permeability, contact angle, and Cob value values had a coating thickness of 120 µm. The corresponding values for the tensile index, burst index, air passage amount, and contact angle are 70 kNm/kgr, 3.61kPa m2/gr, 680 ml/min, and 46֯ ±2. Consequently, the 120 µm-thickness treatment was determined to be the most effective one in this investigation.

Alkaline Pulping of Red Meranti (Shorea selanica Blume)

The suitability for papermaking of red meranti (Shorea selanica Blume) wood for three alkaline pulping processes i.e soda, soda-anthraquinone (AQ), and kraft was studied. The fiber morphology and chemical properties were also examined. Cooks were made for 20% (as Na2O) activate alkali. The resulting pulp and paper properties were investigated. The basic density of red meranti was 0.42 g/cm3 and can be classified to be of medium density. The fibre proportion (67.14%) and fibre length (1.07 mm) of red meranti in this study were within the range of tropical hardwoods. The derived values for Runkel ratio, slender ratio, and flexibility coefficient were 0.54, 54.93, and 0.62, respectively. Furthermore, total extractives, lignin, and cellulose contents as well as solubility in 1% NaOH were 5.17%, 31.05%, 45.20%, and 26.02%, respectively. The alkaline pulps showed low kappa number (16~22) and reject level (0.5~1.5%) with the best results for screened yield (47.41%) being achieved in soda pulping. With regard to strength and optical properties of the paper hand-sheets, soda-AQ pulping showed the highest value in burst index (2.36 KPa m2/g), tear index (8.47 + 1.13 mNm2/g), and brightness (19.81%), whereas kraft pulping gave the best result in tensile index (28.39 Nm/g). The comparatively low values of yield and strength properties in kraft pulping might be due to overcooking in this experiment.

Pulp and Paper Characteristics of Five Lesser-known Species in Kalimantan: Effects of Re-beating

Five lesser-known species from natural forests in Central Kalimantan, viz., cempaka (Michelia champaca Linn), mentawa (Artocarpus rigidus Blume), menjalin (Xanthophyllum excelsum Miq.), kempili (Lithocarpus elegans (Blume) Hatus. Ex Soepadmo), and sempori (Dillenia sp.) were evaluated in the laboratory for their specific gravity, fiber morphology, pulping and papermaking properties. In addition, their properties after three-phase beating were also evaluated from a recycled paper point of view. The specific gravity and fiber length range were 0.58~0.68 and 1239~2479 μm, respectively. The highest value in specific gravity was observed in menjalin wood, while the longest fiber was observed in sempori. Kraft pulping with 14% active alkali (as Na2O), 23% sulfidity, 2 h at the maximum temperature showed that the highest screened yield was determined in cempaka wood (44.29%) with a kappa number of 17.6. The freeness ranges of unbeaten pulp were 675~780m mL CSF. The freeness ranges of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd beating were 539~630 mL, 235~275 mL, and 220~230 mL CSF, respectively. The 1st beating exhibited the best mechanical properties. Among the species, cempaka, kempili, and mentawa showed comparatively high tensile (57~60 Nm/g) and burst index (2.6~3.4 KPa m2/g), whereas the highest value for tear index (5.02 mNm2/g) was observed in sempori. A considerable decrease in fiber length, slenderness ratio, and mechanical properties of the paper was observed with an increased beating number. These findings suggest that cutting the fibers or decreasing the slenderness ratio was the main factor causing the strength to decrease.

Alkaline treatment and fractionation of OCC for strength improvement

Abstract The main drawback of recycled fibers is the deterioration of fiber bonding dependent papermaking properties (like tensile, tear and burst indexes) due to the hornification effect, as a results of drying during papermaking. In order to improve the papermaking properties through increasing fiber bonding, an alkaline treatment of Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) followed by fractionation were carried out in this investigation. Alkaline treatment dissolved 6.6 % organics (carbohydrates and lignin) and fibers became wider as a results of fiber swelling. The alkali treatment decreased fines from 39.9 % to 28.5 %, consequently, decreased drainage resistance from 26 °SR to 21 °SR. The papermaking properties of OCC pulp increased on alkaline treatment. Fiber fractionation of alkaline treated OCC further increased papermaking properties. At 40 °SR value, the tensile index, burst index and tear index of alkaline treated longer fiber fraction was 49 N m/g, 3.2 kPa m2/g, 7.2 mN m2/g, respectively while it was 40.4 N m/g, 2.1 kPa m2/g and 6.1 kPa m2/g, for non-treated longer fiber fraction, respectively.

Surface modification of TiO2 with MPS and its effects on the wettability and physical properties of Kawayan Kiling (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad ex. Wendl) handsheets

The need for hydrophobic papers has steadily increased over past years. These papers are often sought after as packaging materials and have high demand in the food industry and medicine. In this study, various concentrations of surface-modified TiO2-MPS were added to Kawayan Kiling (B. vulgaris) pulp at the wet-end section of handsheet formation. Surface-modified TiO2-MPS was made from nano-titanium (IV) oxide using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as a coupling agent. The wettability of handsheets and physical properties were tested using various standard methods. Results reveal that the handsheets without surface-modified TiO2-MPS had the lowest water contact angle (WCA), while the handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) surface-modified TiO2-MPS had the highest WCA. At 17% (w/w) surface-modified TiO2-MPS, the WCA rapidly declined. Handsheets with surface-modified TiO2-MPS have a rougher surface compared to the handsheets without chemicals and handsheets with unmodified TiO2. This roughness made the handsheet hydrophobic. The handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) unmodified TiO2 has a smoother surface than the control handsheet. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis shows that the handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) unmodified TiO2 contained titanium, while the handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) surface-modified TiO2-MPS contained both titanium and silicon. Generally, the physical properties of handsheets improved with surface-modified TiO2-MPS, especially grammage, bulk thickness, tensile index, and water absorptiveness, which showed statistically sig-nificant differences across treatments. The tear index did not differ between treatments.