NCIE
NCIE
Scientists have created a new version of reusable paper
NTU scientists in Singapore have developed reusable paper. You don't even have to chop down trees to get new paper, instead you can gather the raw materials you need from plants like alder, camellia or lotus.
The process of obtaining new paper is similar to the process of obtaining soap. Potassium hydroxide is used for the first time to remove the hard outer layer of pollen grains. The soft core material is then gelled and purified in deionized water. The resulting gel is poured into a flat mold, left to dry, after which a 0.03 mm thick sheet is treated with acetic acid to make it resistant to moisture.
The new paper is more flexible and translucent than regular paper, but that doesn't stop it from being used for a regular laser printer.
Printing on new paper is not as good as printing on regular paper, moreover, it will remain as it is even if you tape the paper, tear it, or put the paper in water.
In order for the paper to be cleaned, it can be reused, it is necessary to immerse the sheet in an alkaline solution, crush it a little, the gel will swell, and the tones will decompose and separate. Then clean paper should be placed in ethanol for five minutes to return the gel to its previous state. The resulting gel is again poured into a flat mold, left to dry and treated again with acetic acid. This process can be repeated up to eight times per sheet without loss of sheet integrity or quality.
