Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Is it possible to make paper, either at home or in factories like the mass-produced kind, using synthetic materials like plastic? I know that paper is normally made from cellulose fibers, but I am trying to find "what is the cheapest, renewable or recyclable material that can be used in paper making." If you have any suggestions for materials or homemade paper procedures, that would be great!

Hi,

Science Buddies has a great project on paper making, see:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p014.shtml

For ideas on alternative materials be sure to explore the links in the bibliography!

I know people have used plastic to make paper because I bought a Grand Canyon rafting guide that was printed on plastic. A good thing too, since it got thoroughly soaked on the rafting trip and would have been totally ruined if it had been made of normal cellulose based paper. It was not inexpensive though.

This sounds like a really fun project. I wish you great success with it.

Best regards,

Barrett L Tomlinson