Papier Concrete

Progress, Volume XII, Issue 10, 1 June 1917, Page 992

Papier Concrete

The number of uses that waste paper in some form or other has been put to would make a formidable list. Cement too is making its presence felt in numerous articles which a few years ago would have been thought impossible. It is but natural then that these two substances should occupy the attention of inventors, and several attempts have been made from time to time to amalgamate the two substances in what is known at “Papier Concrete.”

We have been shown a few examples of this material by the inventor, Mr. D. Fisher of 35 Majoribanks Street, Wellington, who took out a patent some time ago. Mr. Fisher informs us that the United States Navy Department and the British Board of Inventors arc testing the material for its suitability for marine uses. The inventor claims that its advantages are its lightness, durability, and the fact that holes can be easily bored in it. It is easily repaired by a mixture of the same substance, and its cost is less than anything on the market for a similar purpose. The material has all the best advantages of concrete without the disadvantage of weight. One of its principle uses is for cisterns for flushing w.c’s. These cisterns have been approved by the Wellington City Council and the Public Works Department, and sell at 18/-, or complete with ball tap, chain pull, cap and lining at 24/-. An illustration of the

cistern is shown herewith. The inventor claims that they arc practically indcstructable, are the most silent on the market, and have been in use for years. Ice chests made of this substance possess enormous advantages over the ordinary article as Zinc lining (which taints the meat), is not needed, nor is any wood present to get saturated and cause a bad odour. The material also makes good washing tubs, and household sinks. Papier Concrete has a tensile strength of 363 1b5. to the square inch and can be sawn, nailed, or screwed.