A comparative study of some tumorous and normal hardwood kraft pulp properties

Abstract

In this study, how tumor formation in Quercus robur subsp. robur L., Acer campestre L., and Carpinus betulus L affects the properties of kraft pulp and paper were investigated. In addition, chemical composition and fiber characteristics such as fiber length and fiber width of both normal wood and tumorous wood Acer campestre L. and Carpinus betulus L. were compared. Tumorous wood was occurred as a result of topping stress. Experiments showed that tumor formations of these species were negatively affected physical properties of handsheets except for tear index and stretch in Q. robur. Fiber properties of tumorous woods were significantly different from than those of normal woods. Tumorous fibers and vessel elements were short and abnormal shaped. Moreover, chemical composition of normal woods was found in different tumorous woods. © 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.