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I don't know if this topic has come up before, but here goes. Has anyone out there used cellulose insulation to make PM pulp? Is there a safety issue with the fire retardant that is added (carcinogen???). Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or information on the subject.
Thanks, Moni
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I contacted the manufacturer about it, and he said the only other ingredient was boron, no real problem. I couldn't see much of it in there (a white powder, normally), and I think he said it was about 5%.
It probably wouldn't be a good idea to fluff up a bunch of it into the air and then stick your head in it and inhale deeply, but that's probably the worst scenario possible. Stupid, but possible.
The stuff that I asked about was baled, shredded paper in small (mostly) squares about 1/3" diameter, obviously recognizable as paper. Just so we know we're talking about the same thing. I can't get to the bag right now to check the name.
BTW, boron is a trace nutrient that we are almost always short of. Taking a boron supplement helps calcium and Vit. D do their job right to help our bones. It is also a good soil additive and if you wanted to use the whole bag to add to your compost pile, it could only improve it.
Sue
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Does anyone know of a uk manufacturer?
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Newmodeller,
I don't know if this will help but here is a phone number for a US manufacturer of cellulose insulation. Maybe they can tell you where you can buy it in the UK.
1-800-228-0024 Green-fiber /cocoon insulation,, North Carolina ...USA
Hope this helps.
Moni
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thanks, I will see what I can find out.
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Thanks everyone for all of your help.
Moni
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Newmodeller, try here:
http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/ins-warmperf.php
Sue
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Have also wondered about this stuff, however, I now have an abundance (can't bring myself to throw away) of spun polyester batting rolls - the stuff used in pillows. Think my first experiment will be threw a paper shredder to shorten fibers and then mix with glue and or plaster or other binding goop such as leftover ceramic tile mastic. Love to recycle, repurpose. Any experience to share or thoughts?
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I'll bet it jams your shredder.
Sue
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Wondered about that also. The only other prep I could think of would be a set of carders/combs used with wool fibers to help thin. Also, thought of borrowing my husband's shredder for the experiment. He will have a new one if it doesn't work. I will have a new one if it does!
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Thanks so much for asking this question Moni, I've been wondering about it too. I was hoping for a simple solution between making my own pulp from scratch (which has always seemed really hard to me) and buying expensive paper clay.
sebrink: How do you make cellulose insulation into paper clay? Do you just add glue to it? I'd love to get some tips and tricks from you. I admire your work a lot. It is just amazing.
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Making your own pulp just isn't very difficult.
Soak your paper overnight. Mix, knead and mash it up. Drain excess water. Add adhesive. Make your project.
Just jump in and try it.
Sue
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butterbee wrote:
sebrink: How do you make cellulose insulation into paper clay? Do you just add glue to it? I'd love to get some tips and tricks from you. I admire your work a lot. It is just amazing.
Butterbee(if that is your real name),
i treat the insulation pulp just like i would regular pulp. i add white glue and sometimes some calcium carbonate and sawdust to make a dough.
oh, and thanks
Last edited by sebrink (2008-06-23 12:35:44)
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