1. AQA GCSE 1 Papers and boards Design and Technology 8552 Unit 3
Materials and their working properties 1

2. Objectives
Know the primary sources of materials for producing papers and boards
Be able to recognise and characterise different types of papers and boards
Understand how the physical and working properties of a range of paper and board products affect their performance

3. Starter
Think of the range of papers and boards you will have encountered today
Make a list of the different types and suggest their characteristics, for instance rigid, opaque, smooth

4. What is paper?
Papers and boards are made from natural fibres (cellulose), usually sourced from wood
Other sources of fibre include bamboo, flax, hemp, kenaf, straw and sugarcane
Wood fibres are mostly sourced from faster growing softwoods rather than hardwoods
Rag paper is made using cotton which gives it superior strength and durability

5. Pulp
The first stage in the production of paper and board is to make pulp
The natural cellulose fibres are mixed with water
This mixture is cooked which produces a fibrous liquid known as pulp
Pulp is fed onto a mesh conveyor which allows excess water to drain away
This makes its way through a series of rollers which help to press, form and dry the pulp into a continuous sheet which is either rolled or cut to size for commercial processing

6. Treatments and finishes
The final finish of paper or board depends upon:
the type of fibre used to make the pulp
any chemicals added during the manufacturing process
the addition of layers, different coatings or laminates
bleaching level which decreases the natural colour so it becomes whiter
When a high quality ‘bright’ paper is required, bleached pulp would be used

7. Paper weight Paper is characterised by weight
The weight is measured in grams per square metre (GSM)
Understanding the different types of paper available will help you select the right material for the job

8. Bleedproof paper
Bleedproof paper is smooth and has a special coating to reduce absorbency
When drawing with a marker pen or writing with ink, the paper keeps the ink on the surface which creates a crisper line or mark
It resists bleeding and feathering
It’s lightweight at around 70-80gsm

9. Cartridge paper A thick, quality paper with a slight texture
It’s used particularly for pencil and ink drawings and paintings
Available in a range of weights, a heavier paper at 200gsm is more suitable for watercolour and acrylic painting
Would this type of paper be given a coating? Justify your answer

10. Plotting data Grid paper has printed squares or isometric grids
These are printed with feint lines that enable the user to draw graphs and diagrams, plot mathematical functions or add scientific data
Lines can be printed in different weights
How does grid paper help with accuracy when drawing a plan, for instance the layout of a new kitchen?

11. Design and layout
In the early stages of planning for a painting or design, artists may use layout paper and tracing paper for working sketches and ideas
Layout paper is lightweight and smooth with greater opacity than tracing paper
It accepts pencil and most other media well

12. Translucency Tracing paper is smooth and sold in pads and rolls
Ranging from 40gsm up to 280gsm for specialist uses
It is made in the same way as ordinary paper, but is passed through a bath of acid which partially dissolves the paper
This increases the translucency, and it also increases the stability of the paper
As well as for tracing, suggest where else you may find this type of paper in use

13. Worksheet
Complete Task 1 of Worksheet 1

14. Cardboard
A heavy duty paper available in a range of thicknesses and strengths
Board is measured in microns – microns equal 1mm
Board can be made from recycled paper
It can be laminated to other materials to increase strength or provide an alternative surface
All of these characteristics make board a very versatile product. Suggest some innovative uses of cardboard?

15. Corrugated cardboard
Corrugated board is made up of one or two outer flat layers and a corrugated layer
Commonly used for delivery containers and packaging
It’s lightweight, but strong
With a smooth surface, it can easily be printed on
Suggest a common use in the catering industry for corrugated cardboard

16. Foil lined board
This is made from a stiff card lined with aluminium foil on one side
Cartons containing liquid are foil lined making it food safe
The card also has a waxy coating to make it resistant to oils and liquids
Where else might you find foil lined card?

17. Duplex board Duplex board is made up of two layers
The exterior will have a wax coating to provide a moisture barrier and give it a glossy sheen
Its smooth white surface makes it suitable for offset printing
Its weight, 200 – 500gsm, also makes it ideal for folding and die cutting
Suggest three other household products which would be made using Duplex board

18. Foam board or foamcore
Foam board consists of a sheet of polystyrene foam sandwiched between outer layers of paper
Rigid and lightweight, it is often used as a backing material for graphic signage
It cuts cleanly with a sharp blade making it very suitable for architectural models or prototypes
How recyclable is foamcore?
What could be used as an alternative material?

19. Solid white board
Solid white board is a high quality board with a bright white finish
Weights range from 200gsm – 500gsm
It’s strong, smooth surface makes it suitable for book covers and product packaging
It accepts printing and surface finishes
What process would the wood pulp undergo to produce this bright white board?

20. Ink jet card
Designed for use with an inkjet printer, the inks sit on the surface of the paper
With a special coating this increases the stability of the print
A good smooth surface, ensures even ink coverage and absorbency
Available in weights ranging from gsm
A matt or gloss coating enables a variety of images to be printed
When would a matt finish be more suitable for use?

21. Worksheet
Complete Tasks 2 and 3 of the worksheet

22. Plenary
Identify any papers and boards in this image and justify why each is suitable for its purpose