(57) A process for drying and consolidating a paper making web so as to enhance translucency
in the resulting paper.
It is known to provide integral patterning by means of a dandy roll or by press marking
or by embossing, but none of these known methods achieve controlled enhancement of
translucency or tensile strength of paper.
The invention provides a process for producing paper having at least portions with
enhanced translucency in which a paper making web formed at least in part of cellulosic
fibres and having a water content of at least 20% is simultaneously supported and
constrained against shrinkage without preventing the release of water or water vapour
therefrom, maintained at a temperature sufficient to dry the web without causing thermal
degradation as it dries, and subjected across at least portions thereof to a pressure
sufficient to produce enhanced translucency and tensile strength in the corresponding
portions of the dried paper. If the portions of enhanced translucency are interconnected
to form a network this will confer enhanced tensile strength on the structure of the
paper.
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