Tissue proportions and cell dimensions for red and white oak groups

Abstract

A vast source of oak wood is available for use in the United States for papermaking. Knowledge of the proportions of tissue types and cell dimensions for hardwoods, especially on a weight basis, could help extend their use in the pulp and paper industry. This report provides such information for 11 red and white oak species. A method for calculating tissue proportions by weight from proportions by volume is given. The proportion by weight for fibers varied from 74% for fast-grown trees to 38% for slow-grown trees; for axial and ray parenchyma from 24% for fast grown to 54% for slow grown; and for vessels from 2% for fast grown to 8% for slow grown. Results show the relationship of tissue proportions to both growth rate and site. Information in this report can be used to help decide whether it is economical to separate fines and other components in pulping hardwoods. The amount of axial and ray parenchyma by weight in slow-grown material suggests it may be economically feasible to separate the parenchyma for possible use as fuel, chemical stock, or cattle feed.