Recycling Paper Lab printable pdf download

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Recycling Paper

Introduction

Producing paper from wood is an extensive and expensive process

that uses up natural resources and pollutes the air with industrial

wastes. By developing new and better methods for making and

reusing some paper products, we can reduce our impact on the

environment. About 30% of the total paper produced in the United

States is recycled, which is a lot when you consider that each person

in our country consumes an average of 800 lbs. of paper per year!

In this lab, you will recycle paper using a simple process involving discarded paper, water and

cornstarch. The cornstarch helps reconnect the polysaccharides and strengthen the paper.

When the paper and cornstarch mixture dries, water is removed and hydrogen bonds are

formed between the cellulose fibers. This results in strongly bonded chains of fiber

polymers, otherwise known as paper! This activity will take 2 days.

Materials

bleach

paper

cornstarch

Equipment

beaker, 1000-mL

teaspoon

electric mixer or blender

wash basin

felt

wire screen

squeegee

Safety Considerations

• Bleach will stain clothing; you may want to wear a lab apron to protect your clothes.

• Sometimes chemicals from previous labs still remain in glassware and on other lab

equipment; wash all lab equipment before and after performing this lab.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after completing this lab.

Procedure

Obtain 3-5 sheets of used paper; rip them into small shreds and collect them in a 1000-

mL beaker.

Add about 250 mL of tap water and about 50 mL of bleach to the beaker.

Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the paper becomes soggy.

Carefully pour off the bleach and water into the sink and rinse the paper twice with

additional water.

Add 200 mL of tap water to the beaker and use an electric hand mixer to mix the paper

until it forms a thick mush.

Add 2 tsps (about 10 g) of cornstarch or flour to the beaker and blend the paper mush

until it is smooth and soupy.

Fill a wash basin about one-third full with tap water and place a wire screen in the

middle, screen side up.

Add the paper mush to the basin and spread it around in the water, collecting as much

as possible over the screen.

Slowly lift the wire screen out of the basin so that as much paper as possible collects on

the screen. Spread the paper mush evenly and thinly using your fingers.

Recycling Paper Lab

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