What are paper napkins made of?

Paper napkins are a popular item for hand washing after a meal at a banquet. Paper napkins have water absorbing properties. Clothes made of cotton are known to suck water but it is also interesting to know how this paper sucks water.

Paper napkins are made of wood or vegetable fiber. These fibers are called cellulose. Cellulose substances are arranged in atoms and have the property of attracting water. I.e. dissolves quickly in water. Sugar is a similar cellulose substance so it dissolves quickly in water. Paper napkins begin to dissolve in water as soon as they come in contact with water.

We call it water sucking but using water its upper surface melts and becomes soft. Useful in general hand cleaning. If there is too much water, the paper napkins will melt completely. Dip a paper napkin in water for a long time and it will melt completely.