Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi. I am doing a project on paper fiber. The main idea is to make paper out of different plant fibers and then test the quality of each sheet. I ordered the plant fibers but they came in sheets as if they had already had been processed. (boil and pounded) Do i need to process the fiber as if it is recycled paper by simply soaking it then shredding it or do i need to still boil it and add the gelatin and soda ash? This project is on science buddies titled Alternative Sourses for Paper Fiber.
Thank you.

Hi,

This is a great project. Thanks for including the title of the project that you are doing:

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


The project outline includes directions for making the sheets of paper by boiling and extracting the plant fibers from the plant material. You might want to check with your supplier, but it sounds like you purchased the fiber materials already prepared into sheets. If so, then you can proceed with designing an experiment to compare the performance of the paper. Make sure your experimental results are measurable, if at all possible.

If the fibers have not been prepared as required to make the paper, then ask the fiber supplier for suggestions on reconstituting the fibers for an experiment.

Please let us know the source and composition of the sheets you are working with if you need more information.

Good luck!


Donna Hardy