papercrete

thumb|350px|Testing the thermal conductivity of a papercrete panel Papercrete is a building material that consists of re-pulped paper fiber combined with Portland cement or clay, as well as other soils. First patented in 1928 by Eric Patterson and Mike McCain (who originally named it "padobe" and "fibrous cement"), it was revived during the 1980s. It is generally perceived as an environmentally friendly material due to the significant recycled content, although this is offset by the presence of cement, which emits CO2 during manufacture. The material also lacks standardisation, and proper use therefore requires care and experience. However the inventors have both contributed considerably to research into developing the necessary machinery to make it, as well as methods of using it for construction.

==Manufacture== The paper used in papercrete can come from a variety of sources, including newspaper, junk mail, magazines, books. A mixer is used to pulp the mix before this is combined with cement or clay. Depending on the type of mixer, the paper may need to be soaked in water beforehand.