Paper

Paper is a thin material produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rag, and grass, and drying them into flexible sheets. It is a versatile material with many uses, including writing, printing, packaging, cleaning, and a number of industrial and construction processes.

History

The word "paper" is etymologically derived from papyrus, a thick paper-like material produced from the pith of the papyrus plant which was used in ancient Egypt and other Mediterranean cultures for writing before the introduction of paper into the Middle East and Europe. Papermaking was spread to the Islamic world, where it was used for centuries before paper was introduced to the west. The first papermaking process was documented in China during the Eastern Han period (25-220 AD), traditionally attributed to the court official Cai Lun. During the 8th century, Chinese papermaking spread to the Islamic world.

Production

The process of paper production involves the raw materials being cleaned, and then beaten to a pulp. The pulp is then bleached and then formed into paper through processes such as Fourdrinier or cylinder moulding. The paper is then dried, pressed, and rolled into large reels, which can be cut into various sizes.

Types of Paper

There are many types of paper, including:

• Printing Paper: This is the paper used in printers, in sizes of A4 or US Letter. It is usually white and has a smooth finish.
• Cardstock': This is a heavier weight paper used for things like business cards and postcards.
• Tissue Paper: This is a lightweight paper that is often used in crafts and gift wrapping.
• Newspaper: This is a lightweight, inexpensive paper that is used for printing newspapers.
• Parchment Paper: This is a heavy, slightly translucent paper that is used for baking and other kitchen tasks.

Environmental Impact

The production and disposal of paper have a number of environmental impacts, including deforestation, water and air pollution, and waste issues. Many initiatives are in place to mitigate these impacts, including recycling, sustainable forestry practices, and more efficient manufacturing processes.

See Also

• Pulp (paper)
• Paper recycling
• Paper size
• Paper chemicals
• Paper industry