13 Paper

What is paper made from?

Paper is made by separating plant fibers, then matting and pressing them into thin sheets.

How do hydrogen bonds contribute to paper strength?

Hydrogen bonds form between cellulose fibrils as paper dries, holding the fibers together without glue.

What are the initial steps in papermaking?

Gather and beat the pulp to fray the cellulose fibrils, then suspend fibers in water and drain in a fine wire mesh.

Why are some fibers unsuitable for industrial papermaking?

Too short or brittle fibers result in weak paper, while fibers with too much lignin can cause yellowing and degradation.

What are the main advantages of using wood pulp for paper?

Wood is abundant, renewable, and mechanization makes it a cheap, large-scale source of strong cellulose.

What are the three methods for producing wood pulp?

1. Mechanical Processing - uses physical force; causes degradation due to lignin.
2. Sulfite Processing - dissolves lignin using acid; more energy efficient but creates brittle paper.
3. Sulfate Processing - uses chemicals to dissolve resins; creates strong paper but causes more pollution.

What are the major environmental concerns with paper production?

Deforestation, waste contributing to garbage, and pollution from bleaching processes and emissions from paper mills.

How can environmental concerns regarding paper be alleviated?

By recycling, using alternative fibers like hemp, and switching to cleaner processes like oxygen bleaching.