Papers and Boards

• What is the main objective of Unit 5A in AQA Design and Technology?

  To learn about sources, origins, and properties of papers and boards
• What are the primary sources of materials for producing papers and boards?

  Cellulose fibres derived from various plants
• What are some common sources of cellulose fibres used in paper and board production?

  Bamboo, cotton, flax, hemp, straw, sugarcane, and wood
• What is a unique alternative source for making paper mentioned in the material?

  Elephant dung
• How much food does an elephant eat each day?

  250 kg
• How many sheets of paper can be produced from 50 kg of elephant dung?

  Approximately 125 sheets
• What are the key differences between hardwood and softwood in paper production?

  • Hardwood produces short cellulose fibres
  • Softwood produces long cellulose fibres which are stronger
  • Fast-growing trees like spruce and fir are commonly used softwoods
• Why is wood commonly used in paper production?

  Because it produces strong cellulose fibres
• What is the first step in the paper and board production process?

  Making pulp from debarked, chipped wood
• What is pulp made from?

  A mixture of cellulose fibres and water
• What is added to cellulose fibres to produce pulp?

  A chemical solution
• What happens to the chemical solution during the pulping process?

  It is cooked under pressure to produce a fibrous liquid
• What can be added to pulp to change its appearance?

  Bleach or dye
• What is the purpose of sizing in paper production?

  To make the finished paper less absorbent
• What are the benefits of reducing the absorbency of paper?

  It improves print quality and prevents ink from bleeding
• What are the two types of sizing in paper production?

  Internal and surface sizing
• What is unsized paper known as?

  Waterleaf
• Why would printing on sized paper result in deeper and richer colors?

  Because sized paper has reduced absorbency, allowing for better ink retention
• What is the final stage in converting pulp into paper?

  Draining excess water and rolling the pulp
• What happens to the pulp during the draining and rolling stage?

  Excess water drains away and the pulp is squeezed to remove more water
• What is calendering in paper production?

  A process that adds additional coatings or sizing to the paper
• What factors affect the finished product of paper and board?

  The cellulose fibre used, chemicals added, and coatings applied
• How many trees are needed to produce one tonne of quality paper?

  Roughly 25 trees
• How much paper does the average person in the UK use per year?

  200 kg
• How many trees does each person 'use' every year based on the average paper usage?

  1. 25 trees
• What happens to paper once it has been used?

  It typically goes to landfill or recycling
• What ecological benefit do trees provide during their growth?

  They take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen
• How much less energy does it take to recycle paper compared to making it from scratch?

  40-70% less energy
• What greenhouse gas is produced when paper decomposes in landfill?

  Methane
• What are the considerations for sustainable production of recycled paper?

  • Sourcing of raw materials
  • Production processes
  • Disposal at end of life
  • Frequency of recycling
• What is Kenaf and why is it significant in paper production?

  Kenaf is a fast-growing plant that absorbs more CO$_2$ than trees
• How much more pulp can 1 acre of Kenaf produce compared to the equivalent area of pine?

  Up to 20 times more pulp
• What are the environmental advantages of Kenaf production compared to tree pulp?

  It absorbs more CO$_2$, is resistant to pests, and needs less bleaching
• What do FSC and PEFC marks indicate about paper and board sources?

  They indicate sustainable sourcing from plantations
• How do sustainable plantations help the environment?

  They reduce deforestation and protect rare species
• What is the significance of tracing FSC wood from forest to store?

  It ensures responsible sourcing and sustainability
• What are the ecological issues associated with making papers and boards?

  • Deforestation
  • Energy consumption
  • Greenhouse gas emissions
  • Pollution from chemicals
• Why are cellulose fibres needed in the production of papers and boards?

  They provide the structural integrity of the paper
• Why may bleaching agents be added to pulp?

  To whiten the pulp and improve appearance
• What is the process used to decrease the absorbency of papers and boards?

  Sizing