Process Sample of North African Esparto Grass
AssociatedAssociated with
Alexander Pirie & Sons Ltd
(Aberdeen, Scotland)
Date1897
Object NameSample
Mediumglass, Esparto grass
ClassificationsPapermaking
Dimensions21.2 x 8cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1897 by A Pirie & Sons Ltd.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS010504.2
Keywords
Esparto grass is about 50% cellulose (the fibre used to make paper) and is very important for making high quality paper.
Esparto grass was first used to make paper in Scotland around 1860, when it was imported from countries around the Mediterranean. Esparto grass was shipped in large bales, often as a return cargo, and offloaded at Aberdeen Harbour.
Boiling the grass under pressure with caustic soda releases the cellulose fibres.
