Effects of growth rate of eastern poplar trees on the chemical and morphological characteristics of wood fibers

Abstract

Attempts are underway to speed up timber production using genetic improvement and enhanced management practices. However, the impacts of possible morphological and chemical changes on the properties of secondary wood products are less studied. This research thus studied the relationship of tree-ring widths of eastern poplar trees (Populus deltoides Bartr.) and the morphological and chemical characteristics of the wood fibers. Cellulose, lignin, ash, and extractives contents were determined according to the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry standards. Accordingly, the mean values of the various parameters measured, such as the fiber length and diameter, the diameter of the cell cavity, and the cell wall thickness along with functionality parameters such as Runkel, slenderness, and flexibility ratio, and the amounts of cellulose, lignin, extractives, and ash contents were determined. As a result, statistical analysis indicated significant correlations between tree-ring width and length and diameter of the fiber, cell cavity, Runkel ratio, cell wall thickness, cellulose content and wood density. On the contrary, there were no significant correlations between tree-ring width and slenderness and flexibility ratios, lignin, ash, and extractives contents. The investigation on the radial variation of wood properties showed from the pith to the bark, fiber length and diameter, cell wall thickness, cellulose, and density increased, and cell cavity, Runkel ratio, ash, extractives, and lignin contents decreased. Overall, increases in tree-ring width of eastern poplar improved wood quality, as raw material, for manufacturing of the most common secondary products in the wood industry, including paper and fiberboard with wide-ranging wood applications.