This document discusses the chemistry of paper making. It describes how paper was first invented in ancient China and the introduction of papermaking to other parts of Asia and Europe. It then explains some of the key chemicals used in the papermaking process, such as caustic soda and sulfurous acid. The document also outlines several applications of paper, from books to packaging to medical uses. It concludes by listing some of the top paper manufacturing companies and providing interesting facts about paper recycling.

1. Chemistry of Paper Making
ARTICLE WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED
BY
WWW.WORLDOFCHEMICALS.COM

2. HISTORY OF PAPER MAKING
Paper was first invented in ancient China by Cai Lun.
Chinese made the first paper from fibers of plants
such as hemp. The plant fibres were soaked and
beaten into sludge.
The sludge was strained through a cloth sieve
attached to a frame that also served as a drying
platform for the resulting paper.
Papermaking was introduced to Korea and Vietnam
during the 3rd century and to the West around the
8th century. The first paper mill in Europe was built
in 1009

3. ROLE OF CHEMICALS IN PAPER MAKING
There are about 3000 or so different types of chemicals which can be used in
papermaking, in practice only about 200 individual chemicals are typically
used, each satisfying a specific need. Some of the important chemicals used
are –
1) Caustic soda, sodium sulfide for the Kraft process, the process of
conversion of wood into wood pulp consisting of almost pure cellulose fibre.
2) Sulfurous acid for the Sulfite process
3) Caustic soda, Anthraquinone for the Soda pulping
4) Caustic soda is added to increase the pH in the pulping process of fibers.
The higher pH of the paper fiber solution causes the fibers to smoothen and
swell, which is important for the grinding process of the fibers.
5) Sodium dithionite, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, ozone for
bleaching of wood pulp
6) Bleaching additives: sodium silicate
7) sequestering agents: EDTA, DTPA

4. APPLICATIONS OF PAPER
1. One of the major use of paper is for books, charts, cards,
report card etc.
2. Paper is used in making writing pads, envelopes,
newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, calendars, diaries,
telephone directories, labels, business and passports.
3. Paper is used in making domestic products such as tissues,
paper plates, paper cups, toilet paper, kitchen towels, table
napkins, wallpaper and lampshades.
4. Paper finds use in special insulating boards, electrolytic
condenser paper, wrapping and identification for electrical
cables, printed circuits, and battery separators.
5. It is also used for making menu cards, paper hats, crackers,
wrapping paper, playing cards, board games, kites, model
aircraft, and race cards.

5. APPLICATIONS OF PAPER Cont ..
6. Paper is used in making filters for water, air, tea bags,
medicine, beer, oil, and mechanical uses.
7. Impregnated Papers are used polishing, waxing, and
cleaning.
8. It finds use in medical field for wrapping to keep
instruments and equipment sterile, bandages, first aid
bands, clothing for nurses, face masks, surgeons’ caps,
disposable bed pans, sheets, and pillowcases.
9. Another important use of papers are for bank notes,
insurance forms, cheque books, stamps, cash bags and
security papers that contain special markings which are
only visible when subjected to ultra-violet light.

6. TOP PAPER MANUFACTURUING COMPANIES
1) International Paper, Memphis, TN, US
2) Stora Enso , Helsinki, Finland
3) Oji Paper, Tokyo, Japan
4) Nippon Paper, Tokyo, Japan
5) Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA), Stockholm, Sweden
6) UPM , Helsinki, Finland
7) Kimberly Clark, Dallas, Texas, US
8) Smurfit Kappa Group, Dublin, Ireland
9) Mondi, Addlestone, UK; Johannesburg, South
Africa

7. INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PAPER
Paper was invented by the Chinese around 105 A.D. and was kept a
secret for many years.
Every tonne of paper that is recovered saves 3.3 cubic yards of
landfill space.
It takes 7 days for a recycled newspaper to come back as a
newspaper again.
We use kraft paper every day when we ask supermarkets to pack our
groceries in brown paper bags.
All of the newspaper made in the UK is now made from 100 per cent
recycled paper.
Much of our toilet paper is made from recycled paper.
Corrugated cardboard packaging consists nearly of 100 per cent
recycled material.
Paper bags were first measured by how many pounds of sugar they
held.

8. References
Buy paper and pulp chemicals, paper making
chemicals here
http://www.worldofchemicals.com/Chemicals/Pulp
_and_Paper/id-15.html?lst=trt
Read complete article online
http://www.worldofchemicals.com/458/chemistry-articles/
about-3000-chemicals-used-in-papermaking.
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