Abstract
Structures and strengths of paper have been studied by analyzing fibers characteristics depending on refining methods. Mixing ratio of softwood and hardwood fibers and fibers characteristics have been analyzed for paper quality improvement. In this study flocculation and drainage of fibers were analyzed to improve the production efficiency and paper product's quality. Floc size and drainage rate depending on stock consistency and fines content were analyzed. Total amount of drainage during drainage process was measured quantitatively by using DI(drainage index). Floc size, viscosity of floc and dewatering times were also measured. In the case of refining load $2.8 kg_f$ , drainage was occurred by filtration mechanism rather than thickening mechanism because drainage resistance increased by fibrillation of fibers. Therefore, the drainage rate of $2.8 kg_f$ refining load stock was slower than that of $5.6 kg_f$.