THE DIFFUSION OF WATER-VAPOR THROUGH PULP AND PAPER

The diffusion of water vapour through pulp and paper was investigated experimentally in a diffusion cell. The diffusion cell consisted of two chambers differing in relative humidity. Any given sample was placed as a barrier between the two chambers. Two pulp qualities and eleven paper grades were included in the investigation. The diffusivities measured ranged from 2.1-10(-8) m2/s to 5.4.10(-6) m2/s. Effective vapour diffusivity was found to correlate with the density of the sheet. For five of the paper or pulp grades measurements were performed at different temperatures and relative humidities. In the range of relative humidities investigated, effective vapour diffusivity was found to be independent of relative humidity.