GENERAL PRODUCTS UNDERSTANDING WATER RETENTION IN WOOD FIBRE AT IMPACT INNOVATION WITH HETTICH Researchers at Mpact, one of the leading local paper and plastic packaging manufacturers and recyclers, realised the need to deepen their understanding of the water retention of wood fibres across their paper mills. This important property has been shown to govern certain formation and strength properties of papers. While their laboratory already had the capability for physically analysing fibres and characterising the morphology, they had to find a way to analyse the water retention of the fibres. To do this, they decided to acquire a Hettich Universal 320 benchtop centrifuge supplied by Labotec that would allow them to measure the Water Retention Value (WRV) of wood fibres specifically and relatively easily. Fibre characterisation capabilities The Hettich centrifuge is located at Mpact’s Performance Packaging Innovation Centre in Springs. According to Lead Scientist, Michelle du Preez, this laboratory focuses on the physical testing of paper and paperbased packaging and its function is to support all Mpact operations by providing research, development and technical support services. She added, “the centrifuge is located in the Pulp & Coating section of our laboratory and forms part of our fibre characterisation capabilities. After
Bring some Italian design and flair to your lab with Argolab Wirsam is pleased to announce a new line of Italian-designed magnetic stirrer hotplates, which comply with ISO 9001. All the units have the IP42 protection class (as per DIN EN 60539). The two new models are the Agrolab model M2-A and the Argolab model M2-D Pro digital. Both have 530W heating power, a maximum stirring capacity of 20 litres, a brushless motor, and a stainless steel 135mm diameter hotplate. A heating block for tubes and a round bottom boiling flask stand are available as accessories.
WIRSAM SCIENTIFIC Marketing Department Tel: (011) 482 1060 marketing@wirsam.com www.wirsam.com
developing and validating the test method, we now offer it as part of our analytical services to internal and external customers.” “At the moment, the only test method that has been developed for the centrifuge is for the testing of the water retention value of wood fibres used in the papermaking process. The water retention value is an indication of the extent of fibrillation of the fibre, as well as the swelling ability of the fibre. Both these properties relate to the formation and strength properties of the paper, and hence it provides valuable data that can be used to characterise the raw materials used in our products,” says du Preez. WRV in accordance with ISO 23714:2007 Normally additional centrifuge sample holders for this value are specially manufactured and therefore expensive, but on account of a new centrifuge adapter with sample holder type A.1 as given in ISO 23714:2007, this part was included as a standard accessory. After developing and validating the test method, the centrifuge allows for straightforward measurement of the WRV as it rises and changes during the course of the manufacturing process. This consequently provides valuable information on the impact of the individual steps in the digestion process on the fibres produced,
Analytical Reporter | Issue 4 | 2021
Xihluke Mabasa, Research Technologist from Mpact’s Performance Packaging Innovation Centre in Springs working with the Hettich Universal 320 benchtop centrifuge supplied by Labotec. This centrifuge allows him to measure the Water Retention Value (WRV) of wood fibres specifically and relatively easily.
Future prospects and plans The Mpact Performance Packaging Innovation Centre supports its three company paper divisions; recycling, paper manufacturing and paper converting. Recycling collects recyclable paper, plastics and liquid cartons to recycle these. Paper manufacturing makes virgin and recycled fibre-based packaging and industrial paper grades (such as containerboard), while paper converting makes printed and unprinted converted corrugated products, including board used to manufacture corrugated packaging, corrugated boxes, cases, trays, point-of-sale displays, cups, lids, bags and trays. Mpact’s aim is focused on closing the loop in plastic and paper packaging through recycling and beneficiation of recyclables through innovation. According to Michelle du Preez, “our laboratory has extensive paper strength testing capabilities that have been built up over a number of years. Our focus now is to expand on our pulp, coating and print test capabilities.” LABOTEC (PTY) LTD JHB: (011) 315 5434 CPT: (021) 531 7660 DBN: (031) 566 4870 Fax: (011) 315 5882 sales@labotec.co.za www.labotec.co.za
Eppendorf celebrates the 60th birthday of a pipetting masterstroke 2021 marks a key milestone for anyone working in a lab. 60 years ago, Eppendorf changed the ways of handling liquids by introducing the world’s first piston-stroke pipette. Launched in 1961, the Eppendorf ‘Marburg Pipette’ featured the same basic elements as those found in today’s labs: a spring-loaded piston that stops precisely at a set volume level and a removable pipette tip made of plastic. This alternative to cumbersome and risky mouth pipetting changed scientific research forever and laid the foundation for Eppendorf’s position as a market leader in liquid handling today. Continuing innovation Since then, by applying proven expertise and innovation, Eppendorf has continued to set industry standards in precise manual and automated pipetting and dispensing of small volumes. In 1978, for example, the company redefined liquid handling again with the introduction of the Multipette dispenser with Combitips tips system — the first handheld repetitive dispenser and an entirely new concept of disposable tips with integrated pistons. Still accelerating research Eppendorf has always worked closely with customers to understand their precise needs and develop the right pipette or solution for every application. Over the years, Eppendorf has continued to evolve the pipette through the advent of
8
as well as to what degree the pulp mass is suitable for paper manufacture.
electronic pipetting and automated liquid handling systems to maximise reproducibility when working with micro- and nanoliter volumes. Today, Eppendorf customers can choose from a broad range of instruments, consumables, and services to suit their liquid handling needs and further accelerate their research. 60 Years Pipette Anniversary To celebrate the occasion, Eppendorf has taken a look at how pipetting has evolved over the years and where it is headed for the future of liquid handling. The comprehensive articles series, voices of Eppendorf
customers, a raffle, and more may be found on the Pipette Anniversary website. Join Eppendorf in celebrating the 60 Years Pipette Anniversary at www.eppendorf.com/60-Years.
EPPENDORF MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA FZ-LLC Tel: +971 4 369 2954 info-mena@eppendorf.com www.eppendorf.com/ME-en
