Comprehensive Analysis of Paper Knowledge: From Raw Materials to Applications(Part One)

Apr 14, 2025

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1. **Basic Knowledge and Applications of Paper**
Paper, an essential item in daily life, encompasses a wealth of knowledge from its raw material selection to its final applications. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental aspects of paper, guiding readers through the charm and intricacies of this versatile material.

Paper, commonly used in daily life, serves a wide array of purposes beyond writing, printing, and painting. It is extensively utilized in technology and packaging. In professional terminology, paper is defined as a sheet composed of fibers. Based on manufacturing methods, paper is primarily categorized into machine-made paper and handmade paper.

Paper's versatility and diverse applications are unparalleled among commodities. Types of paper include cultural paper (e.g., newsprint, book printing paper), household paper, industrial/agricultural paper, packaging paper, and technical paper.

2. **Diverse Raw Materials for Paper Production**
Although paper raw materials encompass both plant fibers (e.g., wood, grass) and non-plant fibers (e.g., inorganic fibers, chemical fibers), plant fibers account for over 95% of usage.

3. **Paper Production Process**
The production of paper involves a complex series of steps. Key stages include raw material preparation (selection and processing of plant fibers), pulping, modulation, manufacturing, and drying. This process demands not only technical expertise but also consideration of environmental sustainability.

4. **Base Paper Production Process**
Logs or forage sourced from forests undergo chipping treatment before entering the evaporation process. Plant fibers are separated and subsequently refined and bleached to enhance quality and purity. The fibers are then crushed (or ground) and formed into paper, which is pressed and dried to create the initial prototype. Finally, after processes such as calendering, initial winding, and rewinding, the finished paper roll is produced. This process highlights the significance of filament flow technology in shaping the two sides of paper.

5. **Distinction Between the Front and Bottom of Paper**
During papermaking, the bottom side of the paper comes into contact with the filter, forming a porous mesh surface. Conversely, the front side interacts with the blanket surface, creating a smoother and denser texture. The mesh surface, composed of longer fibers, exhibits roughness and porosity, making it highly absorbent and unsuitable for printing. In contrast, the front side is smoother and better suited for printing. Visual observation, tactile examination, and magnification can be employed to distinguish the front and bottom of the paper.

6. **Filament Flow**
The filament flow, or the direction of paper fibers, forms during the papermaking process. When pulp remains in a fluid state, the inertia movement of the paper machine aligns the fibers along its direction. Additionally, magnetic field principles can regulate filament flow.

7. **Classification of Paper**
Paper can be classified based on various criteria, including use, fiber composition, weight, etc. Common types include newsprint, coated paper, art paper, and wrapping paper. Differences in fiber direction influence their final application effects.

- **Handmade Paper**: Handmade paper, such as ancient rice paper, petal paper, and ghost paper, is often used for calligraphy, painting, craft decoration, and specific consumption occasions due to its unique production process and fiber composition. These papers, primarily made of plant fibers (especially cotton fibers), exhibit excellent ink absorption.
- **General Purpose Paper**: Manufactured by machinery, general purpose paper has broad applicability, covering household paper, office paper, industrial paper, and printing/packaging paper. Its diverse materials result in numerous varieties.
- **Specialty Paper**: Specialty paper has specific purposes, such as coin-making paper, securities invoices, and photographic paper. These papers possess unique technical requirements and physical characteristics tailored to their applications.
- **Eco-Friendly Paper**: Eco-friendly paper encompasses almost all types and uses, distinguished by physical indicators like reproducibility, pH levels, and chlorine-free/bleach-free properties. While international environmental standards exist, countries may establish different criteria based on their needs.

8. **Non-Coated Paper**
- **Newsprint**: Also known as white newspaper, newsprint is commonly used for printing newspapers. It features excellent ink absorption and toughness, with a grammage range of 45g to 51g/m² and groundwood pulp as the primary raw material.
- **Offset Printing Paper**: Referred to as double glue paper or "Daolin paper," this paper undergoes surface sizing during production. It is one of the most widely used paper types.
- **Writing Paper**: Including colored writing paper (also known as colored book paper), this paper incorporates kaolin or talc powder during production. It is primarily used for exercise books, diaries, accounts, bills, forms, and stationery.
- **White Card (Color Card)**: Primarily used for business cards, certificates, invitations, covers, monthly calendars, and postcards, white card paper is made from 100% chemical wood pulp.
- **Copy Paper**: A thin paper with a smooth surface (usually under 20g), copy paper is commonly used for copying, typing, gift packaging, and craft production.
- **Book Paper**: Used for book covers or as book covers, book paper typically weighs 80g, 100g, or 120g and can also be classified as a type of specialty paper.

9. **Coated Printing Paper**
Coated printing paper requires coating during the printing process to enhance its adaptability. These papers generally exhibit higher whiteness and opacity to meet various printing needs. Common types include coated paper, matte paper, and art paper. Special coating techniques and materials are employed during printing to achieve desired effects and quality.

- **Coated Paper**: Divided into single-sided and double-sided copper plates, coated paper is typically covered with resin and an oil coating layer to improve quality. Smooth, matte, and mirror (cast-coated paper) are the three main types, with mirror-coated paper offering the highest whiteness and opacity.
- **Lightweight Coated Paper**: Produced through lightweight coating on the paper surface, this paper is mainly used for printing and writing, with a grammage range of 50g to 120g.
- **Waxed Paper**: Single-sided and available in various colors, waxed paper is used for commodity packaging, trademark creation, paper lanterns, and hand-cutting crafts. Its grammage ranges from 60g to 80g.
 

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