Design and Optimization of Paper Bags

Abstract

The detrimental effects of plastic bags on the environment are well known. It is now appropriate to use alternative materials for manufacturing bags and in packaging industries. While biodegradable plastics research has gained steam in the first world countries, countries like India are still dependent upon cheaper alternatives such as kraft paper/ old newspaper (ONP) as packaging materials for transport. However the lacunae associated with the employment of paper bags stem from their poor mechanical properties which make them unsuitable for use as such. The fabrication of jute-fibre reinforced paper laminates has proven to be a promising alternative to plastic bags. The current body of work is pertinent to the design and optimisation of paper bags by employing software using the Finite Elemental Analysis code developed by researchers in the Cornell Fracture Group, namely CASCA and FRANC2D. An optimal model was selected by running simulations using area of reinforcement, geometry and height of strip as variables. Simulations were initially run using steel as the material, with the mechanical properties later being changed to that of kraft paper in subsequent models. With the application of height optimized triangular strips, a reduction in peak stress of about 154KPa was observed. Effective design and optimization lead to a percentage reduction in peak stress by about 77.78%.