Papermaking Process

Refining

This is where the cellulose fibres pass through a refining process which is vital in the art of papermaking. Before refining, the fibres are stiff, inflexible and form few bonds. The stock is pumped through a conical machine which consists of a series of revolving discs. The violent abrasive and bruising action has the effect of cutting, opening up and declustering the fibres and making the ends divide. This is called fibrillation. In this state, the fibres are pliable and have greater surface area, which significantly improves the fibre bonding. The properties of the paper are directly related to the refining process. Refining used to be called beating.

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