Three-dimensional paper sheet structure analysis based on image analysis

Purpose and goal

The main goal of the meriting project is to qualitatively and quantitatively strengthen the academic and industrial merits for the project leader, Dr Catherine Östlund. The focus of the research project is the development of a 3-dimensional paper structure analysis method based on image analysis. The method will allow the 3-dimensional quantitative characterisation of the structure of a paper or board product, e.g. through the distribution and orientation of fibre flocs.

Expected results and effects

The new knowledge derived from the image analysis project will be implemented and applied, both in research projects and contract work at STFI-Packforsk AB. This implies that the results of the research will be directly communicated to the industry, and utilized there. The project will also, during and after this project allow the project leader to take a larger active part in the development of the image analysis field at STFI-Packforsk AB. Specific academic results will be journal publications or conference contributions, education and experience that will allow the project leader to achieve a Swedish Docent title.

Planned approach and implementation

The project leader will spend half of her time at the Centre for Image Analysis to do the image analysis research, get a pedagogic education and supervise PhD students related to this project. All image analysis research will be made in close cooperation with the wood fibre analysis group at Centre for Image Analysis. The remaining time, spent at STFI-Packforsk AB, will focus on applying the results of the image analysis research to industrial problems. This will be in projects which are linked to basic research in the field of papermaking, and will imply a close cooperation with paper, process technology, and paper physics experts at STFI-Packforsk AB.