Burning "wet" newspapers

 

I've noticed that newsprint that has been wetted , then dried, burns
much better. Why is that?
I've asked Cecil and haven't heard yet.

 

On Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:17:53 -0800


Adding moisture (water) and then removing moisture leaves the newsprint
in a dryer state than it was before it got wet.  -Dave

 

Dave C. wrote

 

rocket scientist wrote:


That sees the surface much rougher at a microscopic level than before you do
that.

 


I don't know about the other response regarding it being drier afterwards,
but I suspect part of it has to do with the structure of the paper being
disrupted from swelling and then shrinking. That would increase the
surface area, and produce lots of small, fine slivers sticking up instead
of a smooth, dense surface.


Gary

--
Gary Heston  gheston@hiwaay.net   http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/
"Where large, expensive pieces of exotic woods are converted to valueless,
hard to dispose of sawdust, chips and scraps." Charlie B.s' definition of
woodworking.