Fiber properties and their influence on paper structure

When we move our considerations of the components of paper, through the manufacture of paper, to the use of paper, we are analyzing the fundamental properties of paper related to its end uses. Paper as a product has a lot of possibles uses and they are increasing, nevertheless it is very important in secondary products like corrugated board, etc. Every year the paper world production has an increases of approximately 2.6%. For the year 1994 it was 268(.)772,000 tons. and during 1995 this production was 277(.)791,000 t [1]. In Mexico for instance in 1994/2(.)860,162 t and 1995/3'047,153 t plus paper importation is possible to reach a per capita consumption of 35.8 kg (Annex 1)[2]. All paper quality kinds demand some special paper properties, which require technology, human resources and fibers properties. Surely there are fields to investigate by comparing the fundamental properties of paper and board with those of other materials, that is the reason why research must be done, despite the recent difficult times. In hard times its done a distinction on switch of founds from fundamental to applied research and research for immediate development, this is understandable. Nevertheless, to study the relation between fibers and end use performance could well capture and even create a yet unknown market. Rather than adopt the attitude that ''here is paper, let us find markets for it'' such research into the fundamental properties of the product will give one a clearer understanding of how it can satisfy future demands and meet possible future specifications. Because it is in meeting these specifications that the future of the industry must depend, it must be clear that money spent in this way now may not produce immediate quantifiable benefits, but it will produce the essential reserves that will in future be turned to good account by the industry.