Characterization and evaluation of Paulownia elongota as a raw material for paper production

Abstract

Paulownia elongota, one of the most fast growing species of the world, was evaluated as raw material for pulp and paper production. The chemical, morphological and anatomical aspects of paulownia wood were determined. The lignin, holocellulose and ∝-cellulose contents in P. elongota wood were comparable to those of some common non-wood and hardwood raw materials. Different chemical pulping procedures were applied to P. elongota wood to evaluate its pulping potential. Paper strength properties and acidic group content bound to the cell wall were determined. The alkali solubility, water solubility and alcohol-benzene extractive content were higher than those from wood and most nonwoods. The fiber length of 0.83 mm was observed, which is close to low end of the hardwoods but fiber diameter was very wide, similar to that of softwoods. The pulpability of paulownia wood was also studied. The pulp yield and viscosity were very low and the kappa numbers were high. The strength properties were comparable to those of some wood and non-wood pulps. Although, paulownia pulps are considered as low quality materials, it can be used for paper production when mixed with long fibrous materials.