Abstract: Described is a titanium dioxide-containing resin saturable paper sheet in which from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of the titanium dioxide filler is replaced with amorphous precipitated silica having an essentially neutral to slightly alkaline, e.g., 6.5 to 8.5, pH and a medium agglomerate particle size of less than 30 micrometers, e.g., 3 to 10 micrometers. The BET surface area of the silica may vary from about 25 to about 200 m.sup.2 /g, e.g., 50 to 100 m.sup.2 /g. Also described are decorative laminates in which the core of the laminate contains at least one of such saturable paper sheets.

Abstract: A process for the production of a laminated sheet is disclosed, which comprises impregnating a base paper for laminated sheet using a wood pulp having an .alpha.-cellulose content of 87.0% or more with a synthetic resin to prepare a prepreg and subjecting the prepreg to laminate molding by heat. A process for the production of a metal foil-clad laminated sheet is also disclosed, which comprises impregnating a base paper for laminated sheet using a wood pulp having an .alpha.-cellulose content of 87.0% or more with a synthetic resin to prepare a prepreg, piling up the prepreg, placing a metal foil one either one or both sides of the prepregs, and subjecting the resulting prepregs with metal foil to laminate molding by heat. The laminated sheet or metal foil-clad laminated sheet of this invention has not only excellent punchability but also excellent electric characteristics and heat resistance and hence, it is quite useful as a laminated sheet for high density printed wiring system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing pulp from previously unusable agricultural fibers, such as plantain. The pulp is used in papermaking. The pulp effluent is recycled and concentrated during the process, thereby enabling economical recovery of chemical by-products for use as fertilizer or animal feed material.