Structural and optical properties of InAs/GaAs quantum structures

The goal of the thesis was to study fundamental structural and optical properties of InAs islands and In(Ga)As quantum rings. The research was carried out at the Department of Micro and Nanosciences of Helsinki University of Technology. A good surface quality can be essential for the potential applications in optoelectronic devices. For such device applications it is usually necessary to control size, density and arrangement of the islands. In order to study the dependence of the structural properties of the islands and the quantum rings on growth conditions, atomic force microscope was used. Obtained results reveal that the size and the density of the In(Ga)As quantum rings strongly depend on the growth temperature, the annealing time and the thickness of the partial capping layer. From obtained results it is possible to conclude that to get round shape islands and high density one has to use growth temperature of 500 ̊C. In the case of formation of In(Ga)As quantum rings the effect of mobility anisotropy is observed that so the shape of the rings is not symmetric. To exclude this effect it is preferable to use a higher annealing temperature of 570 ̊C. Optical properties were characterized by PL spectroscopy. PL emission was observed from buried InAs quantum dots and In(Ga)As quantum rings grown with different annealing time and temperature and covered with a various thickness of the partial capping layer.

Synthesis, characterization and chemical sensor application of conducting polymers

Polymeric materials that conduct electricity are highly interesting for fundamental studies and beneficial for modern applications in e.g. solar cells, organic field effect transistors (OFETs) as well as in chemical and bio‐sensing. Therefore, it is important to characterize this class of materials with a wide variety of methods. This work summarizes the use of electrochemistry also in combination with spectroscopic methods in synthesis and characterization of electrically conducting polymers and other π‐conjugated systems. The materials studied in this work are intended for organic electronic devices and chemical sensors. Additionally, an important part of the presented work, concerns rational approaches to the development of water‐based inks containing conducting particles. Electrochemical synthesis and electroactivity of conducting polymers can be greatly enhanced in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in comparison to conventional electrolytes. Therefore, poly(para‐phyenylene) (PPP) was electrochemically synthesized in the two representative RTILs: bmimPF6 and bmiTf2N (imidazolium and pyrrolidinium‐based salts, respectively). It was found that the electrochemical synthesis of PPP was significantly enhanced in bmimPF6. Additionally, the results from doping studies of PPP films indicate improved electroactivity in bmimPF6 during oxidation (p‐doping) and in bmiTf2N in the case of reduction (n‐doping). These findings were supported by in situ infrared spectroscopy studies. Conducting poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) is a material which can provide relatively high field‐effect mobility of charge carriers in OFET devices. The main disadvantage of this n‐type semiconductor is its limited processability. Therefore in this work BBL was functionalized with poly(ethylene oxide) PEO, varying the length of side chains enabling water dispersions of the studied polymer. It was found that functionalization did not distract the electrochemical activity of the BBL backbone while the processability was improved significantly in comparison to conventional BBL. Another objective was to study highly processable poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) water‐based inks for controlled patterning scaled‐down to nearly a nanodomain with the intention to fabricate various chemical sensors. Developed PEDOT:PSS inks greatly improved printing of nanoarrays and with further modification with quaternary ammonium cations enabled fabrication of PEDOT:PSS‐based chemical sensors for lead (II) ions with enhanced adhesion and stability in aqueous environments. This opens new possibilities for development of PEDOT:PSS films that can be used in bio‐related applications. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a broad group of π‐conjugated materials consisting of aromatic rings in the range from naphthalene to even hundred rings in one molecule. The research on this type of materials is intriguing, due to their interesting optical properties and resemblance of graphene. The objective was to use electrochemical synthesis to yield relatively large PAHs and fabricate electroactive films that could be used as template material in chemical sensors. Spectroscopic, electrochemical and electrical investigations evidence formation of highly stable films with fast redox response, consisting of molecules with 40 to 60 carbon atoms. Additionally, this approach in synthesis, starting from relatively small PAH molecules was successfully used in chemical sensor for lead (II).

Monolithic zirconium dioxide as a full contour restorative material: With special emphasis on the optical and mechanical properties

Full contour monolithic zirconia restorations have shown an increased popularity in the dental field over the recent years, owing to its mechanical and acceptable optical properties. However, many features of the restoration are yet to be researched and supported by clinical studies to confirm its place among the other indirect restorative materials This series of in vitro studies aimed at evaluating and comparing the optical and mechanical properties, light cure irradiance, and cement polymerization of multiple monolithic zirconia material at variable thicknesses, environments, treatments, and stabilization. Five different monolithic zirconia materials, four of which were partially stabilized and one fully stabilized were investigated. The optical properties in terms of surface gloss, translucency parameter, and contrast ratio were determined via a reflection spectrophotometer at variable thicknesses, coloring, sintering method, and after immersion in an acidic environment. Light cure irradiance and radiant exposure were quantified through the specimens at variable thicknesses and the degree of conversion of two dual-cure cements was determined via Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Bi-axial flexural strength was evaluated to compare between the partially and fully stabilized zirconia prepared using different coloring and sintering methods. Surface characterization was performed using a scanning electron microscope and a spinning disk confocal microscope. The surface gloss and translucency of the zirconia investigated were brand and thickness dependent with the translucency values decreasing as the thickness increased. Staining decreased the translucency of the zirconia and enhanced surface gloss as well as the flexural strength of the fully stabilized zirconia but had no effect on partially stabilized zirconia. Immersion in a corrosive acid increased surface gloss and decreased the translucency of some zirconia brands. Zirconia thickness was inversely related to the amount of light irradiance, radiant exposure, and degree of monomer conversion. Type of sintering furnace had no effect on the optical and mechanical properties of zirconia. Monolithic zirconia maybe classified as a semi-translucent material that is well influenced by the thickness, limiting its use in the esthetic zones. Conventional acid-base reaction, autopolymerizing and dual-cure cements are recommended for its cementation. Its desirable mechanical properties give it a high potential as a restoration for posterior teeth. However, close monitoring with controlled clinical studies must be determined before any definite clinical recommendations can be drawn.

Optical and photoelectric properties of dry bacteriorhodopsin sensors

In this thesis, bacteriorhodopsin (BR) photosensor’s optical and electrical properties were studied. The BR sensor consisted of a dry film with BR in polyvinyl alcohol and covered with transparent conductors. In the experiments the BR photocycle was started with two lasers. The characteristics of the BR sensor were measured in two ways. The first approach was theoretical and it required knowing the laser parameters. The second way required assembling a measurement setup for the optical response measurements. However, no measurable results were obtained due to low laser power. The photoelectric response was measured in the experiments with two laser systems and the amplifier was tested. In the experiment with a Cavitar laser, the photoelectric response was obtained. In the experiment with FemtoFiber Pro laser, the photoelectric response was not measured. The expected amplitude of the response was obtained. The experimental data was analyzed and possible solutions for reducing the interference were given.

Influence of plasma modification on surface properties and offset printability of coated paper

The properties of the paper surface play a crucial role in ensuring suitable quality and runnability in various converting and finishing operations, such as printing. Plasma surface modification makes it possible to modify the surface chemistry of paper without altering the bulk material properties. This also makes it possible to investigate the role of the surface chemistry alone on printability without influencing the porous structure of the pigment-coated paper. Since the porous structure of a pigment coating controls both ink setting and optical properties, surface chemical changes created by a plasma modification have a potential to decouple these two effects and to permit a better optimization of them both. The aim of this work was to understand the effects of plasma surface modification on paper properties, and how it influences printability in the sheet-fed offset process. The objective was to broaden the fundamental understanding of the role of surface chemistry on offset printing. The effects of changing the hydrophilicity/ hydrophobicity and the surface chemical composition by plasma activation and plasma coatings on the properties of coated paper and on ink-paper interactions as well as on sheet-fed offset print quality were investigated. In addition, the durability of the plasma surface modification was studied. Nowadays, a typical sheet-fed offset press also contains units for surface finishing, for example UVvarnishing. The role of the surface chemistry on the UV-varnish absorption into highly permeable and porous pigment-coated paper was also investigated. With plasma activation it was possible to increase the surface energy and hydrophilicity of paper. Both polar and dispersion interactions were found to increase, although the change was greater in the polar interactions due to induced oxygen molecular groups. The results indicated that plasma activation takes place particularly in high molecular weight components such as the dispersion chemicals used to stabilize the pigment and latex particles. Surface composition, such as pigment and binder type, was found to influence the response to the plasma activation. The general trend was that pilot-scale treatment modified the surface chemistry without altering the physical coating structure, whereas excessive laboratory-scale treatment increased the surface roughness and reduced the surface strength, which led to micro-picking in printing. It was shown that pilot-scale plasma activation in combination with appropriate ink oils makes it possible to adjust the ink-setting rate. The ink-setting rate decreased with linseed-oil-based inks, probably due to increased acid-base interactions between the polar groups in the oil and the plasma-treated paper surface. With mineral-oil-based inks, the ink setting accelerated due to plasma activation. Hydrophobic plasma coatings were able to reduce or even prevent the absorption of dampening water into pigmentcoated paper, even when the dampening water was applied under the influence of nip pressure. A uniform hydrophobic plasma coating with sufficient chemical affinity with ink gave an improved print quality in terms of higher print density and lower print mottle. It was also shown that a fluorocarbon plasma coating reduced the free wetting of the UV-varnish into the highly permeable and porous pigment coating. However, when the UV-varnish was applied under the influence of nip pressure, which leads to forced wetting, the role of the surface chemical composition seems to be much less. A decay in surface energy and wettability occurred during the first weeks of storage after plasma activation, after which it leveled off. However, the oxygen/carbon elemental ratio did not decrease as a function of time, indicating that ageing could be caused by a re-orientation of polar groups or by a contamination of the surface. The plasma coatings appeared to be more stable when the hydrophobicity was higher, probably due to fewer interactions with oxygen and water vapor in the air.

Enhancing performance of paper coatings by tailor-made plastic pigments

The paper industry is constantly looking for new ideas for improving paper products while competition and raw material prices are increasing. Many paper products are pigment coated. Coating layer is the top layer of paper, thus by modifying coating pigment also the paper itself can be altered and value added to the final product. In this thesis, synthesis of new plastic and hybrid pigments and their performance in paper and paperboard coating is reported. Two types of plastic pigments were studied: core-shell latexes and solid beads of maleimide copolymers. Core-shell latexes with partially crosslinked hydrophilic polymer core of poly(n-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) and a hard hydrophobic polystyrene shell were prepared to improve the optical properties of coated paper. In addition, the effect of different crosslinkers was analyzed and the best overall performance was achieved by the use of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Furthermore, the possibility to modify core-shell latex was investigated by introducing a new polymerizable optical brightening agent, 1-[(4-vinylphenoxy)methyl]-4-(2-henylethylenyl)benzene which gave promising results. The prepared core-shell latex pigments performed smoothly also in pilot coating and printing trials. The results demonstrated that by optimizing polymer composition, the optical and surface properties of coated paper can be significantly enhanced. The optimal reaction conditions were established for thermal imidization of poly(styrene-co-maleimide) (SMI) and poly(octadecene-co-maleimide) (OMI) from respective maleic anhydride copolymer precursors and ammonia in a solvent free process. The obtained aqueous dispersions of nanoparticle copolymers exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) between 140-170ºC and particle sizes from 50-230 nm. Furthermore, the maleimide copolymers were evaluated in paperboard coating as additional pigments. The maleimide copolymer nanoparticles were partly imbedded into the porous coating structure and therefore the full potential of optical property enhancement for paperboard was not achieved by this method. The possibility to modify maleimide copolymers was also studied. Modifications were carried out via N-substitution by replacing part of the ammonia in the imidization reaction with amines, such as triacetonediamine (TAD), aspartic acid (ASP) and fluorinated amines (2,2,2- trifluoroethylamine, TFEA and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobuthylamine, HFBA). The obtained functional nanoparticles varied in size between 50-217 nm and their Tg from 150-180ºC. During the coating process the produced plastic pigments exhibited good runnability. No significant improvements were achieved in light stability with TAD modified copolymers whereas nanoparticles modified with aspartic acid and those containing fluorinated groups showed the desired changes in surface properties of the coated paperboard. Finally, reports on preliminary studies with organic-inorganic hybrids are presented. The hybrids prepared by an in situ polymerization reaction consisted of 30 wt% poly(styrene- co-maleimide) (SMI) and high levels of 70 wt% inorganic components of kaolin and/or alumina trihydrate. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared Spcetroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed that the hybrids had conventional composite structure and inorganic components were covered with precipitated SMI nanoparticles attached to the surface via hydrogen bonding. In paper coating, the hybrids had a beneficial effect on increasing gloss levels.

Computational modeling of the properties of TiO2 nanoparticles

In this study we discuss the electronic, structural, and optical properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and also the properties of Ni(II) diimine dithiolato complexes as dyes in dye-sensitized TiO2 based solar cells. The abovementioned properties have been modeled by using computational codes based on the density functional theory. The results achieved show slight evidence on the structure-dependent band gap broadening, and clear blue-shifts in absorption spectra and refractive index functions of ultra-small TiO2 particles. It is also shown that these properties are strongly dependent on the shape of the nanoparticles. Regarding the Ni(II) diimine dithiolato complexes as dyes in dye-sensitized TiO2 based solar cells, it is shown that based on the experimental electrochemical investigation and DFT studies all studied diimine derivatives could serve as potential candidates for the light harvesting, but the e ciencies of the dyes studied are not very promising.

Optical spectroscopy of organic material based on C60

The structure and optical properties of thin films based on C60 materials are studied. Reproducible vacuum method of thin fullerene films production with Cd impurity on Si, glass and mica surfaces is developed. Surface morphology of the films are investigated by AFM and SEM methods. The ab initio quantum - chemical calculations of the geometry, total energy and excited energy states of complex fullerene- cadmium telluride supramolecules are performed. Photoluminescence spectra of composite thin films based on C60 before and after X-ray irradiation were measured. The intensity of additional peaks is defined as the charge composition due to the type of substrate. These results are interpreted as an appearance of the dipole-allowed transitions in the fullerene excited singlet states spectrum cause of an interference with cadmium telluride. X-ray irradiated films were investigated, and additional peaks in photoluminescence spectra were detected. These peaks appear as a result of molecular complexes formation from C60CdTe mixture and dimerization of the films. Density functional B3LYP quantum-chemical calculations for C60CdTe, molecular complexes, (C60)2 and C120O dimers were performed to elucidate some experimental results.

Hienopaperimassojen lujuusominaisuudet nopeassa vetokuormituksessa

Työssä verrattiin koivu-, akaasia- ja eucalyptussellujen käyttökelpoisuutta hienopapereiden kuituraaka-aineena. Kirjallisuusosassa todettiin radan hallinnan paperikoneiden avoimissa vienneissä riippuvan käytetyn geometrian lisäksi lujuus- ja relaksaatio-ominaisuuksista. Kuituverkoston käyttäytymiseen jännityksen alaisena vaikuttavat kuitudimensiot, kosteus ja lämpötila sekä kuituverkostoon kohdistetun jännityksen nopeus ja määrä. Relaksaationopeus ja vetolujuus kasvavat kuivilla papereilla vetonopeuden lisääntyessä. Kosteuspitoisuuden kasvattaminen alentaa puukuiduissa olevien polymeerien lasisiirtymälämpötilaa, jonka seurauksena vetolujuus ja relaksaatiokireys laskevat voimakkaasti. Kosteuspitoisuuden kasvaessa murtovenymä kasvaa lähes lineaarisesti ja repäisylujuus sekä murtotyö saavuttavat maksiminsa tietyssä kosteuspitoisuudessa. Kokeellisessa osassa keskityttiin hienopaperimassojen lujuus- ja relaksaatiokäyttäytymisen selvittämiseen nopeassa vetokuormituksessa. Lisäksi määritettiin laatu-, massa- ja rakenneominaisuuksia valituille koepisteille. Muuttujina kokeissa olivat massojen kuiva-ainepitoisuudet ja jauhatusolosuhteet sekä havusellun osuus hienopaperimassoissa.CSF-tasoon 350 ml jauhetuista näytteistä parhaat lujuus ja relaksaatio-ominaisuudet olivat koivulla ja heikoimmat akaasialla. Erot koepisteiden välillä korostuivat pienellä havusellun määrällä, mutta kaventuivat huomattavasti havusellun määrää lisättäessä. Samaan vetolujuuteen jauhettaessa massojen erot poistuvat kokonaan. Kuivilla näytteillä löydettiin erinomainen korrelaatio myötölujuuden ja relaksaatiokireyden välille. Puristinkuivien näytteiden relaksaatiokireyksiä voidaan kokeiden valossa ennustaa parhaiten kuivien näytteiden vetolujuuksista. Myös elastisten venymien osuuksille ja kuituseinämien paksuuksille löydettiin selvä yhteys.Eucalyptus- ja akaasiamassojen erinomaisuus hienopapereiden raaka-aineena korostui niiden optisissa ominaisuuksissa, erityisesti korkeana valonsirontana. Verrattaessa samassa vetolujuudessa ja relaksaatiokireydessä valonsirontakertoimien arvoja havaittiin akaasian olevan paras koivun jäädessä heikoimmaksi. Lisäksi akaasian ja eucalyptuksen kapeat kuitujakaumat ovat edullisia painokoneessa värin tasaisen imeytymisen kannalta. Akaasian pienet ja taipuisat kuidut antavat paperille tasaisen pinnan ja siten painatuksessa tasaisen painoalustan.

Hiokerejektien käsittely MC-sakeudessa

Työn tavoitteena oli optimoida LWC-paperitehtaan kahden hiomolinjan rejektinkäsittelyt. Uusituilla rejektilinjoilla on käytössä keskisakeusrejektinjauhatus. Työn keskeinen osa oli teräkoeajot, teräsarjoja tutkittiin kuusi, kolme molemmilla linjoilla. Kahdessa ensimmäisessä teräkoeajossa oli molemmilla linjoilla samanlaiset jauhinterät. Teräkoeajojen tuloksista havaittiin yleisellä tasolla, että suurin osa mitatuista ominaisuuksista parani jauhatusastetta nostettaessa. Ainoastaan repäisylujuus heikkeni. Terävaihtoehdoista pystyttiin poimimaan molemmille linjoille sopiva terävaihtoehto. Rejektinlajittelun havaittiin parantavan edelleen massan laatuominaisuuksia, paitsi repäisylujuutta. Toisena osuutena vertailtiin keskisakeusjauhimen terävaihtoehtoa, jolla saavutettiin hyviä tuloksia, toisen paperitehtaan korkeassa sakeudessa jauhettuun rejektiin. Korkeasakeusjauhimen terää ei erityisesti valikoitu koeajoa varten. Tuloksista havaittiin, että keskisakeusjauhimella saadaan aikaan varsin hyvää LWC-paperiin käytettävää massaa. Keskisakeudessa jauhettu massa oli monilta ominaisuuksiltaan jopa parempaa kuin korkeasakeusjauhimen massa. Työn kolmannessa osuudessa ajettiin rejektilinjalla sakeuskoeajo. Sakeuskoeajosta havaittiin, että optiset ominaisuudet olivat parhaimmillaan jauhimen MC-sakeusalueen keskivaiheilla. Jauhatussakeuden noustessa kuidut jäivät jäykemmiksi ja karkeammiksi. Tikkupitoisuus oli sitä pienempi, mitä alhaisempaa jauhatussakeutta käytettiin. Sakeudella ei ollut selvää vaikutusta lujuusominaisuuksiin. Tulosten perusteella paras jauhatussakeus keskisakeusjauhimella oli sakeusalueen puoliväli. Työn viimeisenä osana selvitettiin miten kytkentämuutos, jossa rejektilinjan viimeisen lajittimen rejekti käännettiin palaamaan jälkilajittelun sijaan rejektilinjan kaariseulalle, vaikutti koko hiomon kapasiteettiin ja rejektilinjan massan laatuun. Koeajojen tuloksena havaittiin, että kytkentämuutolla pystyttiin nostamaan koko hiomon kapasiteettia ja rejektilinjan akseptin laatu parani.

PCC-täyteaineen vaikutus hienopaperin lujuuskäyttäytymiseen nopeassa vetokuormituksessa

Raaka-ainekustannusten minimoimiseksi hienopaperin valmistajat pyrkivät jatkuvasti vähentämään massan havuselluosuutta ja lisäämään paperin täyteainepitoisuutta. PCC:n käyttö hienopaperin täyteaineena on kasvanut viimeisen kymmenen vuoden aikana voimakkaasti. PCC:n etuna on sen joustava valmistusprosessi, jonka olosuhteita säätelemällä voidaan valmistaa hyvin erilaisia tuotteita. PCC:n ominaisuudet, kuten partikkelikoko ja kidemuoto vaikuttavat merkittävästi paperin reologisiin ominaisuuksiin. Täyteaineen vaikutus paperin lujuusominaisuuksiin riippuu oleellisesti siitä, miten täyteaine sijoittuu kuituverkostossa. Lisäksi paperikoneen ajettavuuden turvaamiseksi täyteaineretention tulisi olla riittävän korkealla tasolla. Täyteaineen retentoituminen on hyvin riippuvainen kuitumateriaalin ja täyteaineen ominaisuuksista. Täyteainepitoisuuden lisääminen ja havusellun vähentäminen heikentävät hienopaperin reologisia ominaisuuksia ja vaikuttavat negatiivisesti paperikoneen ajettavuuteen. Varsinkin rainan siirto avoimella viennillä puristinosalta kuivatusosalle voi muodostua ajettavuuden kannalta kriittiseksi kohdaksi. Tämän vuoksi on tärkeää tuntea irrotustapahtumaan ja rainan kireyteen vaikuttavat tekijät. Märän rainan lujuuskäyttäytymistä voidaan tutkia esim. laboratorioarkeista tehtävillä vetolujuus- ja jännitysrelaksaatiomittauksilla. Työn kokeellisessa osassa tutkittiin kahden erityyppisen PCC-täyteaineen vaikutusta hienopaperin vetolujuus- ja relaksaatiokäyttäytymiseen nopeassa vetokuormituksessa. Täyteainepitoisuuden kasvaessa sekä märän että kuivan paperin vetolujuus ja relaksaatiokireys heikkenivät voimakkaasti. Täyteaine myös vähensi havuselluosuuden vaikutusta näihin ominaisuuksiin. PCC:n ominaisuuksilla voitiin hieman vaikuttaa hienopaperin reologisiin ominaisuuksiin, joskin niiden kannalta edullisempi täyteaine antoi paperille huonommat optiset ominaisuudet. Kuiva-ainepitoisuuden kasvaessa paperin vetolujuus ja relaksaatiokireys paranivat eksponentiaalisesti. Tämän perusteella täyteainetyypin vaikutus vedenpoistoon on paperin reologisten ominaisuuksien kannalta tärkeä tekijä.

Brightness of multilayer boards

A good appearance of a package enhances the sale of the product. The packing gives information about the content and instructions for the usage. In this master’s thesis, the optical properties of multilayer packaging board is studied. Especially means of increasing brightness of the multilayer board are evaluated. In the literature part, the effect of different factors on optical properties of a multilayer board are evaluated with the help of light scattering and absorption coefficients. The Kubelka-Munk theory can be used also in modelling brightness of the multilayer board. A large variety of different process factors, chemical aids and machine variables affect optical properties of board. In the experimental part, different methods to increase brightness of a 3-layer board were evaluated. It was discovered that brightness variation of broke (30 % share of the center layer pulp) have only minor influence on brightness of the board. The brightness variation must be high, roughly 9 % in order to alter brightness of the board by 1 %. Higher brightness can be achieved by bleaching the pulp, which holds the largest share of the center layer pulp. Here, 2,6 % increase in brightness of the pulp (60 % share of the center layer pulp) increased brightness of the board by 1 %. In a trial run at a board machine, there was no indication of decreased bulk of the board due to extended bleaching of the pulp. With pulp dyeing appearance and optical properties of a multilayer board can be influenced. By using bluish dyes the natural yellowness of pulps can be decreased and impression of whiteness is then increased. Brightness may deteriorate though, because of increasing light absorption of the dyed pulps. When the yellowness comes from the center layer pulp, the dye should be introduced there. Then the brightness decreasing effect of the dye decreases brightness of the board less. It was noticed that it is more important to maintain brightness of the top layer than brightness of the center layer, because the top layer pulp affects on brightness of the board the most. By introducing fillers into the top layer of a multilayer board it is possible to increase brightness of the board. Fillers with the highest light scattering increased the brightness of the board the most. Increasing light scattering increases brightness and also opacity. Higher opacity in the top layer decreases also the darkening effect of the center layer. Calcinated kaolin and PCC was found to increase the light scattering of the top layer the most at the filler comparison. Introducing fillers into the top layer of multilayer board may decrease bulk and modulus of elasticity of the top layer. This could lead to deteriorated bending stiffness.