ECF (ELEMENTAL CHLORINE FREE)
A common definition for pulp bleached without using elemental chlorine; originally any of the bleaching techniques for chemical pulp, when no molecular (elemental) chlorine is used.

EDGE CUTTERS
Device comprising two jets of water that are adjustable across the making machine and that divide the wet web on the wire lengthwise so that the edges may be removed, generally at the couch. In this way, they control the width of the web going forward from the wire part and give it comparatively clean edges.

EMBOSSED PAPER
Paper on which a raised and/or depressed design has been produced by pressure, generally from an engraved or otherwise patterned roll or plate.

EMULSIFICATION
Dispersion of water into the ink during printing. An excess of this may cause printing difficulties.

EMULSION-COATED PAPER
Paper coated by any suitable coating process with plastics or resins applied in the form of an emulsion.

ENGINE SIZING
Sometimes known as internal sizing. The addition to the paper making stock of chemicals that ultimately confer on the paper the property of resisting penetration by aqueous liquids, e.g., writing ink.

EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE CONTENT
The moisture content of a paper that has reached a balance with the atmosphere surrounding it, i.e., in a condition in which it will neither give up nor absorb moisture.

ESPARTO GRASS
A grass naturally occurring in North Africa that, when pulped, produces a bulky fiber for making good quality paper. It was once a popular papermaking fiber.

EXTRUSION COATING
A method of coating a web of paper with resins, plastics or similar hot-melt compounds. The coating is applied through an extruder die positioned immediately above the nip between a supporting roll and a chill roll.