papermaking

Papermaking is the process of producing paper from fibrous materials. It begins with pulp, where plant fibers are separated from each other and carried in water. The pulp is refined to improve bonding between fibers and then mixed with water to form a slurry. The slurry is distributed onto a moving perforated screen (the forming fabric) where water drains through, leaving a mat of interlaced fibers. The mat is pressed to remove more water and then dried on heated cylinders. The resulting sheet may be calendered to adjust thickness and surface smoothness and may be coated for specialty papers.

Raw materials include mechanical pulp, chemical pulp, and recycled fiber. Wood pulp remains the dominant source, while non-wood fibers such as cotton or hemp are used for specialty papers. Recovered paper is an important input in many markets and can be de-inked and recycled into new products.

Historically, papermaking originated in China before the 2nd century CE and spread to the Islamic world and Europe. Industrial mechanization began in the 19th century with innovations such as the Fourdrinier paper machine, enabling continuous production of sheets.

Applications and properties vary by furnish and processing. Papers are classified by weight, brightness, texture, and finish, and are used for printing, writing, packaging, and tissue products. Modern papermaking emphasizes resource efficiency and environmental controls, including water recycling, energy management, and responsible pulping and bleaching practices.