Extrudable Paper Pulp (for 3D Printing)

This is a flexible sheet, potato starch+gelatin recipe that makes one 6-inch x 9-inch sheet (the recipe can be scaled up – we’ve made 4 feet x 4 feet sheets with these ratios)

Ingredients

1.Ground paper pulp briquette (25g)

2. Calcium carbonate (25g)

3. Methylcellulose powder (3.5)

4. Xanthan gum powder (2.5g)

5. Canola oil (40g)

6. Water (170g)

Process

1. Grind dry briquette using blender (start by pulsing on a low setting, working your way up to a higher speed).

2. Weigh ground pulp and dry combine with methylcellulose and xanthan gum powders.

3. Add water and oil, hand-knead to integrate materials completely.

4. Load into syringe/ Potterbot (pack tightly, like clay) and extrude

Notes

- Potterbot can print this. Option to sift the ground paper pulp - more labor intensive but results in a super fine mix.

Materials Library code: LL-0001

Form Possibilities: Extrude

Recipe Contributor: Sophie Kaplan-Bucciarelli MLA 26

Extrudable Paper Pulp with Sawdust (for 3D Printing)

Ingredients

1. Ground paper pulp briquette (25g, short fibers preferable)

2. Sawdust (25g)

3. 3.5g methylcellulose powder

4. 2g xanthan gum powder

5. 30g oil

6. Water (170g)

Process

1. Grind dry briquette using blender (start by pulsing on a low setting, working your way up to a higher speed).

2. Weigh ground pulp and combine with sawdust, re-blend/sift if the mixture is clumping at this stage.

3. Add methylcellulose and xanthan gum, combine.

4. Add water and oil, hand-knead to integrate materials completely.

5. Load into syringe/ potterbot (pack tightly, like clay) and extrude

Notes

- Potterbot can print this. Option to sift the ground paper pulp - more labor intensive but results in a super fine mix.

Materials Library code: LL-0002

Form Possibility: Extrude

Recipe Contributor: Sophie Kaplan-Bucciarelli MLA 26

Paper Clay

Ingredients

1. Lightly strained wet paper pulp (100ml)

2. Methylcellulose solution (15ml)

Process

1. Pour a cup of beaten paper pulp into a strainer and let the water drain naturally.

2. Measure 100ml of this lightly strained pulp.

3. Combine with 15ml of methylcellulose solution, using a spatula or lightly wetted hands.

4. Adjust the water content by lightly squeezing water to achieve a slightly viscous 'paper clay' slurry (add small amounts of water if too tacky).

5. Mold the pulp around or over an armature of your choosing (choose your armature material based on whether or not you want to demold the 'paper clay' from it).

6. Use a small sponge to press pulp into or over the armature, by applying pressure and removing water content.

7. Let the pulp air-dry for about 4-7 days to allow for complete drying, before adding additional layers. (A thin layer of about 1/4 inch should dry within 1 day)

Notes

- Using 100ml cornstarch slurry (2tbsp cornstarch:1/2 cup water): 100ml pulp will result in a more textured end product, while the methylcellulose results in a smoother surface finish.

- Using 5-10g of methylcellulose powder will result in a tackier, more self-supporting clay that dries speckled (experiment with any ratio!) The result will shrink considerably as the ratio increases.

- Paper clay slurries should be refridgerated if intended for future use to avoid the growth of mold.

- Optional: Letting the slurries sit in the fridge over night will improve the homogeneity of any recipe of starch and pulp, resulting in a more consistent dried finish, however this could be achieved quicker with an immersion blender.

- Using an immersion blender renders the slurry suitable for hand extruding through a syringe; although testing is required for consistent results.

Form Possibility: Mold, Extrude

Materials Library Code: LL-0003

Recipe Contributor: Ankita Bhat 26 FD

Liquid Paper - Light Blue

Ingredients

1. Hot water (3/4 cup)

2. Cornstarch (2tbsp)

3. Cold water (1/2 cup)

4. Rehydrated and strained pulp (10g CDP)

5. Oil and soap solution 50% (2 1/4tsp)

6. Methylycellulose solution (1tbsp)

Process

1. Make a cornstarch slurry by boiling water and cornstarch powder until translucent.

2. Rehydrate dried pulp and strain the water by hand.

3. Add the pre-measured strained pulp, cold water and oil-soap solution to the constarch slurry.

4. Blend the mixture with an immersion blender.

5. Add methylcellulose. Blend the mixture again for 5-8min, until the paste turns to smooth watery consistency.

6. Using a squeeze bottle, extrude the paste onto a mesh screen.

7. Let your creation dry for 2-3 days in open air or under the sun.

Notes

-This recipe produces a more matte product that can have a more paper-like appearance.

-Alternative starches: the wheat starch renders a thicker paste compared to cornstarch so the drying time and texture will differ.

- Different paper pulps have different water absorption capacities, so the consistency of the paste may vary with some being too thin or thick. In such cases, add or strain water to reach a paste consistency that works for you.

- Adding colored paper can change the consistency of the output.

- Refrigeration: the paste becomes slightly thicker after a week in the fridge.

Form Possibility: Sheet, Extrude

Materials Library Code: LL-0004

Recipe Contributor: Disha Dharesh Kumar Rajashekariah MID 26

Liquid Paper - Black

Ingredients

1. Warm water (1/2 cup)

2. Wheat starch (2tbsp)

3. Rehydrated and strained CDP (charcoal drawing paper) pulp (18g)

4. Colder water (1/2 cup)

Process

1. Make a paste of hot water and cornstarch or wheat starch (the paste will be translucent).

2. Rehydrate dried pulp and strain the water by hand, Measure the appropriate weight of pulp on a scale and add it to the cornstarch slurry.

3. Blend this mixture.

4. On a non-stick pan, begin to cook the paste on medium-high heat

5. Add the colder water.

6. Once bubbles begin to appear, stir the paste for 5-10 minutes on low heat.

7. Once the paste starts to solidify (pulp starts to stick together, starch starts forming a thin crepe at the bottom of the pan), turn the stove off.

8. Allow the paste to cool down for 5 minutes.

9. Spread a layer of paste on the mold form using a spatula.

10. Let it dry in open air or in the sun for 2-3 days.

Notes

- This recipe produces a more plastic-looking product compared to LL-0004.

-Cornstarch of same measurement will produce a similar output.

- To achieve a rough dried surface, as opposed to smooth, remove the paste as soon as it begins to boiling.

- This recipe worked most consistently with CDP (charcoal drawing paper) pulp.

Form possibility: Sheet, Mold, Extrude

Materials Library code: LL-0005

Recipe Contributor: Disha Dharesh Kumar Rajashekariah MID 26

Paper Foam - Soft

Ingredients

1. Dry Pulp (9g)

2. Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) powder, 3% (20ml)

3. Methyl Cellulose (MC) powder, 10% (100g)

4. Glycerol (20ml)

5. DAWN Platinum Rain dish soap liquid (3ml)

6. Cold tap water (300ml)

Process

1. Use 300ml of cold water to soak 9g of dry pulp and later drain 250ml water from it.

2. Mix CMC, MC, Glycerol and dishsoap liquid.

3. Immersion blend this misture with the strained pulp, until the mixture begins to froth (consistency of semi-beaten egg whites).

4. Pour the frothy mixture into a plastic mold.

5. Allow it to dry for 2 to 7 days, based on the thickness of the wet poured layer.

Notes

- 30%CMC solution = 100ml water: 3g CMC powder; rest overnight before use.

- 10% MC solution = 100ml water: 10ml MC powder; freshly made.

- It is better to use fresh methylcellulose paste as it usually gets thicker when kept for more than 2-3 days.

- Depending on the water retention capacity of the pulp used, the recipe mixture might get thicker- in such cases sprinkle some water to prevent the immersion blender blade from sticking.

- Ideally, use an odourless dish soap liquid.

-Aggregate can be added to foam mixture before distributing into the mold.

Form possibility: Sheet, Mold

Materials Library code: LL-0006

Recipe Contributor: Disha Dharesh Kumar Rajashekariah MID 26

Paper Foam - Hard

Ingredients

1. Dry Pulp (9g)

2. Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) powder, 3% (20g)

3. Methyl Cellulose (MC) powder, 10% (100g)

4. Glycerol (20g)

5. DAWN Platinum Rain dish soap liquid (3g)

6. Cold tap water (300ml)

Process

1. Use 300ml of cold water to soak 9g of dry pulp and later drain 250ml water from it.

2. Mix CMC, MC, Glycerol and dishsoap liquid.

3. Immersion blend this misture with the strained pulp, until the mixture begins to froth (consistency of semi-beaten egg whites).

4. Pour the frothy mixture into a plastic mold.

5. Allow it to dry for 3 to 9 days, based on the thickness of the freshly poured layer.

Notes

- Note that the CMC, MC, glycerol and dish soap are measured in grams in this recipe.

- The higher proportion of MC to pulp results in a harder foam. Different proportions of water to methyl cellulose can be explored to achieve different foam consistencies.

Form possibility: Mold, Sheet

Materials Library code: LL-0007

Recipe Contributor: Disha Dharesh Kumar Rajashekariah MID 26

Paper Leather

Ingredients

1. Dry Paper Pulp (5g- 9g)

2. 10% Methyl Cellulose solution (MC) (130g)

3. 3% Carboxy Methyl Cellulose solution (CMC) (30g)

4. Glycerol (35g)

5. Cornstarch (20g)

6. Dishwashing soap (3g)

7. Vinegar (5g)

8. Cold tap water (300ml)

Process

1. Use 300ml of cold water to soak 5-9g of dry pulp and later drain 250ml water from it.

2. Mix CMC, MC, Glycerol and dishsoap liquid.

3. Immersion blend this misture with the strained pulp, until the mixture begins to froth (consistency of semi-beaten egg whites).

4. Pour the frothy mixture into a plastic mold.

5. Allow it to dry for 3 to 9 days, based on the thickness of the freshly poured layer.

Notes

- 30%CMC solution = 100ml water: 3g CMC powder; rest it overnight before use.

- 10% MC solution = 100ml water: 10g MC powder; freshly made.

- The dry paper leather might sweat, which can be gently sponged off with soapy water and subsequently dried with a dry paper towel. Exposure to excess soapy water will damage the leather.

- The leather can be made with or without vinegar; vinegar acts as a preservative to protect the leather from mold growth.

Form possibility: Mold, Sheet, Extrude

Materials Library code: LL-0008

Recipe Contributor: Disha Dharesh Kumar Rajashekariah MID 26

Paper Fabric

Ingredients

1. Sheet of paper (any source)

2. Methylcellulose solution

Process

1. Lay a dry sheet of paper of any source or material flat on a work surface.

2. Using a flat bristle brush or roller, brush on methyl cellulose solution to coat surface in one even layer.

3. Flip sheet over and repeat application to other side, being careful to handle paper with care so as not to tear sheet.

4. To prevent paper from sticking to the table, pick up and flip paper over several times and wipe methyl cellulose residue from work surface.

5. Leave paper to dry lightly laying on work surface or further manipulate sheet by carefully and lightly crumpling paper into loose ball and returning it to its sheet dimensions.

6. Do this several times will felt the sheet slightly and allow it to dry with a texture to the surface. Once dry, this sheet can now be used as paper fabric or other application

Notes

- Methylcellulose solution made following this PDF from Carriage House Paper. We made a slighly more diluted solution by adding 1 cup of additional cold water to this recipe per batch for smoother application. https://pdfs.carriagehousepaper.com/CarriageHousePaper-MethylCellulose.pdf

Form possibility: Sheet

Materials Library code: LL-0009

Vaccuum Form Fabrication

Our 3D printed vacuum moulds are made with a biodegradable plastic made from starches and sugars.

Open source STL files, Grasshopper and Rhino tutorials coming soon!

Ingredients

1. Dry paper, wetted and pulped (1/4 lbs minimum)

2. Cool water (2 - 4 gallons)

3. Vacuum Mold

4. Wet vacuum with hose

Process

1. Using rehydrated briquette (1/4-1/2 lbs) or wet pulp slurry mixed with 2 - 4 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket.

2. Use an immersion blender or cement mixer affixed to hand drill to produce homogenous slurry.

3. Submerge vacuum mold into slurry with all parts intact and attached to wet vacuum nozzle.

4. Once mold is submerged, use fingers to help pulp enter into the cavity from the aperture at top of mold and rotate in several directions to ensure there are no air bubbles inside mold.

5. Turn on wet vacuum and leave mold submerged for approximately 8-10 seconds.

6. With wet vacuum still on, pull mold out of bucket and allow vacuum to run for another 8 -10 seconds, placing hand over aperture to increase suction pressure.

7. Turn off vacuum and rotate mold to ensure water has vacated the vacuum cavity.

8. Carefully remove side of vacuum mold and remove insert and let cast paper form release from mold with a light touch.

9. Place in a well-ventilated space and leave to dry for several days.

Form possibility: Mold

Materials Library code: LL-0010

Contributors: Original 2-part 3D printed mould design and concept, August Ostrow, Furniture Design '25. Refinement, further detailing, and 3-part mould design and printing, Professor Max Pratt, Industrial Design Faculty. Recipe/Process, Ankita Bhat 26 FD.

Paper Pulp for Hand Extrusion

Ingredients

1. Dried paper pulp (25g)

2. Liquid starch - cornstarch brought to a boil in water (120ml)

3. Water (20ml)

4. Oil (optional) (3-4 drops)

Process

1. Grind dry briquette using blender (start by pulsing on a low setting, working your way up to a higher speed).

2. Weigh ground pulp and add water, cornstarch, and oil, hand-knead to integrate materials completely.

3. Load into syringe and extrude.

Notes

- Amount of water and oil can be adjusted based on desired extrusion consistency. This recipe was tested with charcoal drawing paper pulp and different pulps may require adjusted ratios based on their material properties.

Form Possibility: Mold, Extrude

Materials Library Code: LL-0011

Recipe Contributor: Sophie Kaplan-Bucciarelli MLA 26

Paper Casting

Ingredients

1. Wet paper pulp slurry

2. Mould (plaster, silicon, found mold, etc)

3. Sponge

Process

1. Create a paper slurry that has an oatmeal-like consistency.

2. Wetting your mould surface (esp. plaster) apply wet pulp to casting surface by kneading pulp into the details of the mould with finger tips.

3.Once entire surface of mould is covered with a 1/4" layer of pulp, add additional layers of pulp in 1/4" layers pressing softly with sponge to remove excess water.

4. Once mould is packed to desired thickness, press firmly with sponge across the mould's surface to remove water. Test water retention by pressing finger into pulp inside of cast. If you see a ring of water pooling around your finger, you can press more water out.

5. Let dry in a well-ventilated room for 2-5 days, depending on the mould size. Direct fan drying may warp the cast so keep at a distance from air source or use small stones or bags of rice to keep cast in place inside of mould.

Notes

- No binders are needed for this fabrication technique and instead relies on hydrogen bonds between cellulose fiberales to form a solid mass. Through pressure, we are able to remove the oxygen, to isolate these hydrogen connections.

Materials Library Code: LL-0012

Paper Dipping

Ingredients

1. Wet paper pulp with high water content

2. Armature

Process

1. Add paper pulp to container of water in a diluted consistency.

2. Create an armature out of any material and either dip armature into slurry, or pour slurry over armature to capture pulp.

3. Place in dehydrator or air dry to allow for subsequent dippings and layering.

Materials Library Code: LL-0013

Paper Sheets

Ingredients

1. Wet paper pulp slurry

2. Container for pulling sheets or deckle box

3. Water

4. Mould and Deckle

5. Absorbent surface like sheets, rags, or fabric, just larger than mould and deckle.

Process

1. Disperse pulp slurry into a container for pulling sheets that is larger than the size of your mould and deckle.

2. Dampen the fabric interfacing (your absorbent surface) in preparation for sheet formation.

3. Draw stacked mould and deckle vertically down into water column, scooping the edge along the bottom and moving into horizontal position, then pulling up all in one motion.

4. Let water drain from screen by holding horizontally, then at an angle after you have removed the deckle.

5. Position the edge of the mould like a barn door at the end of the interfacing surface and close barn door, pressing paper onto fabric in a flat even motion. Use a sponge to remove excess water and ensure tranfer has taken place. Remove mould by lifting from the opposite edge to release paper.

6. Paper can be pressed under weight, with added fabric and pressing with sponge or other hard surface. Paper can restraint dry by replacing interfacing fabric every day until dry, or through loft drying, by hanging paper and interfacing to dry by air, and alternatively with cooching sheet onto hard surface, like a board or window to dry flat on this surface.

Paper Briquettes

Paper briquettes are made using a Multimate MK-II Tabletop briquette press. Typical for making fuel briquettes, this process is used at Loop Lab to further process and portion wet paper slurries into 1/4 lb briquettes. By straining out excess water from the wet processing of paper waste, we can quickly and efficiently dry and rehydrate for later use as a paper slurry or used as a dry blank by cutting, sanding, and stacking as a wood or blue foam replacement.