3D Microscopy Paper Towel Absorbency Test: Comparing Bounty, Scott, and Bargain Brands

Fig 3: Bounty, Scott, and Bargain brand paper towel specimens prepared for optical metrology analysis.

Since the 3D surface profilometer scans small fields of view at a time, the paper towels were cut down in size to roughly equal strips to make them easier to scan.
Fig 4: Sensofar S Neox Confocal and interferometry microscope.

The Sensofar S Neox was used to acquire the 3D data. It has several techniques and magnification available, but the 10x and 20x confocal were chosen for lateral resolution, and ability to handle the large amounts of lighting needed to scan the deep fibers of the towels.

Test Results

Paper towels from each brand were obtained for testing. A pair of scissors was used to cut samples, and a digital scale with a precision of at least 0.01 g was used for all mass measurements. A mostly clean bowl from the office kitchen was used to hold tap water, and a timer was used to ensure consistent immersion and drip times.

Three samples were prepared from each paper towel brand. Each sample was cut to the exact same shape by stacking all towels on top of each other, and then cutting them all at once, like a stack of pancakes, only instead with scissors. Dry sample was weighed individually using the digital scale, and the mass was recorded to the nearest 0.001 g.

Each sample was fully submerged in water for approximately 5 seconds to allow saturation, then held above the container and allowed to drip for an additional 5 seconds to remove excess water. Immediately after dripping, the wet sample was weighed, and the mass was recorded to the nearest 0.001 g.

The amount of water absorbed by each sample was calculated by subtracting the dry mass from the wet mass:

Absorbed Water (g) = Wet Mass – Dry Mass

The absorbency of the paper towel was calculated as a percentage of the dry mass:

Absorbency (g) = Wet Mass / Dry Mass x 100%

                                                          Fig 5 Absorbency data collection

             Fig 6 Absorbency Test Graph

The Bargain brand was able to hold 10 times its own weight in water in the absorbency test.

The Scott brand was a little better, holding nearly 13 times its own weight in the test.

The Bounty brand towel sample was the heaviest of all three brands but was able to hold nearly 19 times its weight in water without a drip during the test.

Data Restoration and 3D Surface Scans

The SensoSCAN Software restoration algorithm used to enhance contrast and interpolate some holes in the data of the 3D reconstruction wherever reasonably possible (before-left, and after-right).
Fig 7a Before restoration

Fig 7b After restoration[/caption]

Bargain Brand 

The Bargain brand had a coarse, linear “grain” to the fibers, as can be seen in the macro scans below. The maximum pore depth was about 650um, as can be seen in the single FOV scan below, while the overall thickness of the towel itself was 669um, seen in the stitched scan. That means that the round perforations in the pattern were pressed almost entirely through the towel leaving shockingly thin 20um of thickness! This design of fiber grain and pore geometry surely worked well, since the Bargain brand held 10x its own weight in water, however, the other two brands performed better.

Fig 8a Bargain brand scan with profile line

                                                              Fig 8b Bargain brand stitched 3D scan

Bounty Brand

The Bounty brand had a very fine, fluffy, and random arrangement of fibers, as can be seen in the macro scans below. The maximum pore depth was roughly 563um, as can be seen in the single FOV scan below, while the overall thickness of the towel itself was 800um. Interestingly, the geometry of the pores were more like little bow-ties with the deepest pockets at each of the four corners. This peculiar shape and arrangement of fibers is surely part of the secret that makes Bounty the quicker picker upper!

 

3D Microscopy Testing Conclusion: Which Paper Towel is Most Absorbent?

In conclusion, the thickest, most absorbent of the three brands tested was bounty, with an innovative bowtie pore shape and high quality fiber structure, it held an impressive 19x its own weight in water. The bargain brand held its own, despite having a coarser fiber structure and simplistic pattern it was able to absorb 10x its own weight. The middle finisher, yet arguably the most surprising outcome was the Scott brand. Using similarly fine and well distributed fibers compared to the bounty, but taking a different approach with the “wave” pore geometry, found a way to hold 30% more water than the bargain brand, while weighing almost the same.

So, which should you actually buy? It depends on your priorities:

• “I want cheap” → Go with the bargain brand. It may not win science fairs, but it delivers functional absorbency without draining your wallet. Approximately $1.32/roll
• “I want the most absorbent” → Bounty is your champion. Its bowtie pores and plush fibers make it the heavyweight of household messes. Approximately $3.58/roll
• “I want the best eco option” → Skip the high-absorbency arms race and choose recycled or reusable towels. They may not break records in absorbency tests, but they’ll lighten your environmental footprint. Approximately $1.99/roll

Turns out, choosing a paper towel isn’t just about grabbing the nearest roll—it’s about matching science to your priorities.