Stone Paper aka limestone paper, rock paper,
bio-plastic paper, mineral paper, rich mineral paper,
石头纸 and 石科纸, is a novel type of paper manufactured from
calcium carbonate mixed with a
high density polyethylene bonding agent. The source of the calcium
carbonate is waste material collected from limestone quarries which is
ground and reduced to fine white powder. It has a density some 1.6 times
that of ordinary paper and a texture somewhat like that of the outer
membrane of a boiled
egg. It may be recycled as plastic or paper, and is not readily
biodegradable in landfills, but is
photodegradable.[1]
It is suitable for stationery, bags, packaging, adhesives, containers
and many other applications.
[2]
History
Stone paper manufacturing started in the late 1990s and has been
patented in over 40 countries. The product was first developed by the
Lung Meng Tech Co., in
Taiwan
and is marketed under trade names such as Parax PaperTM,
Terraskin, ViaStone, Kampier, EmanaGreen and RockStock.
Properties
The paper has a number of advantages over traditional paper made from
wood pulp. It collects no static charge, is acid-free with a neutral
pH value, has
no grain, is water, grease and insect resistant, and tears with
difficulty due to a
latex-like
texture. Having no grain, stone paper possesses a smoother surface than
traditional paper products, obviating the need for a coating or gloss.
It burns cleanly and does not produce toxic fumes. The production of
stone paper uses no water and no
bleach.
Stone paper is compatible with
inkjet or
solid
ink printers, but does not respond well to the high temperatures
generated by
laser printers.[3]
Applications
A wide range of applications is anticipated:
- The making of maps, charts, field notebooks and waterproof
journals that will resist tears and stains and not collapse in
contact with water
- Manufacturers' tags and labels that will stand up to deliberate
mutilation or normal wear and tear
- Posters, banners and outdoor signs which will withstand
weathering
- Manuals that will survive rough handling and constant use
- Packaging and wrapping which will only rip with difficulty
- Shopping and garbage bags that will not collapse and tear under
loads
[4][5]
- Underwater diving notepads which are fully waterproof
[6]
References