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Chemistry keeps counterfeiters from duplicating paper money, helps preserve paper over time, and has some novel potential for use in the future. Examine the scientific intricacies of various types of paper as well as the unique variations of ink used.
Sections
Activities
- Paper Flower Blossoms from AACT
Investigate solubility by using a combination of washable markers and permanent ink to color a paper flower.
- The Properties of Paper: Tear Resistance from Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Plan and carry out investigations to observe and record results using the strength test so they can learn how the pull on the paper can cause tearing displaying the different tear resistance of the paper.
- The Properties of Paper: Opacity, Water-Drop, and Ink-Mark Test from Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Plan and carry out investigations to observe and record results by using the opacity, water-drop, and ink-mark test so they can learn about the different paper materiality and characteristics and describe results.
Demos
- De-Inking Paper for Recycling from Flinn Scientific
Investigate the basic scientific principles behind the de-inking process involved in paper recycling.
- The Chemistry of Currency from Educational Innovation Inc.
Demonstrate the magnetic ink used in printing US currency to engage audiences of all ages with its relevance to everyday life.
- Counterfeit Currency Detection
from Black Light World
Paper currency is not all that it first appears. Turn a black light on to find these hidden colors in the different denominations of paper money.
Labs
- Using Paper Chromatography to Separate the Pigments found in Ink
from AACT
Separate the component pigments of a water-soluble black marker using paper chromatography.
- How To Make Goldenrod Paper from Chem13 News and the University of Waterloo
The spice rack plays a role in this paper that gets you a result like the classic goldenrod.
- Making Marbled Paper from Royal Society of Chemistry
Take a trip to the medicine cabinet to marble paper with those beautiful swoops and swirls.
- Making Paper from Recycled Paper from Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Make paper by using recycled paper so that they will understand the western style process of hand papermaking and the importance of recycling paper.
Articles
- Celebrating Paper from ChemMatters Magazine
Paper is an ancient invention, but its versatility for many uses from origami to packaging is unrivaled. Naturally, the key is in its chemistry!
- Cash Chemistry and Counterfeit from ChemMatters Magazine
Long before paper money was even a thing, counterfeiters found innovative ways to fake currencies such as gold coins. Learn what makes paper money practically forgery-proof today.
- The Chemistry of Paper and Polymer Banknotes
from Compound Interest
Paper or plastic? Which type of currency comes out on top?
- Care, Handling, and Storage of Works on Paper from Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is a paper expert. What tips do they have for your collections?
- What Causes the Smell of Old and New Books? from Compound Interest
Old book or new book? The nose knows. Learn where each gets its aroma.
- Charles Herty and the Savannah Pulp and Paper Laboratory
from the ACS National Historic Chemical Landmarks
Pine trees used to get the cold shoulder for paper. This chemistry pioneer changed all that.
- Elephant and Cow Manure for Making Paper Sustainably
from ACS Discover Chemistry
Goats, cows, and elephants become pooping partners in papermaking.
- A Paper Battery Powered by Bacteria from ACS Discover Chemistry
They’re not in stores (yet), but these paper-based batteries get their power from an unusual source.
- Conductive Paper
Could Enable Future Flexible Electronics
from ACS Discover Chemistry
Roll-up computer screens could be in your future, with paper-based technology like this.
Videos
- The World has a Receipt Problem from ACS Ingenious
The receipts you take home from the store – or stuff in your bag, or lose in your car -- employ a printing method that’s been around since the 1970s. Thermal printing involves heat-sensitive inks called leuco dyes that show up when they react with an acid developer embedded in the paper.
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How is Paper Made? from MoleClues TV
From tree to paper - how does it work? And what is really the difference between toilet paper and paper towels? Explore these questions and more related information from the forest industry.
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These Counterfeit "Supernotes" Almost Tricked the Secret Service from Science Channel
High tech changes were made to our currency in the '90s to deter counterfeiting, but undercover FBI agents in 2014 come across fake bills so perfect they're dubbed "supernotes."
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Giant Craft Paper Manufacturing Factory - Inside Latin Paper Industry from Unbox Engineering
Take a virtual field trip to Latin Paper Industry where Giant Craft Paper is manufactured. In this factory, 45,000 tons of craft paper is produced yearly.