Surface energetics and acid-base character of sized and unsized paper handsheets

The surface energetics and acid-base character of paper handsheets were investigated using dynamic contact angle analysis. The surface energies were calculated using both geometric and harmonic mean methods. The surface acid-base property was characterized by calculating the work of acid-base interaction according to Fowkes' theory. To evaluate the effect of sizing on the paper surface properties, handsheets with various sizing treatments were studied in comparison with unsized handsheets. It was found that the sizing on the paper handsheets tends to reduce the surface energy and cover the acid-base sites. The results also show that the handsheet surface can be characterized directly using contact angle analysis.