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The fundamental principle of papermaking involves breaking down plant fibers, suspending them in water, and then draining that water through a screen to leave behind a matted layer of fiber.

: Fibers are beaten to increase their bonding surface. "Sizing" agents (like starch or chemicals) are added to control how the paper absorbs ink. 93732675_1_027

: While the Egyptians used papyrus (a non-felted plant-based sheet), the Chinese process of pulping and matting fibers created the flexible, versatile material we recognize today. 3. Modern Industrial Production : While the Egyptians used papyrus (a non-felted

The invention of "true" paper is traditionally credited to , a Chinese court official, around 105 AD . : The pulp is washed to remove impurities

: The pulp is washed to remove impurities and bleached if a white finish is desired.

: These machines can be hundreds of feet long and produce paper at speeds of several thousand feet per minute.

: Early paper used a mixture of mulberry bark, hemp, rags, and water.