Analysis of starch distribution in the paper cross-section by Raman microscopy.

Enrico Pigorsch, Matthias Finger, Steffen Thiele, Eike Brunner

PTS Papiertechnische Stiftung, Pirnaer Strasse 37, D-01809 Heidenau, Germany. enrico.pigorsch@ptspaper.de

Applied spectroscopy 2013 Jan

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A new Raman microscopy approach was developed to analyze the starch distribution of paper cross-sections in a faster and more specific way than is possible with the currently used iodine-staining method. Raman images were recorded and analyzed from cross-sections of cellulose hand sheets surface-sized with 1% or 2% starch solutions and with different film thicknesses. In addition, Raman imaging analysis of the starch distribution was performed on two industrial papers, an abrasive base paper and a surface-sized recycling paper. The visualization and the quantitative analysis of the starch distribution were performed by using the intensity changes of the Raman starch band at 855 cm(-1) and by principal component analysis. Distribution curves were calculated from the intensity data and compared for the samples with different starch concentrations and with results obtained from iodine-stained cross-sections of the same samples. The results of this study demonstrate the great potential and the new possibilities of Raman microscopy for studying the z-distribution of chemical components and additives in paper.

Citation

Enrico Pigorsch, Matthias Finger, Steffen Thiele, Eike Brunner. Analysis of starch distribution in the paper cross-section by Raman microscopy. Applied spectroscopy. 2013 Jan;67(1):59-65