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What is lignin? What happens to paper if lignin is not removed during the papermaking process?
Lignin is a "sap-like" substance that is found in the cell walls of plants. It basically is the cement that holds the fibers together. It is found in all woody plants but the amount varies from species to species. Lignin has a natural yellow color. To make artist papers, lignin is usually chemically removed during the process of making pulp, which is the basic paper-making component.
An example of paper with large amounts of lignin in its pulp is newspaper. Think of what happens to newspaper over time, especially when left outside. Since the lignin is left in the pulp of the newsprint (paper) it is very reactive to oxygen, light and moisture. We all know that if you place a newspaper out in the sun for a relatively short period of time, that paper will turn yellow. Now you know why.
Note: Cotton contains no lignin, so you can be assured that there is no lignin, even residual, in our 100% Cotton Fiber Papers.
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