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Kraft pulp from budworm-infested jack pine

Informally Refereed

Abstract

This study evaluated the quality of kraft pulp from bud-worm-infested jack pine. The logs were classified as merchantable live, suspect, or merchantable dead. Raw materials were evaluated through visual inspection, analysis of the chemical composition, SilviScan measurement of the density, and measurement of the tracheid length. Unbleached pulps were then refined using a laboratory disk refiner. The mechanical and optical properties of handsheets made from the refined pulps were evaluated. Although budworm galleries may affect the physical integrity of the wood, they have no effect on pulp quality. Blue stain did not affect the handsheet brightness. The results indicate that merchantable dead jack pine trees are acceptable for kraft pulp production, with equivalent pulp yield.

Keywords

Blue stain, insect infestation, jack pine, kraft pulping, maceration, SilviScan, small-diameter trees

Citation

Zhu, J. Y.; Myers, Gary C. 2006. Kraft pulp from budworm-infested jack pine. Holzforschung. Vol. 60 (2006): pages 383-388
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/24773