paper

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paper Sheet or roll of compacted cellulose fibres with a wide range of uses. The word ‘paper’ derives from papyrus, the plant that the Egyptians used more than 5500 years ago to make sheets of writing material. The modern process of manufacture originated c.2000 years ago in China, and consists of reducing wood fibre, straw, rags or grasses to a pulp by the action of an alkali, such as caustic soda. The non-cellulose material is then extracted and the residue is bleached. After washing and the addition of a filler to provide a smooth and flat surface, the pulp is made into thin sheets and dried. These can be coated to produce a special surface, such as glossy paper for photographs.

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