eli5 Why does paper explode when under pressure?

Question

I was watching one of those hydraulic press videos and I want to know why this happens.

In: 0

Answer 1

Paper contains water, it has a moisture content of around 4% – 6%. Pressure creates friction, which creates heat. The more pressure, the more friction, the more heat. When the heat gets hot enough, the moisture in the paper exceeds the boiling point, and rapidly expands into steam. It’s the same phenomenon that happens when you pop a kernel of corn.