CN115702275A - Improved cellulose-based material and tank made of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cellulose-based material and a box using the cellulose-based material. More specifically, the present disclosure provides cellulose-based materials that include strength-enhancing agents, and improved boxes made with the strength-enhanced cellulose-based materials.

Description

Improved cellulose-based material and boxes made from the same

technical field

The present disclosure relates to cellulose-based materials, and more particularly to boxes to which the cellulose-based materials are applied. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cellulose-based materials that include strength-enhancing agents, and improved boxes made with the strength-enhanced cellulose-based materials.

Background technique

Boxes are used to store, transport and protect large quantities of products from damage. Typically, such boxes may be stacked on top of each other during normal use, thereby subjecting certain boxes within the stack to significant weight loads. Therefore, the strength of the box and the material constituting the box is extremely important.

In addition, environmental factors must be considered when designing the tank. For example, boxes comprising cellulose fibers swell as the fibers absorb water, weakening the box. Therefore, boxes used in high relative humidity activities (eg, food supply chains) must be prepared with sufficient strength properties to avoid weakening due to wet conditions.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides cellulose-based materials and tanks fabricated therefrom that address desirable strength and performance issues known in the art. Cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure include cellulosic fibers wherein the cellulosic fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical and ii) a wet strength chemical. Additionally, cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure may be used in the tanks described herein.

The cellulose-based materials and boxes of the present disclosure offer several advantages and improvements over the prior art. First, cellulose-based materials comprising cellulose fibers treated with both dry-strength chemicals and wet-strength chemicals provided significant strength improvements (i.e., significantly less strength loss) that were observed in cellulose-based materials It can be observed in boxes made of cellulose-based materials. Again, strength improvements can be observed under conditions of high relative humidity to provide significant advantages for activities performed under such humid conditions. Furthermore, the cellulose-based materials and boxes of the present disclosure are renewable, repulpable, and capable of recycling, which is highly desirable from an environmental standpoint. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of strength improvement was observed for tanks prepared using a combination of both dry strength chemical formulations and wet strength formulations in cellulose based materials. This synergy was surprising and unexpected.

In an illustrative embodiment, a cellulose-based material comprising cellulose fibers is provided. For these examples, cellulosic fibers were treated with i) dry strength chemicals and ii) wet strength chemicals.

In an illustrative embodiment, a case is provided that includes a cellulose-based material that includes cellulose fibers. For these examples, cellulosic fibers were treated with i) dry strength chemicals and ii) wet strength chemicals.

Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the illustrative embodiments illustrating the best mode currently realized for carrying out the disclosure.

Description of drawings

The detailed description refers in particular to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view of an exemplary containerboard formed from the cellulose-based materials described herein. As shown in Figure 1, two linerboard components are provided for the outer layer of the boxboard and one core component is provided for the inner grooved layer which is sinusoidal curved shape.

Figure 2 shows that the BCT at 85% relative humidity is higher for boxes made using a combination of dry strength chemical formulations plus wet strength formulations in a cellulose based material.

Figure 3 shows that a synergistic strength improvement is observed for tanks made using a combination of dry strength chemical formulations plus wet strength formulations in a cellulose based material.

Figure 4 shows that the inclusion of dry strength chemistry plus wet strength chemistry showed an increase in SCT when normalized to 36 lbs/1000 sq. ft. compared to other cellulose based materials that did not include dry strength chemistry.

Figure 5 shows that a synergistic strength improvement is observed for tanks prepared using a combination of dry strength chemical formulations plus wet strength formulations in a cellulose based material.

Detailed ways

In one illustrative aspect, a cellulose-based material is provided. The cellulose-based material comprises cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical and ii) a wet strength chemical.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is a paper-based material. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is paper. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is paperboard. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is the medium. A "core layer" is well known in the art as the inner layer of a boxboard. For example, in some embodiments, the core layer may be grooved and/or sinusoidal in shape. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is a liner. "Facing" is well known in the art as the outer layer of the boxboard. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is boxboard. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is renewable. For example, it is known in the art that cellulose-based materials are certified for recycling. One such example of certification is through the FBA (Fibre Box Association) and various certifications are well known in the art.

In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers comprise virgin fibers. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers include regenerated fibers. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers include a combination of virgin fibers and recycled fibers. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers can be recycled. In one aspect, the cellulose-based material can be recycled.

The combination of virgin fiber and recycled fiber may fall in one of several different ranges. This combination can be one of the following ranges (wherein the total percentage is 100%): about 1% to about 99% virgin fiber and about 1% to about 99% recycled fiber, about 5% to about 95% virgin fiber and about 5% to about 95% recycled fiber, about 10% to about 90% virgin fiber and about 10% to about 90% recycled fiber, about 15% to about 85% virgin fiber and about 15% to about 85% Regenerated fiber, about 20% to about 80% virgin fiber and about 20% to about 80% recycled fiber, about 25% to about 75% virgin fiber and about 25% to about 75% recycled fiber, about 30% to about 70% virgin fiber and about 30% to about 70% recycled fiber, about 35% to about 65% virgin fiber and about 35% to about 65% recycled fiber, about 40% to about 60% virgin fiber and about 40% to about 60% recycled fiber, about 45% to about 55% virgin fiber and about 45% to about 55% recycled fiber, about 48% to about 52% virgin fiber and about 48% to about 52% recycled fiber, And about 50% virgin fiber and about 50% recycled fiber.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation includes an aldehyde functionalized polymer. In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation includes glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM). GPAM can be supplied, for example, as Solenis Hercobond Plus 555 (aka BASF Luredur Plus 555), as Solenis Hercobond Plus HC (aka BASF LuredurPlus HC), or in other GPAM formulations known in the art.

In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 16 lbs/ton. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at 2 lbs/ton dry weight. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at 4 lbs/ton dry weight. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at 6 lbs/ton dry weight. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

In one aspect, the wet strength chemistry includes a polyamide resin. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is a polyamidoamine epihalohydrin resin. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is selected from the group consisting of EPI-polyamide resins, polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins (PAE), and epichlorohydrin polyamide resins. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is a polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE). Wet strength chemicals may be supplied, for example, as Kymene 1500LV, as Nalco 63642, or in other wet strength chemical formulations known in the art.

In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 32 lbs/ton. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 16 lbs/ton. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 2 lbs/ton dry weight. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 4 lbs/ton dry weight. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 6 lbs/ton dry weight. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

In one embodiment, the cellulosic fibers are treated with a sizing agent. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is an internal sizing agent. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is a surface sizing agent. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA). In one embodiment, the sizing agent is rosin. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is alkyl ketene dimer (AKD).

In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers are treated with both the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical. In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers are sequentially treated with the dry strength chemical and then the wet strength chemical in either order. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers are treated with dry strength chemicals and wet strength chemicals separately. In one aspect, the dry strength chemistry and the wet strength chemistry are combined prior to treating the cellulosic fibers.

In one embodiment, cellulosic fibers are treated with an enzyme preparation. In one embodiment, the enzyme preparation includes a polypeptide having amylase activity. In one embodiment, the cellulosic fibers are not treated with an enzyme preparation.

In one aspect, cellulosic fibers are treated with an anionic surface formulation. In one aspect, the anionic surface formulation is anionic polyacrylamide. In one aspect, the anionic surface formulation is a copolymer of acrylamide and an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer that is (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers are not treated with an anionic surface formulation.

It has been determined that the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure have certain properties. For example, cellulose-based materials have a certain basis weight. Basis weight is generally understood in the field of papermaking to mean the mass per unit area of cellulose-based material. For example, a cellulose-based material of the present disclosure may be compared to a comparative cellulose-based material of similar basis weight, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material lacks wet strength chemistry, lacks dry strength chemistry, or both lacks wet strength chemistry and dry strength chemicals.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength (SCT). Means for evaluating the compressive strength of cellulose-based materials by SCT (also known as "STFI") are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material having the basis weight but lacking dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry produced on a paper machine. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at high relative humidity. For example, "high relative humidity" may refer to 50% or greater relative humidity, 55% or greater relative humidity, 60% or greater relative humidity, 65% or greater relative humidity, 70% or Greater relative humidity Humidity, 75% relative humidity or greater, 80% relative humidity or greater, 85% relative humidity or greater, 90% relative humidity or greater, or 95% relative humidity or greater Relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT is greater than that of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the dry strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT is greater than that of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the SCT of the cellulose-based material compared to a comparative cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at high relative humidity. The synergistic increase in SCT of the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure, which was previously unexpected, is demonstrated in subsequent examples.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a Short Span Compressive Strength Index (SCT Index). In general, it is well known in the art to determine the SCT index of a cellulose-based material by dividing the average SCT value of the cellulose-based material by the average basis weight of the cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, the SCT Index is greater than a comparative SCT Index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine having the basis weight but lacking dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry . In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT Index is greater than a comparative SCT Index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the dry strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT Index is greater than a comparative SCT Index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the SCT index of the cellulose-based material compared to a comparative cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at high relative humidity. The synergistic increase in SCT index of the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure is demonstrated in the examples that follow, and it was unexpected.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a Concora value. Means for evaluating the flat press performance of cellulose-based materials by Concora are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry . In one embodiment, greater values of said Concora are observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater Concora values are observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the Concora Value is greater than a comparative Concora Value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the dry strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater values of said Concora are observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater Concora values are observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater values of said Concora are observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater Concora values are observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the Concora value of the cellulose-based material compared to a comparative cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at high relative humidity. The synergistic increase in Concora values of the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure, which was not previously expected, is demonstrated in subsequent examples.

In one exemplary aspect, a tank comprising a cellulose-based material is provided. The box comprises cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical and ii) a wet strength chemical.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is a paper-based material. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is paper. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is paperboard. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is the core layer. A "core layer" is well known in the art as the inner layer of a boxboard. For example, in some embodiments, the core layer may be grooved and/or sinusoidal in shape. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is a faceliner. "Facing" is well known in the art as the outer layer of the boxboard. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is boxboard. In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material is renewable. For example, it is known in the art that cellulose-based materials are certified for recycling. One such example of certification is through the FBA (Fibre Box Association) and various certifications are well known in the art.

In one embodiment, the box is corrugated cardboard.

In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers comprise virgin fibers. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers include regenerated fibers. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers include a combination of virgin fibers and recycled fibers. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers can be recycled. In one aspect, the box can be recycled.

The combination of virgin fiber and recycled fiber may fall in one of several different ranges. This combination can be one of the following ranges (wherein the total percentage is 100%): about 1% to about 99% virgin fiber and about 1% to about 99% recycled fiber, about 5% to about 95% virgin fiber and about 5% to about 95% recycled fiber, about 10% to about 90% virgin fiber and about 10% to about 90% recycled fiber, about 15% to about 85% virgin fiber and about 15% to about 85% Regenerated fiber, about 20% to about 80% virgin fiber and about 20% to about 80% recycled fiber, about 25% to about 75% virgin fiber and about 25% to about 75% recycled fiber, about 30% to about 70% virgin fiber and about 30% to about 70% recycled fiber, about 35% to about 65% virgin fiber and about 35% to about 65% recycled fiber, about 40% to about 60% virgin fiber and about 40% to about 60% recycled fiber, about 45% to about 55% virgin fiber and about 45% to about 55% recycled fiber, about 48% to about 52% virgin fiber and about 48% to about 52% recycled fiber, And about 50% virgin fiber and about 50% recycled fiber.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation includes an aldehyde functionalized polymer. In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation includes glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM). GPAM can be supplied, for example, as Solenis Hercobond Plus 555 (aka BASF Luredur Plus 555), as Solenis Hercobond Plus HC (aka BASF LuredurPlus HC), or in other GPAM formulations known in the art.

In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 16 lbs/ton. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at 2 lbs/ton dry weight. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at 4 lbs/ton dry weight. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at 6 lbs/ton dry weight. In one embodiment, GPAM is applied to cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

In one aspect, the wet strength chemistry includes a polyamide resin. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is a polyamidoamine epihalohydrin resin. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is selected from the group consisting of EPI-polyamide resins, polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins (PAE), and epichlorohydrin polyamide resins. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is a polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE). Wet strength chemistry can be supplied, for example, as Kymene 1500LV, as Nalco 63642, or as other wet strength chemistry formulations known in the art.

In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 32 lbs/ton. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 16 lbs/ton. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 2 lbs/ton dry weight. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 4 lbs/ton dry weight. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 6 lbs/ton dry weight. In one aspect, the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

In one embodiment, the cellulosic fibers are treated with a sizing agent. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is an internal sizing agent. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is a surface sizing agent. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA). In one embodiment, the sizing agent is rosin. In one embodiment, the sizing agent is alkyl ketene dimer (AKD).

In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers are treated with both the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical. In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers are sequentially treated with the dry strength chemical and then the wet strength chemical in either order. In one aspect, cellulosic fibers are treated with dry strength chemicals and wet strength chemicals separately. In one aspect, the dry strength chemistry and the wet strength chemistry are combined prior to treating the cellulosic fibers.

In one embodiment, cellulosic fibers are treated with an enzyme preparation. In one embodiment, the enzyme preparation comprises a polypeptide having amylase activity. In one embodiment, the cellulosic fibers are not treated with an enzyme preparation.

In one aspect, cellulosic fibers are treated with an anionic surface formulation. In one aspect, the anionic surface formulation is anionic polyacrylamide. In one aspect, the anionic surface formulation is a copolymer of acrylamide and an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer that is (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the cellulosic fibers are not treated with an anionic surface formulation.

It has been determined that the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure have certain properties. For example, cellulose-based materials have a certain basis weight. Basis weight is generally understood in the field of papermaking to mean the mass per unit area of cellulose-based material. For example, a cellulose-based material of the present disclosure may be compared to a comparative cellulose-based material of similar basis weight, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material lacks wet strength chemistry, lacks dry strength chemistry, or both lacks wet strength chemistry and dry strength chemicals.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength (SCT). Means for evaluating the compressive strength of cellulose-based materials by SCT (also known as "STFI") are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material having the basis weight but lacking dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry produced on a paper machine. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at high relative humidity. For example, "high relative humidity" may refer to 50% or greater relative humidity, 55% or greater relative humidity, 60% or greater relative humidity, 65% or greater relative humidity, 70% or Greater relative humidity Humidity, 75% relative humidity or greater, 80% relative humidity or greater, 85% relative humidity or greater, 90% relative humidity or greater, or 95% relative humidity or greater Relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT is greater than that of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the dry strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT is greater than that of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the SCT of the cellulose-based material compared to a comparative cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at high relative humidity. The synergistic increase in SCT of the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure, which was previously unanticipated, is demonstrated in subsequent examples.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength index (SCT index). In general, it is well known in the art to determine the SCT index of a cellulose-based material by dividing the average SCT value of the cellulose-based material by the average basis weight of the cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, the SCT Index is greater than a comparative SCT Index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine having the basis weight but lacking dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry . In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT Index is greater than a comparative SCT Index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the dry strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the SCT Index is greater than a comparative SCT Index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater said SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the SCT index of the cellulose-based material compared to a comparative cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at high relative humidity. The synergistic increase in SCT index of the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure, which was not previously expected, is demonstrated in subsequent examples.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a Concora value. Means for evaluating the flat-press properties of cellulose-based materials by Concora values are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry . In one embodiment, greater values of said Concora are observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater Concora values are observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the Concora Value is greater than a comparative Concora Value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the dry strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater values of said Concora are observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater Concora values are observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks the wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, greater values of said Concora are observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, greater Concora values are observed at high relative humidity.

In one embodiment, the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the Concora value of the cellulose-based material compared to a comparative cellulose-based material. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at dry relative humidity. In one embodiment, a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at high relative humidity. The synergistic increase in Concora values of the cellulose-based materials of the present disclosure, which was not previously expected, is demonstrated in subsequent examples.

It can be determined that the tank of the present disclosure has certain properties. For example, the box may comprise a cellulose-based material having a certain basis weight. Basis weight is generally understood in the field of papermaking to mean the mass per unit area of cellulose-based material. For example, a box of the present disclosure may be compared to a control box comprising a cellulose-based material having a similar basis weight, wherein the control cellulose-based material lacks wet strength chemistry, lacks dry strength chemistry, or both lacks wet strength Chemicals and Dry Strength Chemicals.

In one embodiment, the box has a box compressive strength (BCT50) measured at 50% relative humidity. In one embodiment, said BCT50 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength (CBCT50) measured at 50% relative humidity of a comparative box comprising a comparative cellulose-based material on a paper machine at said basis weight Manufactured, but lacks dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, the BCT50 is greater than the CBCT50 measured at 50% relative humidity for a comparative box comprising a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight but lacking dry strength chemistry . In one embodiment, said BCT50 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength CBCT50 measured at 50% relative humidity of a comparative box comprising a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a paper machine at said basis weight, But no wet strength chemicals. In one embodiment, the dry strength chemistry and the wet strength chemistry result in a synergistic increase in the BCT50 of the box compared to a control box. The synergistic increase in BCT50 of the disclosed bins was demonstrated in subsequent examples, which was not previously expected.

In one embodiment, the box has a box compressive strength (BCT85) measured at 85% relative humidity. In one embodiment, said BCT85 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength (CBCT85) measured at 85% relative humidity of a comparative box comprising a comparative cellulose-based material on a paper machine at said basis weight Manufactured, but lacks dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry. In one embodiment, the BCT85 is greater than the CBCT85 measured at 85% relative humidity for a comparative box comprising a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight but lacking the dry strength chemistry . In one embodiment, said BCT85 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength CBCT85 measured at 85% relative humidity of a comparative box comprising a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a paper machine at said basis weight, But no wet strength chemicals. In one embodiment, the dry strength chemistry and the wet strength chemistry result in a synergistic increase in the BCT85 of the box compared to the control box. The synergistic increase in BCT85 of the disclosed bins was demonstrated in subsequent examples, which was not previously expected.

The following numbered examples are conceivable and non-limiting:

Claims 1. A cellulose-based material comprising cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical and ii) a wet strength chemical.

2. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of several suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is a paper-based material.

3. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of several suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is paper.

4. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of several suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is paperboard.

5. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is the core layer.

6. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is a facing.

7. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is boxboard.

8. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is renewable.

9. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise virgin fibres.

10. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise recycled fibres.

11. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise a combination of virgin fibers and regenerated fibers.

12. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are capable of being recycled.

13. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material is capable of being recycled.

14. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemistry comprises an aldehyde-based functionalized polymer.

15. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemistry comprises glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM).

16. A cellulose-based material according to clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 16 lbs/ton.

17. A cellulose-based material according to clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton.

18. A cellulose-based material according to clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 2 lbs/ton.

19. A cellulose-based material according to clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 4 lbs/ton.

20. A cellulose-based material according to clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 6 lbs/ton.

21. A cellulose-based material according to clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

22. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the wet strength chemistry comprises a polyamide resin.

23. A cellulose-based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is a polyamidoamine epihalohydrin resin.

24. Cellulose based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is selected from the group consisting of: EPI-polyamide resin, polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE), and epichlorohydrin polyamide resins.

25. A cellulose based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is a polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE).

26. A cellulose-based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 32 lbs/ton.

27. A cellulosic based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 16 lbs/ton.

28. A cellulose-based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton.

29. A cellulosic based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 lbs/ton.

30. A cellulose-based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 4 lbs/ton.

31. A cellulose-based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 6 lbs/ton.

32. A cellulose-based material according to clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulose fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

33. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with a sizing agent.

34. A cellulose based material according to clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is an internal sizing agent.

35. A cellulose based material according to clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is a surface sizing agent.

36. A cellulose based material according to clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA).

37. A cellulose based material according to clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is rosin.

38. A cellulose based material according to clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is alkyl ketene dimer (AKD).

39. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with both a dry strength chemical and a wet strength chemical.

40. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated sequentially with a dry strength chemical and a wet strength chemical.

41. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with a dry strength chemical and a wet strength chemical, respectively.

42. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation are combined prior to treating the cellulose fibres.

43. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with an enzyme preparation.

44. A cellulose based material according to clause 43, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the enzyme preparation comprises a polypeptide having amylase activity.

45. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are not treated with an enzyme preparation.

46. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with an anionic surface preparation.

47. A cellulose based material according to clause 46, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the anionic surface agent is an anionic polyacrylamide.

48. A cellulose-based material according to clause 46, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the anionic surface agent is a copolymer of acrylamide and an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, the unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer being (form base) acrylic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, or any combination thereof.

49. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are not treated with an anionic surface preparation.

50. A cellulose based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength (SCT).

51. A cellulose-based material according to clause 50, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has Basis weight as stated, but lacking dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

52. A cellulose based material according to clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

53. A cellulose based material according to clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

54. A cellulose-based material according to clause 50, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has Said basis weight, but lacking dry strength chemistry.

55. A cellulose based material according to clause 54, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

56. A cellulose based material according to clause 54, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

57. A cellulose-based material according to clause 50, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has Said basis weight, but lacks wet strength chemistry.

58. A cellulose based material according to clause 57, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

59. A cellulose based material according to clause 57, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

60. A cellulose based material according to clause 50, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation are such that the SCT of the cellulose based material is synergistic as compared to a comparative cellulose based material Increase.

61. A cellulose based material according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at dry relative humidity.

62. A cellulose based material according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at high relative humidity.

63. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength index (SCT index).

64. A cellulose-based material according to clause 63, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based The material has the stated basis weight, but lacks dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

65. A cellulose based material according to clause 64, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

66. Cellulose based material according to clause 64, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

67. A cellulose-based material according to clause 63, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based The material has the stated basis weight, but lacks dry strength chemistry.

68. A cellulose based material according to clause 67, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

69. A cellulose based material according to clause 67, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

70. A cellulose-based material according to clause 63, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based The material has the stated basis weight, but lacks wet strength chemistry.

71. Cellulose based material according to clause 70, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

72. A cellulose based material according to clause 70, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

73. A cellulose-based material according to clause 63, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in an SCT index of the cellulose-based material as compared to a comparative cellulose-based material synergistic increase.

74. A cellulose based material according to clause 73, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity.

75. A cellulose based material according to clause 73, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

76. A cellulose-based material according to clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a Concora value.

77. A cellulose-based material according to clause 76, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based The material has the stated basis weight, but lacks dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

78. A cellulose based material according to clause 77, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater observed at dry relative humidity.

79. A cellulose based material according to clause 77, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora values are observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

80. A cellulose-based material according to clause 76, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material produced on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based The material has the stated basis weight, but lacks dry strength chemistry.

81. A cellulose based material according to clause 80, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater observed at dry relative humidity.

82. A cellulose based material according to clause 80, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora values are observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

83. A cellulose-based material according to clause 76, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based The material has the stated basis weight, but lacks wet strength chemistry.

84. A cellulose based material according to clause 83, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater observed at dry relative humidity.

85. A cellulose based material according to clause 83, any other suitable clause or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora values are greater observed at high relative humidity.

86. A cellulose-based material according to clause 76, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a Concora value of the cellulose-based material as compared to a comparative cellulose-based material synergistic increase.

87. A cellulose based material according to clause 86, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at dry relative humidity.

88. A cellulose based material according to clause 86, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at high relative humidity.

89. A box comprising a cellulose based material comprising cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical and ii) a wet strength chemical.

90. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is a paper based material.

91. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is paper.

92. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is paperboard.

93. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is the core layer.

94. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is the facing.

95. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is boxboard.

96. A tank according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material is renewable.

97. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said box is corrugated cardboard.

98. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise virgin fibres.

99. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise recycled fibres.

100. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise a combination of virgin fibers and recycled fibres.

101. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose fibers are capable of being recycled.

102. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the box is capable of being recycled.

103. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemistry comprises an aldehyde-based functionalized polymer.

104. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical comprises glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM).

105. A box according to clause 104, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 16 lbs/ton.

106. A box according to clause 104, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton.

107. A box according to clause 104, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 lbs/ton.

108. A box according to clause 104, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 4 lbs/ton.

109. A box according to clause 104, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 6 lbs/ton.

110. A box according to clause 104, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein GPAM is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

111. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the wet strength chemistry comprises a polyamide resin.

112. A case according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is a polyamidoamine epihalohydrin resin.

113. A case according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is selected from the group consisting of: EPI-polyamide resin, polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) , and epichlorohydrin polyamide resins.

114. A case according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is a polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE).

115. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 1 to 32 lbs/ton.

116. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 16 lbs/ton.

117. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 2 to 8 lbs/ton.

118. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at 2 lbs/ton dry weight.

119. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 4 lbs/ton.

120. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 6 lbs/ton.

121. A box according to clause 111, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the polyamide resin is applied to the cellulosic fibers at a dry weight of 8 lbs/ton.

122. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are treated with a sizing agent.

123. A case according to clause 122, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is an internal sizing agent.

124. A case according to clause 122, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is a surface sizing agent.

125. A case according to clause 122, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA).

126. A case according to clause 122, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is rosin.

127. A case according to clause 122, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the sizing agent is alkyl ketene dimer (AKD).

128. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are treated with both a dry strength chemical and a wet strength chemical.

129. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are sequentially treated with a dry strength chemical and a wet strength chemical.

130. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are separately treated with a dry strength chemical and a wet strength chemical.

131. A tank according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation are combined prior to treating the cellulosic fibres.

132. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are treated with an enzyme preparation.

133. The tank according to clause 132, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the enzyme preparation comprises a polypeptide having amylase activity.

134. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are not treated with an enzyme preparation.

135. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are treated with an anionic surface preparation.

136. A case according to clause 135, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the anionic surface preparation is an anionic polyacrylamide.

137. A kit according to clause 135, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the anionic surface agent is a copolymer of acrylamide and an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, the unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer being (meth)acrylic acid , maleic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, or any combination thereof.

138. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulosic fibers are not treated with an anionic surface preparation.

139. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength (SCT).

140. A box according to clause 139, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said base Heavy, but lacks both dry-strength chemistry and wet-strength chemistry.

141. A tank according to clause 140, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

142. A tank according to clause 140, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

143. A box according to clause 139, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein said comparative cellulose-based material has said Heavy, but lacks dry strength chemicals.

144. A tank according to clause 143, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

145. A tank according to clause 143, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

146. A box according to clause 139, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said base Heavy, but lacks wet-strength chemicals.

147. A tank according to clause 146, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

148. A tank according to clause 146, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

149. A case according to clause 139, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the SCT of the cellulose based material compared to a comparative cellulose based material.

150. A tank according to clause 149, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at dry relative humidity.

151. A tank according to clause 149, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT is observed at high relative humidity.

152. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material has a basis weight and a Short Span Compressive Strength Index (SCT Index).

153. A box according to clause 152, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said basis weight, but lacks both dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

154. A tank according to clause 153, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

155. A tank according to clause 153, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

156. A box according to clause 152, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said stated basis weight, but lacks dry strength chemistry.

157. A tank according to clause 156, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

158. A tank according to clause 156, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

159. A box according to clause 152, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said stated basis weight, but lacks wet strength chemistry.

160. A tank according to clause 159, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

161. A tank according to clause 159, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said SCT index is observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

162. A case according to clause 152, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the SCT index of the cellulose based material compared to a comparative cellulose based material.

163. A tank according to clause 162, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at dry relative humidity.

164. A tank according to clause 162, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in SCT index is observed at high relative humidity.

165. A case according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cellulose based material has a basis weight and a Concora value.

166. A box according to clause 165, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said basis weight, but lacks both dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

167. A cabinet according to clause 166, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a greater value of said Concora is observed at dry relative humidity.

168. A tank according to clause 166, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein greater values of said Concora are observed at high relative humidity.

169. A box according to clause 165, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said stated basis weight, but lacks dry strength chemistry.

170. A cabinet according to clause 169, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is observed to be greater at dry relative humidity.

171. A tank according to clause 169, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora values are observed to be greater at high relative humidity.

172. A box according to clause 165, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material made on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has said stated basis weight, but lacks wet strength chemistry.

173. A cabinet according to clause 172, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a greater value of said Concora is observed at dry relative humidity.

174. A tank according to clause 172, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein greater values of said Concora are observed at high relative humidity.

175. A case according to clause 165, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the Concora value of the cellulose based material compared to a comparative cellulose based material.

176. A tank according to clause 175, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at dry relative humidity.

177. A tank according to clause 175, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a synergistic increase in Concora value is observed at high relative humidity.

178. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said box has a box compressive strength (BCT50) measured at 50% relative humidity.

179. A box according to clause 178, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said BCT50 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (CBCT50 ), a comparative cellulose-based material was manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight, but lacked both dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

180. A box according to clause 178, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said BCT50 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (CBCT50 ), the comparative cellulose-based material was manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight, but lacked dry strength chemistry.

181. A box according to clause 178, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said BCT50 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (CBCT50 ), a comparative cellulose-based material was manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight, but without wet strength chemicals.

182. A tank according to clause 178, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the BCT50 of said tank as compared to a control tank.

183. A box according to clause 89, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said box has a box compressive strength (BCT85) measured at 85% relative humidity.

184. A box according to clause 183, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said BCT85 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (CBCT85 ), a comparative cellulose-based material was manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight, but lacked both dry strength chemistry and wet strength chemistry.

185. A box according to clause 183, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said BCT85 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (CBCT85 ), the comparative cellulose-based material was manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight, but lacked dry strength chemistry.

186. A box according to clause 183, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein said BCT85 is greater than the comparative box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (CBCT85 ), a comparative cellulose-based material was manufactured on a paper machine at the stated basis weight, but without wet strength chemicals.

187. A tank according to clause 183, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dry strength chemical formulation and the wet strength chemical formulation result in a synergistic increase in the BCT85 of said tank as compared to a control tank.

example

Example 1

Paper Trial #1 [Paper Mill A]

An exemplary cellulose-based material according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Assessments in this example include Short Span Compressive Strength (SCT), SCT Index, and Concora Value.

For this example, several different cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 36 were prepared and compared. Preparation of different cellulose-based materials involves varying the basis weight of the material, the presence of wet strength chemicals, and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals.

Various cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 36 were compared to other cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 40 or a basis weight of 45. Evaluations for other cellulose-based materials (ie, basis weight 40 or basis weight 45) were based on the average production run of the paper mill where Paper Trial #1 was conducted.

The properties of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 1.

Table 1

material number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 36 8.5 0 2 36 4 4 3 36 4 8 4 40 0 0 5 40 3-4* 0 6 45 0 0 7 45 3-4* 0

*Average wet strength agent added; modified as wet strength agent concentration stabilizes in the system.

As an exemplary procedure, a cellulose-based material can be produced using an aqueous slurry comprising cellulose fibers. General processes for making cellulose-based materials are well known in the art, and starting materials such as trees, logs and/or strands can be utilized to provide cellulose fibers. These starting materials are heated according to the "defibrating" process, and the resulting cellulose fibers are then further treated with water to form an aqueous slurry. General processes for making cellulose-based materials are described, for example, in US Patent No. 7,648,772 and US Patent No. 7,682,486, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

For example, virgin fibers, recycled fibers (eg, old corrugated boxes, other recycled paper products, etc.), or a combination of both can be used in the aqueous slurry. Aqueous slurries may also include, for example, water, mechanical fibers (eg, NSSC), ash, and other materials known in the art.

The wet strength chemical and dry strength chemical are then added to the aqueous slurry. Wet-strength chemicals and dry-strength chemicals may be added to the aqueous slurry separately or together, or in any order.

After the ingredients have been combined, the aqueous slurry is formed into a network, which is then dried to produce a cellulose-based material.

The SCT values of cellulose based materials were evaluated according to the procedure in TAPPI 826 entitled "Short span compression strength of containerboard". The SCT evaluation can determine the edge crush strength of cellulose-based materials such as paperboard with a span-to-thickness ratio of 5 or less (basis weight 20#/msf or greater). The L&W152STFI tester can be used as a device for SCT evaluation.

The SCT index of cellulose-based materials was evaluated by calculating the average SCT value divided by the average weight of the sample (ie basis weight). For basis weight determination, the procedure in TAPPI T 410 entitled "Grammage of paper and paperboard (weight per unit area)" ("Grammage of paper and paperboard (weight per unit area)") is used. For example, a Toledo basis weight scale or a Mettler analytical balance can be used as a basis weight assessment device.

Concora values for cellulose based materials were evaluated according to the procedure in TAPPI 809 entitled "Flat crush of corrugating medium (CMT Test)" ("Flat crush of corrugating medium (CMT Test)"). In order to prevent crushing of structures on corrugators or finishing equipment, it is necessary to carry out flat crush resistance testing, Concora evaluation allows testing before manufacturing boards or boxes from cellulose-based materials. Concora assessments are also used to determine manufacturing efficiencies.

A L&W SE 108 sample die cutter, flute gauge, and L&W crush tester code 248 can be used as equipment for Concora evaluations.

The evaluation and comparison of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 2.

Table 2

material number base weigh wet strength agent dry strength agent SCT SCT index Concora 1 36 8.5 0 19.4 0.545 65 2 36 4 4 21.1 0.596 80 3 36 4 8 22.0 0.621 88 4 40 0 0 19.8 0.508 66 5 40 3-4* 0 21.2 0.530 77 6 45 0 0 twenty three 0.526 71 7 45 3-4* 0 22.9 0.515 82

*Average wet strength agent added; modified as wet strength agent concentration stabilizes in system

As shown in Table 2, the cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure outperformed the comparative cellulose-based materials. First, the inclusion of dry strength chemistry showed increases in SCT, SCT Index, and Concora values compared to other cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemistry.

In this example, cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure, even when prepared using lower basis weights, exhibit superior or similar SCT, SCT Index and Concora values. Thus, cellulose-based materials having a lower basis weight performed better than comparative cellulose-based materials having a higher basis weight when prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. One advantage provided by this improved performance is that cellulose-based materials prepared in accordance with the present disclosure use at least 10% less material to produce a product with desired characteristics compared to conventional papermaking procedures.

Example 2

Paper Trial #2 [B Paper Mill]

An exemplary cellulose-based material according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Assessments in this example include Short Span Compressive Strength (SCT), SCT Index, and Concora Value.

For this example, different cellulose based materials with a basis weight of 36 were prepared and compared. Preparation of different cellulose-based materials involves varying the basis weight of the material, the presence of wet strength chemicals, and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals.

Various cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 36 were compared to other cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 40 or a basis weight of 45. Evaluations for other cellulose-based materials (ie, basis weight 40 or basis weight 45) were based on average production runs of similar paper mills conducting Paper Trial #2.

The properties of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 3.

table 3

material number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 36 3.5 0 2 36 3.5 4 3 40 0 0 4 40 3-4* 0 5 45 0 0 6 45 3-4* 0

*Average wet strength agent added; modified as wet strength agent concentration stabilizes in the system.

The process used to prepare the cellulose-based material of this example was similar to Example 1. Also, the method of evaluating SCT, SCT index, Concora value is the same as Example 1.

The evaluation and comparison of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 4.

Table 4

material number base weigh wet strength agent dry strength agent SCT SCT index Concora 1 36 3.5 0 19.6 0.554 68 2 36 3.5 4 21.9 0.617 70 3 40 0 0 19.8 0.508 66 4 40 3-4* 0 21.2 0.530 77 5 45 0 0 twenty three 0.526 71 6 45 3-4* 0 22.9 0.515 82

*Average wet strength agent added; modified as wet strength agent concentration stabilizes in system

As shown in Table 4, the cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure outperformed the comparative cellulose-based materials. First, the inclusion of dry strength chemistry showed increases in SCT, SCT Index, and Concora values compared to other cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemistry.

In this example, cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure, even when prepared using lower basis weights, exhibit superior or similar SCT, SCT Index and Concora values. Thus, cellulose-based materials having a lower basis weight performed better than comparative cellulose-based materials having a higher basis weight when prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. One advantage provided by this improved performance is that cellulose-based materials prepared in accordance with the present disclosure use at least 10% less material to produce a product with desired characteristics compared to conventional papermaking procedures.

Example 3

Paper Trial #3 [Paper Mill C]

An exemplary cellulose-based material according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Assessments in this example include Short Span Compressive Strength (SCT), SCT Index, and Concora Value.

For this example, several different cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 36 were prepared and compared. Preparation of different cellulose-based materials involves varying the basis weight of the material, the presence of wet strength chemicals, and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals.

Various cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 36 were compared to other cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 40 or a basis weight of 45. Evaluations for other cellulose-based materials (ie, basis weight 40 or basis weight 45) were based on average production runs of paper mills conducting Paper Test #3.

The properties of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 5.

table 5

material number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 36 3.2 0 2 36 3.2 4 3 36 3.2 8 4 40 0 0 5 40 3-4* 0 6 45 0 0 7 45 3-4* 0

*Average wet strength agent added; modified as wet strength agent concentration stabilizes in the system.

The process used to prepare the cellulose-based material of this example was similar to Example 1. Also, the method of evaluating SCT, SCT index, Concora value is the same as Example 1.

Evaluation and comparison of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 6.

Table 6

material number base weigh wet strength agent dry strength agent SCT SCT index Concora 1 36 3.2 0 19.5 0.559 65 2 36 3.2 4 21.2 0.592 73 3 36 3.2 8 22.5 0.628 76 4 40 0 0 20.4 0.523 74 5 40 3-4* 0 20.6 0.521 78.5 6 45 0 0 23.5 0.533 77 7 45 3-4* 0 24.3 0.546 84

*Average wet strength agent added; modified as wet strength agent concentration stabilizes in system

As shown in Table 6, the cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure outperformed the comparative cellulose-based materials. First, the inclusion of dry strength chemistry showed increases in SCT, SCT Index, and Concora values compared to other cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemistry.

In this example, cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure, even when prepared using lower basis weights, exhibit superior or similar SCT, SCT Index and Concora values. Thus, cellulose-based materials having a lower basis weight performed better than comparative cellulose-based materials having a higher basis weight when prepared according to the present disclosure. One advantage provided by this improved performance is that cellulose-based materials prepared in accordance with the present disclosure use at least 10% less material to produce a product with desired characteristics compared to conventional papermaking procedures.

Example 4

Paper Trial #4 [B Paper Mill]

An exemplary cellulose-based material according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Assessments in this example include Short Span Compressive Strength (SCT), SCT Index, and Concora Value.

For this example, several different cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 23 were prepared and compared. Preparation of different cellulose-based materials involves varying the basis weight of the material, the presence of wet strength chemicals, and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals.

Various cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 23 were compared to other cellulose-based materials with a basis weight of 26 or a basis weight of 30. Evaluations for other cellulose-based materials (ie, basis weight 26 or basis weight 30) were based on average production runs of paper mills conducting Paper Test #4.

The properties of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 7.

Table 7

material number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 twenty three 4 0 2 twenty three 4 2 3 twenty three 4 4 4 twenty three 4 8 5 26 0 0 6 30 0 0

The process used to prepare the cellulose-based material of this example was similar to Example 1. Also, the method of evaluating SCT, SCT index, and Concora value is the same as in Example 1.

Evaluation and comparison of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 8.

Table 8

material number base weigh wet strength agent dry strength agent SCT SCT index Concora 1 twenty three 4 0 13.4 0.561 45 2 twenty three 4 2 14.2 0.592 51 3 twenty three 4 4 13.9 0.580 53 4 twenty three 4 8 16.0 0.661 54 5 26 0 0 12.9 0.520 48 6 30 0 0 15.0 0.521 56

As shown in Table 8, the cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure outperformed the comparative cellulose-based materials. First, the inclusion of dry strength chemistry showed increases in SCT, SCT Index, and Concora values compared to other cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemistry.

In this example, cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure, even when prepared using lower basis weights, exhibit superior or similar SCT, SCT Index and Concora values. Thus, cellulose-based materials having a lower basis weight performed better than comparative cellulose-based materials having a higher basis weight when prepared according to the present disclosure. One advantage provided by this improved performance is that cellulose-based materials prepared in accordance with the present disclosure use at least 10% less material to produce a product with desired characteristics compared to conventional papermaking procedures.

Example 5

Box Test #1 [Factory D]

An exemplary case according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. The evaluation in this example included box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (BCT50) and box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (BCT85).

For this example, different boxes were prepared using various cellulose based materials and then compared. The manufacture of the boxes included different cellulose-based materials that varied the basis weight of the material and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals.

The same liner roll (56 lb. liner) was used for each of the boxes from each paper mill.

The properties of the different boxes are listed in Table 9.

Table 9

Using a variety of cellulose-based materials, corrugators can be used to produce corrugated sheets. Corrugators may range from about 250 to about 400 feet long and from about 67 inches to about 132 inches wide. A typical corrugator may include a Single Facer section where a top liner may be starch bonded to a core layer that has been corrugated by corrugating rolls. Corrugators are known to those skilled in the art and may include, for example, corrugators manufactured by United, BHS, MHI, Fosber, and the like.

Starch can then be used in a "Doublefacer" or "Doublebacker" apparatus ("Doublefacer" or "Doublebacker" apparatus) to adhere the second side liner to the single facer sheet. The resulting composite panels can then be cut to specified widths and scored for folding in the box manufacturing process. A cutter can be used to cut the box to the desired length. Generally, corrugators may operate at speeds of about 600 to about 1200 feet per minute (fpm), and may vary according to general knowledge in the art.

Thereafter, depending on the desired end use, the combined panels can be processed through a primary finishing process. For example, a Flexo Folder Gluer finishing process or die-cutting equipment can be used. A flexo folder gluer can include an infeed section, a printing section, a slot-score section and a folder gluer section. Die-cutters can be, for example, rotary or flatbed (flat-bed) and produce slotted cartons that are usually not glued.

The BCT50 value of cellulose based materials can be evaluated according to the procedure in TAPPI T-804om-06 entitled "Compression Test of Fiberboard Shipping Containers" ("Compression Test of Fiberboard Shipping Containers"). The chamber may be conditioned at 73°F and 50% relative humidity for BCT50 evaluation as it is important to provide consistent moisture levels for testing (see T402 entitled "Standard conditioning and testing atmospheres for paper, board, pulp hand sheets, and related products" ("Standard adaptation and testing environment for paper, board, pulp handsheets, and related products")).

First, boxes can undergo preconditioning in a preconditioning chamber. Pre-acclimatization to temperature and humidity can be done overnight or at least 2 hours (e.g., faceliner, core, bag, or other cellulose-based material), at least 7 hours (e.g., corrugated board, solid fiber, or open box), At least 14 hours (eg, sealed boxes) or 72 hours (eg, steam-resistant (waxed) panels and boxes).

Subsequently, the boxes were removed from the pre-acclimatization chamber and allowed to acclimate. Acclimatization to temperature and humidity can be done overnight or at least 4 hours (e.g., faceliner, core, bag, or other cellulose-based material), at least 8 hours (e.g., corrugated board, solid fiber, or open box), at least 16 hours (eg, sealed box) or 72 hours (eg, steam resistant (waxed) panels and boxes).

The BCT50 assessment can measure the ability of a box, such as a corrugated or solid fiber shipping box, to resist external crushing forces. A high BCT50 value is desirable because of the external crushing forces that may be encountered when stacking or shipping boxes.

An Emerson Model 6210 Tester and/or an Emerson Model 8510 Tester can be used as a crush tester device for BCT50 evaluation. The box can be placed in the center of the bottom platen of the crush tester. Then, a preload can be applied to the box, such as 50 pounds for a single wall box, 100 pounds for a double wall box, or 500 pounds for a bulk box. The load may continue to be applied to the box at a rate of 0.5 inches (13 +/- 2.5 mm) until failure occurs, evidenced by either or both of the following: i) 25% drop from maximum load, or ii) deflection Curved over 0.75 inches or greater. Afterwards, the maximum compression and deflection of the evaluated box, or the compression at a specified deflection, can be recorded.

The BCT85 evaluation is performed in a similar manner to the BCT50 evaluation, except that the box is conditioned at a temperature of 40°F and a relative humidity of 85% prior to the crush test.

Evaluations and comparisons of boxes made using different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 10.

Table 10

Case number base weigh wet strength agent dry strength agent BCT50 BCT85 1 36 3.5 0 1009 549 2 36 3.5 4 1102 642 3 36 3.2 0 1076 586 4 36 3.2 4 1006 636 5 twenty three 4 0 501 317 6 twenty three 4 4 547 345

As shown in Table 10, the boxes according to the present disclosure outperformed the control boxes. Including dry strength chemicals in the cellulose-based material of the prepared boxes showed increased BCT50 and BCT85 values compared to control boxes made with cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemical.

Example 6

Box Test #2 [Plant A]

An exemplary case according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Evaluations in this example include short span compressive strength (SCT), SCT index, box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (BCT50) and box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (BCT85 ).

For this example, different boxes were prepared using various cellulose based materials and compared. The manufacture of the boxes included different cellulose based materials that varied the basis weight of the material as well as the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals. The process used to prepare the box for this example was similar to Example 5.

The properties of the different boxes are listed in Table 11.

Table 11

Case number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 35.63 8.5 0 2 35.40 4 4 3 35.40 4 8

Evaluations and comparisons of boxes made using different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 12.

Table 12

As shown in Table 12, the boxes according to the present disclosure outperformed the control boxes. Including dry strength chemicals in the cellulose-based material of the prepared boxes showed increased SCT and SCT Index values compared to control boxes made with cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemical. Also, the inclusion of dry strength chemicals in the cellulose-based material of the prepared boxes showed increased BCT50 and BCT85 values compared to control boxes made with cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemical.

Example 7

Box Test #3 [Plant C]

An exemplary case according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Evaluations in this example include short span compressive strength (SCT), SCT index, box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (BCT50) and box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (BCT85 ).

For this example, different boxes were prepared using various cellulose based materials and compared. The manufacture of the boxes included different cellulose based materials that varied the basis weight of the material as well as the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals. The process used to prepare the box for this example was similar to Example 5.

The properties of the different boxes are listed in Table 13.

Table 13

Case number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 34.4 0 0 2 34.9 3.2 0 3 35.8 3.2 4 4 34.9 3.2 8

The process used to prepare the box for this example was similar to Example 6. Also, the methods of evaluating SCT, SCT index, BCT50 and BCT85 values are the same as in Example 6.

Evaluations and comparisons of boxes made using different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 14.

Table 14

As shown in Table 14, the boxes according to the present disclosure outperformed the control boxes. Including dry strength chemicals in the cellulose-based material of the prepared boxes showed increased SCT and SCT Index values compared to control boxes made with cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemical. Furthermore, the inclusion of dry strength chemicals in the cellulose-based material of the prepared boxes showed an increase in BCT50 and BCT85 values compared to control boxes made with cellulose-based materials that did not include the dry strength chemical.

Example 8

Box Test #4 [Plant B]

An exemplary case according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Evaluations in this example include short span compressive strength (SCT), SCT index, box compressive strength measured at 50% relative humidity (BCT50) and box compressive strength measured at 85% relative humidity (BCT85 ).

For this example, different boxes were prepared using various cellulose based materials and compared. The manufacture of the boxes included different cellulose based materials that varied the basis weight of the material, the presence of wet strength chemicals, and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals. The process used to prepare the box for this example was similar to Example 5.

The properties of the different boxes are listed in Table 15.

Table 15

Case number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 35.4 3.5 0 2 35.5 3.5 4 3 23.9 4 0 4 24.0 4 2 5 24.0 4 4 6 24.2 4 8 7 23.6 0 4

The process used to prepare the box for this example was similar to Example 6. Also, the method of evaluating SCT, SCT index, BCT50 and BCT85 values was the same as in Example 6.

Evaluations and comparisons of boxes made using different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 16.

Table 16

As shown in Table 16, the boxes according to the present disclosure outperformed the control boxes. Including the dry strength chemical plus the wet strength formulation in the cellulose based material of the prepared box showed increased SCT and SCT Index values compared to control boxes made with the cellulose based material not including the dry strength chemical. Furthermore, the inclusion of dry strength chemicals plus wet strength formulations in the cellulose-based material of the prepared boxes showed increased BCT50 and BCT85 values compared to control boxes made with cellulose-based materials that did not include dry strength chemicals. Figure 2 depicts the higher BCT observed at 85% relative humidity (RH) for boxes made using a combination of dry strength chemical formulations plus wet strength formulations in a cellulose based material.

Furthermore, a synergistic effect of strength improvement was observed for tanks prepared using a combination of dry strength chemical formulations plus wet strength formulations in a cellulose based material. The effects shown in Table 16 and depicted in Figure 3 were unexpected.

Example 9

Paper Test #5

An exemplary cellulose-based material according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is provided in this example. Assessments in this example include Short Span Compressive Strength (SCT), SCT Index, and Concora Value.

For this example, several different cellulose-based materials were prepared and compared. Preparation of different cellulose-based materials involves varying the basis weight of the material, the presence and amount of wet strength chemicals, and the presence and amount of dry strength chemicals.

The properties of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 17.

Table 17

material number base weigh Wet strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) Dry strength agent (dry weight lb/ton) 1 37.89 0 0 2 37.60 4 0 3 37.83 8 0 4 36.22 0 4 5 36.43 0 6 6 36.61 0 8 7 37.06 8 4 8 37.14 8 8

The process used to prepare the cellulose-based material of this example was similar to Example 1. Also, the methods of evaluating SCT, SCT index, and related calculations are the same as in Example 1.

Evaluations and comparisons of different cellulose-based materials are listed in Table 18.

Table 18

As shown in Table 18, the cellulose-based materials according to the present disclosure outperformed the comparative cellulose-based materials. First, the inclusion of dry strength chemistry plus wet strength chemistry showed an increase in SCT and SCT index compared to other cellulose-based materials that did not include dry strength chemistry. Second, as shown in Figure 4, the inclusion of dry-strength chemistry plus wet-strength chemistry shows an SCT when normalized to 36 lbs/1000 sq. Increase.

Also, a synergistic effect of strength improvement was observed for tanks prepared using a combination of dry strength chemical formulations plus wet strength formulations in a cellulose based material. These effects shown in Table 18 and depicted in Figure 5 were unexpected.

Claims (18)

1. A cellulose-based material comprising cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical and ii) a wet strength chemical, wherein the dry strength chemical comprises Glyoxalated Polyacrylamide (GPAM).

2. The cellulose-based material according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material is recyclable.

3. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the wet strength chemical comprises a polyamide resin.

4. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive Strength (SCT), and wherein the SCT is greater than a comparative SCT of a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a papermaking machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks a dry strength chemical.

5. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive Strength (SCT), and wherein the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical cause a synergistic increase in SCT of the cellulose-based material as compared to a comparative cellulose-based material.

6. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength index (SCT index), and wherein the SCT index is greater than a comparative SCT index of a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a paper machine, wherein comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks a dry strength chemical.

7. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a short span compressive strength index (SCT index), and wherein the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical cause a synergistic increase in the SCT index of the cellulose-based material as compared to a comparative cellulose-based material.

8. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a Concora value, and wherein the Concora value is greater than a comparative Concora value of a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured on a paper machine, wherein the comparative cellulose-based material has the basis weight but lacks a dry strength chemical.

9. The cellulose-based material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material has a basis weight and a Concora value, and wherein the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical provide a synergistic increase in the Concora value of the cellulose-based material as compared to a comparative cellulose-based material.

10. (current modification) a tank comprising a cellulose-based material comprising cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are treated with i) a dry strength chemical comprising Glyoxalated Polyacrylamide (GPAM) and ii) a wet strength chemical.

11. The bin of claim 10, wherein the cellulose-based material is recyclable.

12. The tank of claim 10, wherein the wet strength chemical comprises a polyamide resin.

13. The bin of claim 10, wherein the bin further comprises a sizing agent.

14. The box of claim 13 wherein the sizing agent is selected from the group consisting of: alkenyl Succinic Anhydride (ASA), rosin, alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD).

15. The bin of claim 10, wherein the bin has a bin compressive strength (BCT 50) measured at 50% relative humidity, and wherein the BCT50 is greater than a comparative bin compressive strength (CBCT 50) measured at 50% relative humidity of a comparative bin including a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured at the basis weight on a paper machine but lacking dry strength chemicals.

16. The bin of claim 10, wherein the bin has a bin compressive strength (BCT 50) measured at 50% relative humidity, and wherein the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical provide a synergistic increase in the BCT50 of the bin as compared to a comparative bin.

17. The bin of claim 10, wherein the bin has a bin compressive strength (BCT 85) measured at 85% relative humidity, and wherein the BCT85 is greater than a comparative bin compressive strength (CBCT 85) measured at 85% relative humidity of a comparative bin including a comparative cellulose-based material manufactured at the basis weight on a paper machine but lacking dry strength chemicals.

18. The bin of claim 10, wherein the bin has a bin compressive strength (BCT 85) measured at 85% relative humidity, and wherein the dry strength chemical and the wet strength chemical provide a synergistic increase in BCT85 of the bin as compared to a comparative bin.

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