Adhesion between Cellulosic Fibers in Paper

The function of water in the adhesion between wet cellulose fibers both in the assembly of papers and the establishment of the properties is discussed. The contributions of friction and hydrogen bonds are reviewed, together with the new concept of interfiber ordered water structure created by the hydrophilic surfaces of the fibers. Procedures for the enhancement of interfiber adhesion are summarized in terms of the accessibility, the stereotopochemistry and the enthalpies of the interacting moieties on contiguous surfaces.