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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/Can plastic and paper be combined?

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Expert: - 10/9/2004


Question
I have a question regarding recycling paper. Can I include cut plastic pieces into the pulp when I recycle paper in order to make a sort of "plastic paper"? Or is there any other way of combining plastic and paper together to create a new kind of paper? Thanks.  

Answer
Of all the processes I know, the plastic would just cause problems.  They are not compatable materials except in special situations.  You would basically get very weak paper or just paper pulp that will not process or if the plastic reacts in the process, sticky paper pulp.

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

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Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.

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Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Experience

Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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