Products - Detail
The Papyrus product range is essentially based upon a continuous or cut sheet produced using the proprietary Papyrus Technology. In essence, the Papyrus method “unwraps” the trunk of a banana plant rather like a roll of paper. In other words, the trunk is cut longitudinally and the resultant sheet is pressed and dried to remove the water that comprises over 90% of the mass of a banana trunk.
The Papyrus Technology produces two distinctly different products simultaneously from the one process. The yield and nature of these products is derived from the structure of the BTT.
BTT is different from trees in that the fibres are extremely long – the fibres run from the base of the plant to the tips of the leaves as opposed to a fibre length of 2-4mm in pinus radiata.
In addition, the method by which the products are manufactured using the Papyrus Technology allow for the fibres to run across the entire width of the sheet; a fundamental difference between Papyrus products and those derived from traditional pulping methods
BTT is comprised of two layers (refer diagram):
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| Diagram 1: Banana Trunk – Cross Section |
Outer Layer (Veneer)
The outer layer provides structural strength to the BTT and is largely responsible for the erect nature of the trunk and it’s capacity to support the weight of the fruit bunch.
The outer layer is characterised by a rough texture and a smooth, waxy, exterior coating, with an appearance not dissimilar to that of corrugated cardboard.
Outer Layer (Veneer) Products
The Papyrus Technology is utilised to transform the outer layer into a continuous sheet or veneer that can be pressed and dried later in the manufacturing process.
As with all Papyrus products, the fibre runs the entire width of the material, imparting excellent structural properties, especially if multiple layers are laminated at 90° to one another.
The products derived from the outer layer are of a generally structural or functional nature, providing stiffness, high wet strength and low flammability for a wide array of applications. In addition, the product does not transmit grease, oils, solvents or moisture, even at low thickness. The material is compatible with most adhesives and will not transmit these chemicals prior to cure.
Thickness will vary depending upon requirement as will overall sheet weight per unit area. As a guide, nominal thickness of this product range would vary between 0.5 – 1.0mm in single ply, with a weight of approximately 450g/m2 depending upon thickness and density required.
Multiple laminates can also be constructed, depending upon Customer requirements.
As the Papyrus Technology uses no chemicals as part of manufacture, there is no possibility of contamination of the veneer or sheet during production. Depending upon the requirement, the product is likely to be rated as safe for direct food contact.
For more information on physical properties and performance of these products, please Contact Us.
Applications – Outer Layer (Veneer)
There are many other applications for this product range based upon the unique appearance and physical properties. We are always looking for new applications for our products – Contact Us
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| Diagram 2: Outer Veneer (Typical Appearance) |
Inner Core
The inner core has a fine, tubular structure in the banana trunk and is responsible for the transmission of nutrients and water between the leaves and the corm of the banana plant.
The outer core material is characterised by a smooth, striated texture, somewhat finer than products derived from the outer layer of the BTT.
Inner Core (Veneer) Products
The Papyrus Technology is utilised to transform the inner core into a continuous sheet or veneer that can be pressed and dried later in the manufacturing process.
As with all Papyrus products, the fibre runs the entire width of the material, imparting excellent structural properties, especially if multiple layers are laminated at 90° to one another.
The products derived from the inner core layer are of a generally decorative or functional nature, providing an attractive appearance, high wet strength and low flammability for a wide array of applications. In addition, the product does not transmit grease, oils, solvents or moisture, even at low thickness. The material is compatible with most adhesives and will not transmit these chemicals prior to cure.
Thickness will vary depending upon requirement as will overall sheet weight per unit area. As a guide, nominal thickness of this product range would vary between 0.2 – 0.5mm in single ply, with a weight of approximately 80g/m2, depending upon thickness and density required.
Multiple laminates can also be constructed, depending upon Customer requirements.
As the Papyrus Technology uses no chemicals during manufacture there is no possibility of chemical contamination of the veneer or sheet during production. Depending upon the requirement, the product range is likely to be rated as safe for direct food contact.
For more information on physical properties and performance of these products, please Contact Us.
Applications – Inner Core (Veneer)
There are many other applications for this product range based upon the unique appearance and physical properties. We are always looking for new applications for our products – Contact Us.
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| Diagram 3: Inner Veneer – Typical appearance |