The thermal performance of copy paper during fusing was studied by measuring the temperature and moisture content changes for a variety of different paper sheets. Sheet temperatures on the image and reverse sides were measured at different points in a continuous run Xerox photocopier. Sheet surface temperatures depend on basis weight, caliper, coating level and filler levels. Coated or highly filled sheets showed higher temperatures which persisted for longer times whereas those of lower densities were cooler. Moisture redistributions within the short time scale of fusing was insignificant.An analysis of heat and moisture transport within the sheets subjected to a rapid thermal pulse was conducted. A mathematical model was developed using the equations of transient energy and moisture transport. The model equations were solved using the finite element method to predict temperature and moisture content profiles and their evolution within the paper sheets. Thermal conductivity, heat capacity and moisture diffusivity of copy paper sheets were measured in the laboratory and used as inputs to the mathematical model to predict the temperature and moisture response in the fusing section.Excellent agreement was found between the model predictions and experimental temperature and moisture contents for several paper sheets under different conditions. The thermal conductivity and heat capacity are the critical parameters determining the temperature and moisture profiles and were strongly dependent on sheet structure.