Compressed Cellulose

I have become concerned about using plastics, since when they enter the environment, it takes a really long time for them to degrade.  Extruded foam and floral foam have a lot going for them when it comes to modeling, for use in dioramas, lightweight layouts, and scenery.  But the waste goes into the landfill, will will be there for many centuries.  And the tremendous amount of dust created when working with them, who knows where that goes.  Into the lungs of people and animals, for one thing.

Looking around on the internet, I started to think that maybe compressed cellulose might be interesting to fool around with.  I was able to find a great source, Industrial Commercial Supply.

I called and talked to a really nice fellow who listened to some of my half-baked ideas, and said he would arrange to have some samples sent.  A few days later, I did indeed receive three 8.5x11 inch sheets.

Shipping Labels For The Compressed Cellulose

8.5x11 Compressed Cellulose, As Received On Left, And After Expansion

The sheets were about an eighth inch thick.  I cut one of them into smaller pieces and put one into water.  It immediately expanded to 1" thick;  length and width remained the same.

I expanded six of the cut pieces with water having various ratios of white and yellow glue.  After the sponge expanded, I squeezed them out and put them in the sun to dry, which took a while.  When dry, they didn't seem to be much different from the plain sponge, and still absorbed water similar to the plain sponge.  Disappointing.  I wonder if the sponge filters out the glue as it absorbs it.  Can't be sure.