Fiber Morphology, chemical composition, and pulping of nine introduced poplar clones grown in Beijing, China

Abstract

Evaluating the wood properties of poplar clones to be used in fast-growing and high-yield plantation and select superior clones are critical to increase both quantity and quality of wood production. This study determined the fiber morphology, chemical composition and pulping of nine introduced poplar clones after six growing seasons and assessed their suitability for pulping and papermaking. Results showed that the fiber morphological differences among nine clones were not obvious. Fiber with length less than 1.0 mm accounted for 91.7% of the total fibers which were mainly short. Taro had longer and thinner fibers with the largest length-width ratio, followed by Bellatto, whereas Lambro owned the shortest and thickest fiber with a small length-width ratio. Neva had the Runkel ratio much high as 1.0, which was larger than that of other eight clones. From the point of view of chemical composition, Taro contained low content of ash, cold/hot water-soluble content, benzene ethanol-soluble content, and lignin, but higher content of holocellulose. 1% sodium hydroxide-soluble and pentosan contents were 20.47% and 22.62% respectively, on average; thus Taro can be suggested as good-quality industrial material applied in pulping and papermaking. On the contrary, Bellotto got imperfect overall performance, which was considered comprehensively before selection.