Paper made from mechanical pulp is often used for newspapers and magazines due to its low cost, though it tends to yellow and become brittle over time because the lignin remains. The Raw Material: Choosing the Right Wood The journey begins with the selection of timber.
Chemical Cooking: Releasing Cellulose Fibers from Wood
This coating fills the gaps between the fibers, resulting in a smoother, more opaque surface that improves ink holdout and image sharpness. Hardwood species such as oak and birch may be added to create specific characteristics, like opacity and surface smoothness.
Paper manufacturers typically rely on softwood species like spruce, pine, and fir, as their long cellulose fibers provide the necessary strength and flexibility. This process crushes the wood fibers without removing the lignin—the natural polymer that binds the cellulose together—resulting in a high yield of material.
Chemical Cooking: Releasing Cellulose Fibers from Wood
This transformation involves a series of carefully controlled mechanical and chemical treatments designed to break down the rigid structure of wood and reorganize its cellulose fibers into a strong, flexible mat. After coating, the paper is supercalendered—passed through a series of hard steel rollers—to achieve the desired level of gloss or smoothness.
More About Making paper from wood
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