Sebastian Wan Papermaking Proccess Facts

Hey guys, here are some facts about papermaking that I found interesting.

• The brightness of paper isn’t actually how white the color is, but how much light is reflected off the surface.
• To make archival paper, 2% more calcium carbonate reserve is added as a buffer. This makes the paper more resistant to environmental acidity. This also allows the life span of archival paper to stretch hundreds of years instead of tens.
•   A traditional variation of paper called Washi was introduced to Japan in the 8^th century. It was highly valuable and only used for Buddhist scriptures. Because white washi symbolized purity and holiness, papermaking was a form of spiritual refinement.
• Paper was first made in China in 105 AD using finely chopped mulberry bark and hemp rags.
• Pulp is refined with blades that give the fibers fibrillated ends, giving the fibers a “hairy” appearance and helps to strengthen their bond to other fibers.