RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPY IN THE ANALYSIS OF DIRT SPOTS AND DEPOSITS

Raman spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for investigating the deposits formed in papermaking processes, as explained in the research work on pages 196-199. The spectra obtained reveal not just components derived from wood, but also fillers, certain auxiliary chemicals and the coating and latex materials originating from recycled broke. The method can be used for direct measurement without the need for sample preparation, and is applicable to many different types of deposit. The authors believe that in the future it might also be possible to measure stickies direct from the surfaces of machine components at the mill using a simple, portable Raman instrument.