Sizing

Sizing or size is any one of numerous substances that is applied to, or incorporated into, other materials—especially papers and textiles—to act as a protective filler or glaze. Sizing is used in papermaking and textile manufacturing to change the absorption and wear characteristics of those materials.

History

Sizing is traditionally applied to almost all papers and especially to art paper, including parchment, Rizla paper, and cartridge paper, but it is also used in the production of textiles. It is often used by artists to prepare paper and canvas surfaces for painting.

Paper Sizing

In the process of paper production, sizing agents are applied to the paper to give it some beneficial qualities. The main reason for the application of sizing is to reduce the paper's tendency when dry to absorb liquid, with the goal of allowing inks and paints to remain on the surface of the paper and to dry there, rather than be absorbed into the paper. This provides a more consistent, economical, and precise printing, painting, and writing surface. This is achieved by curbing the paper fibers' tendency to absorb liquids by capillary action. In addition, sizing affects abrasiveness, creasibility, finish, printability, smoothness, and surface bond strength and decreases surface porosity and fuzzing.

Textile Sizing

In textiles, sizing is the process of applying a protective adhesive coating upon the yarns. The size is a substance that has to be removed before the textile can be used. This is achieved by immersing the textile in warm water, which swells the fibres. In textiles, sizing solutions might be formulated with starch, gelatin, oil, or wax. Such formulas are closely guarded industrial secrets.

Types of Sizing

There are three types of sizing: internal sizing, also known as engine sizing, surface sizing, and tub sizing, also known as beater sizing.

Internal Sizing

Internal sizing is applied to almost all papers and especially to all those that are machine made, while surface sizing is added for the highest grade bond, ledger, and writing papers.

Surface Sizing

Surface sizing solutions consists of mainly modified starch and sometimes other hydrocolloids, such as gelatine, or surface active agents and protective colloids.

Tub Sizing

Tub sizing, or beater sizing, is a process in which the sheets of paper or board are immersed in a tub of sizing solution. In the beater, the fibres are mechanically treated to make them suitable for use in paper and board.

See Also

• Papermaking
• Textile manufacturing
• Starch
• Gelatin

Sizing Resources
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