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Liam A
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what is the chemical composition of common processed paper and what does the molecule's structure look like?
Paper is primarily composed of cellulose, a polymer made up of repeating units of glucose molecules. It also contains smaller amounts of hemicellulose, lignin, and other compounds such as starches, fillers, and coatings.
The chemical structure of paper plays a crucial role in determining its physical and mechanical properties, such as strength, durability, and absorbency. For example, the presence of hemicellulose and lignin can make paper more brittle and prone to yellowing over time.
The color of paper is mainly determined by the presence of lignin, which can range from a creamy white to a dark brown color. The type and amount of lignin present in paper can also affect its brightness and opacity.
The chemical composition of paper can be measured through various analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These techniques help identify the types and amounts of molecules present in paper samples.
Yes, the chemical composition of paper can be altered by adding or removing certain molecules during the papermaking process. For example, adding fillers such as calcium carbonate can improve the paper's brightness and opacity, while bleaching can remove lignin and other impurities to make the paper whiter and more durable.