PAPER

Paper and its specifications

 Size: Paper comes in various standard sizes like A4, A3, letter, legal, etc. Each size has its specific dimensions.

 Weight: Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb). It indicates the thickness and

sturdiness of the paper. Standard office paper is usually around 80 gsm, while cardstock can range from 150 gsm to 300

gsm or higher.

 Brightness: This refers to how much light the paper reflects. Brightness is typically measured on a scale from 0 to 100,

with higher numbers indicating brighter paper.

 Color: Paper can come in various colors, including white, ivory, pastels, and vibrant hues. The choice of color depends

on the intended use and aesthetic preferences.

 Texture/Finish: Paper can have different textures such as smooth, textured, glossy, matte, or satin finishes. The texture

affects how the paper feels and its suitability for different printing techniques.

 Opacity: Opacity refers to how much light passes through the paper. Higher opacity means less see-through, which is

important for double-sided printing.

 Acid-Free/Archival Quality: Acid-free paper is pH neutral and doesn't yellow or deteriorate over time. It's important

for preserving documents and artwork.

 Durability: Some papers are treated for extra durability, such as water-resistant or tear-resistant paper. This is

important for outdoor use or documents that need to withstand rough handling.
Types of paper
 Bond Paper: Also known as writing paper, bond paper is a high-quality, durable paper commonly used for writing,

printing documents, letters, and resumes.

 Copy Paper: This is a lightweight, smooth paper designed for high-volume copying and printing tasks in offices and

homes.

 Printer Paper: Printer paper is a general term for paper specifically designed for printing documents, photos, and other

materials on inkjet or laser printers.

 Cardstock: Cardstock is thicker and sturdier than regular paper, making it suitable for crafting, scrapbooking, greeting

cards, invitations, and other projects that require a more substantial material.

 Art Paper: Art paper includes various types of paper specifically designed for artistic purposes such as drawing,

painting, sketching, and printmaking.

 Photo Paper: Photo paper is coated with a special emulsion that enhances the quality of printed photographs,
producing sharp images with vibrant colors and high-resolution details.
 Newsprint: Newsprint is a low-cost, lightweight paper commonly used for printing newspapers, flyers, and other
publications. It has a rough texture and is usually not suitable for high-quality printing or archival purposes.
 Tissue Paper: Tissue paper is thin and translucent, often used for wrapping gifts, stuffing packaging, or crafting
decorative items like paper flowers.
 Kraft Paper: Kraft paper is made from recycled pulp and has a rough texture and brown color. It's commonly used for
packaging, wrapping, crafting, and DIY projects.
 Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is a non-stick, heat-resistant paper used for baking, cooking, and food wrapping.
It's also used in crafting and calligraphy for its smooth surface.
 Watercolor Paper: Watercolor paper is specially designed to withstand the moisture of watercolor paint. It comes in
different textures such as hot-pressed, cold-pressed, and rough to accommodate various painting techniques.
 Specialty Papers: Specialty papers include a wide range of paper types designed for specific applications such as
tracing paper, vellum, metallic paper, fluorescent paper, and more.
Input constituents of paper
 Fibers:

1. The primary component of paper is fibers, which can be derived from various sources such as wood pulp, cotton,

bamboo, or recycled paper.

2. Wood pulp is the most common source of paper fibers and is obtained from trees through a mechanical or chemical

pulping process.

3. Cotton fibers, derived from cotton plants, are used in premium papers due to their strength, durability, and ability to

hold ink.

4. Bamboo fibers are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability and rapid growth rate.

5. Recycled paper fibers are obtained from post-consumer waste paper and are used to manufacture recycled paper

products, reducing the need for virgin fibers and minimizing environmental impact.
 Fillers:

1. Fillers are added to the paper pulp to improve its properties, enhance printability, and reduce costs.

2. Common fillers include calcium carbonate (ground limestone), kaolin clay, talc, and titanium dioxide.

3. Fillers help to increase opacity, brightness, and smoothness of the paper surface, as well as improve ink receptivity and

printing quality.

4. They also contribute to the bulk and stiffness of the paper, making it more suitable for certain applications such as

printing and packaging.

 Fillers:

1.Lightweight Papers (e.g., Newsprint):

Fillers can make up a significant proportion of lightweight papers, ranging from around 10% to 30% of the total

paper weight. In some cases, the percentage of fillers may be even higher.

2.Standard Office Papers:

For standard office papers, which typically have a basis weight of around 80 gsm (grams per square meter), fillers

may account for approximately 20% to 30% of the paper weight.

3.Coated Papers:

Coated papers, used for high-quality printing applications, often contain higher percentages of fillers compared to

uncoated papers. The filler content in coated papers can range from around 30% to 40% or more.
 Additives:

1. Additives are substances added to the paper pulp or coating formulations to impart specific properties or enhance

performance.

2. Common additives include sizing agents, wet strength resins, retention aids, dispersants, and biocides.

3. Sizing agents such as rosin or synthetic chemicals are used to control the absorption and penetration of liquids,

improving the paper's resistance to water and ink.

4. Wet strength resins are added to enhance the paper's strength and durability when wet, making it suitable for

applications such as packaging and labels.

5. Retention aids and dispersants help to improve the uniform distribution of fibers and fillers in the paper pulp, ensuring

consistent quality and performance.

6. Biocides are used to prevent microbial growth and preserve the paper during storage and use.
Paper testing
 Traditional methods

1) Basis weight measurement---Weight Scale/Balance

2) Thickness measurement------A micrometer, also known as a thickness gauge or caliper

3) Opacity testing----------------Densitometers are commonly used

4) Smoothness testing-----------Bendtsen Smoothness Tester

5) Tensile strength testing------A tensile testing machine, also known as a universal testing machine

6) Tear resistance testing-------Elmendorf Tear Tester

7) Moisture content measurement---Infrared Moisture Analyzers

 Paper testing

 Advanced methods

1) Surface energy analysis---------Wilhelmy Plate Method

2) Ink absorption testing-----------Cobb sizing tester,

3) Porosity measurement----------Gurley Densometer

4) Surface roughness analysis----Contact Profilometers

Recycling of paper
 Recovered papers
 Recycling papers

 Process involved

1. Collecting the paper waste

2. Sorting and segregation of papers

3. Papers processed to paper pulps

4. Cleaning of pulp (centrifugal)

5. Screening

6. Deinking

7. Dispersion and kneading

8. Bleaching

9. Drying and finishing

 Compression strength test

Compression strength testing equipment for paper typically includes compression testing machines, also known

as universal testing machines (UTMs) or material testing machines, designed specifically for measuring the compressive

strength of materials including paper and paperboard.

 Less burst strength test

1.Clamping Mechanism: Holds the paper specimen securely in place during the test.

2.Diaphragm: Located beneath the specimen, it applies hydraulic pressure to the paper until it bursts.

3.Pressure Gauge: Measures the amount of pressure required to burst the paper, typically in pounds per square inch (psi)

or kilopascals (kPa).

4.Hydraulic System: Provides the necessary hydraulic pressure to the diaphragm.