The Letterville BullBoard: research on absorbtion of paper towels

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Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

My son is doing a science fair project on the differences of brands of paper towels
(which brand absorbs the best). I wonder if any of you that use paper towels (colored or white) for cleanup?

You have to know these 12 year olds are definite on what they choose sometimes and he does not want to change or upgrade to any other subject matter.
I find it admirable that he is sticking to his first decision, but unfortunately there are no resources at the library or internet and the only research he is getting is from the companies themselves (which will be biased, probably) and an encyclopedia and his own experiments.
The school requires more resources and I was hoping to inquire any signfolks if they have tested cleaning up with different brands.
It can be water or paint mixed with mineral spirits. We are trying to compare three brands, and one is Bounty, the other two we haven't decided. He needs the data in a couple weeks if possible. If anyone is interested or happens to be using several brands of towels or has in the past, could you please let me know at dfo7503884@aol.com?

It would be very interesting.

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

Sorry, I reread the post again,

I meant the paper towels with water, or the paper towels with paint thinned with a thinner. Either liquid must be the same liquid with all three paper towels.
thanks, Deb

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :

I can't really help you except to say that there are chemicals called adsorbents (not absorb, but still probably spelled wrong) that can be added to things like paper towels to make them hold more water - sort of a chemical sponge. So if one towel is treated and one is not, the treated one will hold more water. But, the treated one will not pick up more thinner because the thinner is not water based.

This then becomes the basis for an experiment. Will a big water picker like Bounty pick up more paint thinner than the bargain brand? Beats me, but if your kid figures it out, be sure to tell us. Vic G

PS ...use the Google search engine on "paper towel" and "adsorbent". The adsorbent stuff is pretty arcane. Power towels leads you to www.gp.com, Georgia Pacific's site where there are exciting explanations of why paper towels hold water and (thrill) why toilet paper is soft. In all seriousness, however, there is some stuff there that might be good for a young student.

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Victor Georgiou
Bob Loves Signs Inc
Danville, CA
email blssign@pacbell.net

[This message has been edited by VICTORGEORGIOU (edited January 03, 2001).]

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

Victor,

Thank you for your input. I forgot and only used one search engine. No wonder we didn't see more on the subject. Have a great day.

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :

I'm so glad your son got into this experiment!!
And hopefully you will post results, not only the difference in absorption but the chemicals and quanaties of chemicals that are added in production of these towells.
Not all manufacturers are adding chemicaks to they're towells, these are the ones that are safe for sign people to use. The ones that have chemicals added are contaminateing our clean up efforts prior to painting or applying vinyl.
Give us a list of "who ads and who dosn't".
Roger

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Roger Bailey
Rapid Tac Incorporated
Waikoloa, Hawaii

Posted by Bruce Williams (Member # 691) on :

It's great to hear of a 12-year doing an experiment like this. Years ago, a girl that age won a state (or national) science fair with analysis of household cleansers, solvents and such. She pretty much duplicated the commercial brands, by mixing the cheap, common basic ingredients. The price differences were more than substantial. Over a lifetime of shopping, it might mean the difference between retiring or not.

I'm convinced that young people can teach us old folks something, and I want to encourage them.

Bruce Williams
Lexington KY

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Bruce Williams

Posted by Larry Elliott (Member # 263) on :

I've absorbed many paper towels especially when eating barbecued ribs or crab legs at least I guess they were absorbed, they're never as large after a few wipes. Hope your son finds out all the chemicals that are used in the production of these towels, I'm curious to know if they are harmful when swallowed!
We use the cheapo brands at the shop for most cleanups and the better ones at home to keep my hairy little chinny chin chin spotless.

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Larry

Elliott Design
McLemoresville, Tn.

If you can't find the time to do it right,
where gonna find the time to do it over?

Posted by Ryan Ursta (Member # 1738) on :

Usually in science fairs i can remember doing hands on visual stuff. I would reccomend getting 1 measuring cup per paper towel and either dropping the paper towel in a full cup to see which one absorbs the most water, or cleaning up spilled water and see which one will squeeze out the most water! That would be my hands on presentation. Just make sure your son has all the information to back up why the paper towels absorbed the water. Make sure he knows the materials they are made out of and why each one is different. Also make sure he has a scientific theory as to why the winning brand absorbed more than the opposition. That oughtta get ya a good score.
My 2 cents

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Ryan Ursta
Ursta Graphics
27 West Shenango St.
Sharpsville Pa. 16150
Call: 724•962•2206
"letters of Recommendation"

Known as "Ugraph" on mirc

Posted by Ryan Ursta (Member # 1738) on :

Hey try consumer reports either a website or the magazine at the local library they might be able to tell ya what theyre made of! And which one is the best. I use the shop pro paper towels they absorb the best!

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Ryan Ursta
Ursta Graphics
27 West Shenango St.
Sharpsville Pa. 16150
Call: 724•962•2206
"letters of Recommendation"

Known as "Ugraph" on mirc

Posted by Kelli (Member # 248) on :

deb, I don't know what chemicals they put in bounty, but whatever it is, I don't like it. it makes my hands feel sticky after I've dried them. sounds like a fun project for your son. good luck (big exclamation point) darn keyboard

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Kelli Cajigas aka Janda
Dolphin deSigns & Banners
“A satisfied customer will tell two friends, a dissatisfied customer will tell ten.”

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

what a relief you guys are...
I will be checking these ideas out. Of course, I will love to learn as I teach my child! Along with the studies we are thinking about sending three paper towels (three brands) to anyone who would be interesting in dipping or dabbing. Then as we get our results in, they will be pinpointed on a map for the project for a visual. We will address the folks in some way, "Experiments in using paper towels from signmakers in U.S.A. or global?" We can find a map or create one to fit on the display.
(just a thought to have real life participants).

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by Henry Barker (Member # 174) on :

Hi there Deb,

WE use all Kimberley-Clark products here, which I believe are or originate from both the US and the UK.

They manufacture Kleenex, and we use that for most vehicle work as it doesn't damage the paintwork and absorbs most anything, it comes on a giant roll 16.5" wide, they do another lint free wipe called Kimcell for going over as a final wipe (used for polishing Jaguars in the factory). They have other products that come in Brag boxes like Workhorse classic, and another great wipe that feels like cloth but is paper, made by Scott which is also part of K-C. I guess I am lucky as they are my neighbour here on the industrial park so its really handy to pop over and try different stuff!!

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Henry Barker #1924
akaKaftan
SignCraft AB
Stockholm, Sweden.
A little bit of England in a corner of Stockholm
www.signcraft.se
info@signcraft.se

Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :

Henery, I hope your not using the "static free/lint free" to clean before applying vinyl wet !
Roger

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Roger Bailey
Rapid Tac Incorporated
Waikoloa, Hawaii

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

Roger,

Thanks for the tip. I haven't used Rapid Tac for years. This gallon was given to me for a dollar since it had been opened. I will pay note to all this good advice.
Believe me, I need all I can get. I am a newbie to Rapid Tac and have been using water and a little soap for my vinyl years.
My son shyed away from the idea of asking others to perform the towel test (to keep it simple, but we are still formulating ideas). I believe he is feeling the after- holiday crunch of back to school. He is probably going to perform most of it here and add the info of chemicals being added- he will be checking into that. I want to provide him with resources that he can grasp and use that make sense to him. We'll keep you posted, folks!

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by Talisman (Member # 1869) on :

Hi Deb,

Just a thought… Why not get 3 rolls of different brands of paper towels and a joint compound bucket. Fill the bucket about ¾ full (mark it with a sharpie). Then unbend a coat hanger and run it through the tube of towels and bend a hook on it so the towel roll will hang freely on it. Put an elastic band around the roll so it won’t unravel and submerge it into the bucket. Let it stand there for a few minutes (time it). Remove the roll using the attached hanger and mark the new water level. Repeat the “same” process for the other 2 brands and compare the levels!

Be sure to decorate the bucket for the fair!! Or locate that letterhead barrel and use that!!!
Also, food coloring will make the project “look” more professional and you will be able to confirm the roll has in fact absorbed to its capacity.

Good luck,
Joe

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Joe Abner
dba Talisman Signs
Middleboro, MA

Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :

Joe, I think you have the best idea there for the demonstration !! Good Thinkin
Roger

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Roger Bailey
Rapid Tac Incorporated
Waikoloa, Hawaii

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

The responses and letters are wonderful. I would like to thank you by letter but some of you don't include your email and that's fine so I will also thank you here. I am learning a lot with Arthur. Some have asked by mail his name and he is the same as the one who thought his mom only painted traffic signs! (I also help with science project and shop for basketball shoes!) The search engines and bucket experiment with colors really sounds like we may have some fun here!
we'll keep ya posted! Deb and Arthur

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by Bruce Deveau (Member # 1600) on :

Hello Deb,
I switched to Viva brand towels (by Scott Paper) years ago. They surpass Bounty by far in their absorbency and softness. Perfect for wiping down vehicles with wax remover. I think you will find these towels superior. They are also very strong.

Good Luck
Bruce Deveau

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Bruce Deveau
331 Main St.
Amesbury, Ma USA 01913
pop04667@tiac.net

Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :

I like Joe's idea! I think it might look better with three identical buckets and the rolls next to them. Perhaps a tape mark at the water level on the outside of the bucket and one from before the paper went in. Also, there could be a glass container holding the amount of water that was absorbed by each roll.

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The SignShop
Mendocino, California
"Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"

Oh, for the faith of a spider! He begins his web without any thread.

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

Speaking of tissues and such, we are back to the paper towel post again.

Half way through the preliminary research, and am delayed in recieving any info on the chemicals part of it. Kelly's input on the chemical aspect was vital to our project and all of you that are taking time to help.
We are not getting the info on the chemicals that the company promised to send us. Do any of you know of where I can get some info?
We are using Bounty, Scottbrand, and another, which we are going to decide on shortly.
We will be dunking the whole paper towel roll as you suggested and it is a great idea because the measurements will be easily read and seen, compared to the single sheet!
any ideas about the chemical info? Deb & Arthur

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by Kelli (Member # 248) on :

Deb, check out this link to Georgia Pacific http://www.gp.com/chemical/paper.html

They produce the chemicals used in paper towels to increase absorbency. Maybe they can get you the information you need, or point you in the right direction. Be sure to download their brochure on paper chemicals, it should prove useful in your son's presentation.

Good Luck!

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Kelli Cajigas aka Janda
Dolphin deSigns & Banners
“A satisfied customer will tell two friends, a dissatisfied customer will tell ten.”

[This message has been edited by Kelli (edited February 02, 2001).]

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

Thanks so much Kelly! Now that is an interesting site for anyone who uses paper towels and is interested in which chemicals are being used. I imagine one part of the project could include which chemicals our skin is absorbing into our bodies! Very interesting.
(wonder what is in the Toilet Paper??)When we research it, I will let you know. Wow, I am seeing formaldehyde included in some products. We will read on... Have a great day!

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Deb
Creative Signs
"All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino

Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :

The vote is in!

For anyone interested, the paper towel brand that leads the race in absorption, is,
(drum roll)... BOUNTY,

Arthur's hypothesis is correct, and we proved it by dunking the whole roll of each:
Sparkle, Brawny and Bounty.
We are finishing the paperwork, investigation, research, and conclusion and now are pressed for time doing the graphics.

The Scott company was good enough to send us info but they did not have info anywhere that we could find on the chemicals used.
There are chemicals in paper towels, however, and some are these: bleach, formaldehyde and resins!
We are off to the graphics now! Not sure how we will do it, but they do count for a portion of the grade!
You guys are of tremendous help, and we want to thank you!
We'll keep you posted,
Deb and Arthur

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Deb
Creative Signs

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