An innovation in paper technology that is totally different from the papermaking technology that has been known now, has been found in the 21st century in China. This new discovery paper does not use cellulose fibers as its raw material, and does not use water at all in its production process. Because it is made of inorganic mineral coming from calcite rocks, this paper is called 'rock paper' or stone paper. The process of stone papermaking in principle mixes fine powder of calcite rock with non-toxic resin, one of which is HDPE (high density polyethylene), as well as other additives, then melted at high temperatures and formed into a sheets like paper. The properties of stone paper are very similar and even have advantages compared to conventional paper. This type of paper is claimed to be more environmentally friendly than conventional paper because it does not use plant fibers as raw material, which means there is no trees cut. It can be recycled and produces low greenhouse gas emissions.

Topics
Greenhouse gases, Natural materials, Minerals, Polymers
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2020
Author(s)