ProSoft™ softeners and debonders
One of the most desirable attributes of toilet tissue and facial tissue is softness. Overall softness is a combination of two properties: surface softness and bulk softness. While some improvements to these properties can be achieved through furnish selection and process optimization, significant improvements are possible with the use of softeners and debonders. Before selecting a softener or a debonder it is important to identify which softness property needs to be improved. Softeners and debonders will affect both properties but generally a softener improves surface softness and a debonder improves bulk softness.
ProSoft softeners and debonders include a wide range of products that significantly improve the softness of tissue products. ProSoft softeners improve surface softness by plasticizing and lubricating individual tissue fibers. This conditioning lowers the coefficient of friction between fibers and ultimately creates an improvement in hand feel. ProSoft debonders improve bulk softness by increasing the flexibility of the sheet. The increased flexibility is achieved by separating fiber-to-fiber bonding sites with cationically charged hydrophobic compounds. ProSoft products that improve both surface softness and bulk softness are also available. The desired finished properties of the sheet will determine which ProSoft product to use.
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Product Availability
- Asia Pacific
- Europe, Middle East, Africa, India
- Latin America and South America
- North America
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ProSoft softeners and debonders significantly improve the softness of tissue products. Commercial applications confirm this and typically result in a number of value-added benefits.
● Improved surface softness
● Improved bulk softness
● Improved hand feel
● Increased sheet flexibility
● Enhanced creping efficiency
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ServicesAshland offers a variety of services which complement this product.
Customer Analytical Services
Ashland Water Technologies’ Customer Analytical Services team is dedicated to helping customers address the multitude of contaminants that can negatively impact the efficiency and reliability of their water-based systems. The team is made up of an experienced staff of analytical chemists, microbiologists and technicians and is supported by sophisticated testing equipment that provides rapid analysis and identification of contaminants beyond what may be accomplished with field-based methods. Key services provided by the team include fluid analysis, deposit analysis, microbiological analysis and metallurgical analysis.
Papermaking Services
Continuous pilot papermaking systems are the cornerstones of Ashland Water Technologies’ Papermaking Services group. The primary purpose of our papermaking operations is to provide papermakers with insights and solutions to problems and opportunities related to the effects of additives and system changes on wet-laid products and processes. Our facilities are equipped to conduct trials that predict commercial system performance.
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Method of Application
ProSoft softeners can either be added internally to the stock system or sprayed onto the surface of the sheet prior to creping. With internal addition it is important to dilute the softener with fresh water to achieve good fiber contact and maximum performance. When applied via spray, softeners are typically sprayed onto the felt-supported sheet just prior to transfer onto the Yankee cylinder.
ProSoft debonders are added internally to the stock system with fresh water dilution. This optimizes contact with the fibers and maximizes efficiency. The actual dosage level depends on fiber selection and the degree of bulk softness desired.