Differences in Manufacturing Processes between Stone Paper and Common Paper

Common Paper

Traditional paper is predominantly made from wood pulp. The process begins with the harvesting of trees. Logs are first debarked and then chipped into small pieces. These wood chips are then cooked in a chemical solution, usually a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide in a process called the Kraft process. This chemical treatment breaks down the lignin that binds the cellulose fibers together and separates the fibers.

After cooking, the pulp is washed thoroughly to remove the chemicals. It is then bleached to achieve the desired whiteness. The bleaching process may involve the use of chlorine – based or chlorine – free bleaching agents. The pulp is then refined to adjust the fiber length and strength. Finally, the pulp is formed into sheets through a process called papermaking. The pulp slurry is spread onto a wire mesh conveyor belt, where water is drained away, and the fibers bond together through hydrogen bonding as they dry.

Stone Paper

Stone paper, on the other hand, uses a different set of materials and process. The main raw material is calcium carbonate, which is ground into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with a small amount of non – toxic resin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The resin acts as a binder to hold the calcium carbonate particles together.

The mixture is then heated and extruded through a die to form a thin film – like material. The extrusion process requires high temperature and pressure to ensure the proper mixing and shaping of the components. There is no need for the extensive chemical treatment and water – intensive steps like in the production of traditional paper.

In summary, the production of common paper is centered around the processing of wood pulp through chemical and mechanical means to form a fibrous structure, while stone paper is produced by extruding a mixture of calcium carbonate and resin to create a non – fibrous, more plastic – like material.