Abstract

The absorbency properties of certain paper products are great important. The basic methods to improve absorbency is the addition of chemical. This method is expensive and cause to loose some absorbent materials due to high shear. In recent years corona discharge treatment were utilized in different application to change surface properties of the materials. In general, corona discharge treatment is carried out on aluminum support. This research objective is to test the effect of Iron (Fe), polyethylene (Pe) and wood (W) support on bibulous paper absorbency capacity. The degree of modification was varied with support media and the time of application period. Changes in the surface chemistry was investigated with Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The signals at 1639 cm^-1, 1020 cm^-1 and 953 cm^-1 was observed. The peak at 1639 cm^-1 intensity grew with the iron support, Pe support caused to shift peak at 953 cm^-1. Water absorbency of paper products changes with the corona discharge treatment. Pe and wood support gave better absorbency capacity. Optical properties of corona treated paper changes with support media. Fe support lowers more than other support media.

Key words: Corona discharge treatment, paper, absorbent papers, absorptivity, gravimetry.