When packing an important shipment, the quality of the cardboard box is critical to ensuring safe delivery. Kraft paper, a commonly used packaging material, relies heavily on its tensile strength to protect contents during transit. But how significant is the difference in tensile strength between refined and unrefined kraft paper?
Tensile strength refers to a paper's resistance to breaking under tension. This property directly impacts its load-bearing capacity, durability, and tear resistance. Unrefined kraft paper typically retains more lignin and cellulose, resulting in looser fiber bonding and comparatively lower tensile strength. In contrast, refined kraft paper undergoes physical or chemical processing to remove excess lignin, improving fiber cohesion and enhancing tensile strength.
Understanding these distinctions enables informed material selection, ensuring packaging reliability while balancing performance needs with economic considerations.