'Super Paper:' New Nanopaper More Break-resistant Than Cast Iron

In the new study, Lars A. Berglund and colleagues note that cellulose -- a tough, widely available substance obtained from plants -- has potential as a strong, lightweight ingredient in composites and other materials in a wide range of products. Although cellulose-based composites have high strength, existing materials are brittle and snap easily when pulled.

The study described a solution to this problem. It involves exposing wood pulp to certain chemicals to produce cellulose nanopaper. Their study found that its tensile strength -- a material's ability to resist pull before snapping -- exceeded that of cast iron. They also were able to adjust the paper's strength by changing its internal structure.