Title
TB82: The Potential of Softwood Thinnings and Standing Dead Softwoods as a Source of Wood Pulp
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Description
This study was made to determine the potential of softwood thinnings and standing dead softwood as a source of wood pulp, employing the kraft process. In the thinning studies examined eastern white pine, eastern hemlock, balsam fir, norway spruce, red pine, eastern larch, and northern white cedar. The stem (wood and bark) and the top (wood, bark, and needles) and the stem and top combined were pulped. When compared with pulp from a commercial-size softwood species, the thinnings provided pulps of good strength that were slightly undercooked and that had significantly lower yields. The stem portion pulps were superior in all cases to those made from the top portion. This is attributed to the foliage and higher bark content of the branches of the top which resulted in relatively low yields. The brief study of the characteristics of standing dead softwood trees, either killed by fire or natural attrition, indicated that they compare favorably with the live thinnings as a source of pulp when yield and physical properties are the criteria. It was concluded from this study that 35-4 0 percent of the thinnings material is available as a good grade of wood pulp.
Document Type
Article
Rights and Access Note
Rights assessment remains the responsibility of the researcher. No known restrictions on publication.
Volume
82
Publication Date
7-1-1976
Publisher
Life Sciences and Agriculture Experiment Station
City
Orono
Keywords
wood pulp, forest thinning
Disciplines
Wood Science and Pulp, Paper Technology
Recommended Citation
Chase, A.J., and H.E. Young 1976. The potential of softwood thinnings and standing dead softwoods as a source of pulp. Life Sciences and Agriculture Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 82.
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