Overview
ISO 9184-2:1990 - Paper, board and pulps - Fibre furnish analysis - Part 2: Staining guide is the part of the ISO 9184 series that helps laboratories select the appropriate staining tests for fibre furnish analysis of paper, board and pulps. Rather than prescribing a single test, this document provides a practical staining guide (summarized in a table) that links common fibre differentiations to recommended staining methods. The standard is intended to be used together with ISO 9184-1 (general method) and the specific staining tests in Parts 3–5.
Key topics and requirements
- Purpose: Guide selection of staining tests for accurate fibre furnish analysis in papermaking materials.
- Staining selection table: A consolidated table (Table 1) lists common fibre differentiations (e.g., chemical vs. mechanical pulp, softwood vs. hardwood, bleached vs. unbleached) together with recommended stains.
- Examples in the guide: the table references specific staining tests such as Graff “C” and Lofton‑Merritt, indicating which fibre types they are effective for.
- Reference to test methods: The guide is intended to be used with detailed staining procedures described in other parts of ISO 9184 (Part 3 Herzberg, Part 4 Graff T, Part 5 Lofton‑Merritt).
- Reporting requirement: The staining procedure actually used must be stated in the test report.
- Normative references and updates: Users are advised to consult related parts of ISO 9184 and check for the most recent editions of referenced standards.
Applications
- Quality control and acceptance testing in pulp and paper mills.
- Laboratory fibre furnish analysis for incoming raw materials and recycled fibre streams.
- Troubleshooting machine and product performance where fibre composition impacts strength, formation or optical properties.
- Research and development where accurate identification of fibre types (softwood vs. hardwood, chemical vs. mechanical) is required.
Who should use this standard
- Laboratory technicians and analysts performing pulp and paper fibre composition tests.
- Quality assurance and production staff in pulp and paper manufacturing.
- Pulp suppliers, recyclers and converters needing standardized reporting of fibre furnish.
- Technical consultants and researchers working on fibre identification and papermaking process optimization.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 9184-2:1990, fibre furnish analysis, staining guide, paper pulp analysis, Graff C, Lofton‑Merritt, Herzberg, pulp and paper standards.
