Papercrete is a recently developed construction material which consists of re-pulped paper fiber with Portland cement or clay and/or other soil added. First patented in 1928, it has been revived since the 1980s. Although perceived as an environmentally friendly material due to the significant recycled content, this is offset by the presence of cement.
The material lacks standardisation, and proper use therefore requires care and experience. Eric Patterson and Mike McCain, who have been ascribed with independently "inventing" papercrete (they called it "padobe" and "fibrous cement"), have both contributed considerably to research into machinery to make it and ways of using it for building.
The paper to be used can come from a variety of sources. Newspaper, junk mail, magazines, books, etc. obtained from the local dump or from waste bins are all useful. Depending on the type of mixer used to pulp the mix, the paper may be soaked in water beforehand.
A typical homemade mixer uses a small electric motor mounted directly on a shaft with two four-inch square blades attached, resembling milk shake maker. This shaft is suspended in a plastic 55 gallon drum to mix the material.
Papercrete is rapidly gaining a groundswell of support among "do it yourself" builders. It is claimed to be a very attractive building material due to its very low cost, light weight, and high performance. Many owner/builders are contributing to furthering the technology and sharing their experiences over the internet through resources such as "Papercreters".
Source: Wikipedia
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