Hi;
     There is a type of paper product known variously as vulcanized fiber
insulating paper or fishpaper.  It is used as electrical insulation in electric
motors and such.  Vulcanized fiber has a very high strength to weight
ratio, grows stronger with age, can be glued & cut like paper and can be
moistened and molded.  A 1/16" thick sample has a tensile strength of
21,000 psi and even very thin sheets have a high bursting strength.
     Has anyone tried to use something like this in papier mache?  It seems
that it has the potential to produce very strong and light PM structures.
                                                                              Best Wishes:
                                                                              Matt