Birch Production Research Articles

The Hydronaphthalide Monoanion: Isolation of the "red transient" Birch Intermediate from liquid Ammonia.

Birch reactions employing alkali metals in ammonia have been a well-established method for the reduction and functionalisation of aromatic compounds for nearly 100 years. Speculations regarding intermediates in the reaction pathway have been discussed since the beginning. We hereby report the isolation of NMe4(HNaph) (1), a kinetically trapped intermediate of the Birch reaction of naphthalene and sodium in liquid ammonia. 1 has been fully characterised and has been shown to continue to react to 1,2/1,4-dihydronaphthalene - the Birch product of the reduction of naphthalene. The reactivity of 1 was investigated towards activity as an electron and hydride transfer agent with both, elements and small organic molecules. 1 demonstrates a tamed reduction potential which allows for controlled reactions such as the selective formation of hexasulphide and hexaselenide anions.

Implementation of Quality Filter Mapping (QFM) in Hot Press Using Lean Manufacturing To Eliminate Waste

PT Sakari Sumber Abadi is a manufacturing company that is engaged in producing plywood products as its main product. This company has waste in the production line, namely in the 4.6 mm Birch product, including shrinkage putty, press mark, tip delemination, bubbles, ripping. Whereas for 18 mm Birch products, among others, press marks, putty shrinkage, concave, overlap, putty face too wide, ripping, waste in the face and delamination of the ends. What you want to achieve in this research is to eliminate the waste of 4.6 mm Birch Products and 18 mm Birch Products found in the Hot Press section in order to fulfill customer demand with the Lean Manufacturing approach. Lean Manufacturing is a systematic approach that eliminates waste and transforms processes. The results of the inspection using the Quality Filter Mapping (QFM) method obtained the largest waste in the Birch 4.6 mm Face 0.5 mm product, namely Failure to Riject by 0.82% and on Birch 18 mm Face 0.28 mm product, namely Failure to Riject by 7.1%. Recommendations for improvement include standard parameters of temperature, press time and pressure.

Производительность березняков Удмуртской Республики

The results of research on the productivity of birch stands on the territory of the Udmurt Republic belonging to the region of southern taiga forests of the European part of the Russian Federation, the taiga zone are presented. The dynamics of the area and reserves of birch forests in the Udmurt Republic is analyzed. Based on the sample area data, changes in the percentage of business wood yield were revealed depending on the type of forest, the composition coefficient and the age of the forest element stand. A comparison of birch stocks growing in different types of forests is made.

Materials science aspects of the production of wooden utensils of Bronze and Early Iron Ages from the North Black Sea and North Azov Sea regions

The article presents the results of analysis of nine wooden utensils of the Bronze and Early Iron Ages (Catacomb, Zrubna and Sciphian cultures) in comparison with previous analysis of different authors. In eight cases remains were represented by deciduous trees (mostly maple - Acer sp.). Comparison of this results with data from other investigators allowed to conclude that for making objects from wood used mainly local breeds. When selecting trees for making utensils, old masters have used certain principles such as ease of cutting and aesthetic preferences. For the manufacture of wooden utensils, pastoral nomads used mostly local wood that grew in gullies and floodplains. Most often for the manufacture of wooden utensils used maple, which is recorded in the Catacomb monuments, Zrubna, Scythian and Sarmatian burials. The generally accepted view is of the greatest accessibility of oak as a material for the manufacture of wooden utensils. However, our analysis and findings of other studies suggest limited use of wood for making utensils. Only in one case, for making fixed tray was used oak bark. However, generally we have to assume that the old masters avoided the use of oak wood for cutting wooden utensils due to its physical properties and considering that the tools were quite simple for working with brittle kinds of wood. In two cases (burial 17 and 23 of Vysoka Mohyla Zaporizhzhya oblast) the data shows that for producing of the bowl chestnut wood (Castanea sp.) was utilized. In the Steppe zone the willow and birch bark were broadly widespread. They could be used to make baskets and birch products, however, we do not have the results of relevant analyzes to talk about it with confidence.

Feasibility of Using Biocontainers in a Pot-in-pot System for Nursery Production of River Birch

The performance of biocontainers as sustainable alternatives to the traditional petroleum-based plastic containers has been researched in recent years due to increasing environmental concern generated by widespread plastic disposal from green industry. However, research has been mainly focused on using biocontainers in short-term greenhouse production of bedding plants, with limited research investigating the use of biocontainers in long-term nursery production of woody crops. This project investigated the feasibility of using biocontainers in a pot-in-pot (PIP) nursery production system. Two paper (also referred as wood pulp) biocontainers were evaluated in comparison with a plastic container in a PIP system for 2 years at four locations (Holt, MI; Lexington, KY; Crystal Springs, MS; El Paso, TX). One-year-old river birch (Betula nigra) liners were used in this study. Results showed that biocontainers stayed intact at the end of the first growing season, but were penetrated to different degrees after the second growing season depending on the vigor of root growth at a given location and pot type. Plants showed different growth rates at different locations. However, at a given location, there were no differences in plant growth index (PGI) or plant biomass among plants grown in different container types. Daily water use (DWU) was not influenced by container type. Results suggest that both biocontainers tested have the potential to be alternatives to plastic containers for short-term (1 year) birch production in the PIP system. However, they may not be suitable for long-term (more than 1 year) PIP production due to root penetration at the end of the second growing season.

Assessing the Potential Stem Growth and Quality of Yellow Birch Prior to Restoration: A Case Study in Eastern Canada

Past silvicultural treatments have resulted in the high-grading mixed temperate forests of Quebec, Canada. Despite recognition of this issue, the low occurrence of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) within current stands raises questions about the potential of the species to grow and eventually constitute a high-quality forest resource. The objective of this study was to assess this potential using tree characteristics, forest structure and additional site and climatic conditions as predictors. A total of 145 trees were sampled in two areas located in the same bioclimatic zone. Lower-Saguenay-Charlevoix was chosen as an area where a restoration plan could be implemented, whereas Portneuf was selected as a reference. We used nonlinear mixed models to investigate which environmental factors are likely to influence the radial growth and stem quality of yellow birch sample trees. Our results suggest that topographic and climatic conditions, as well as the competitive environment of the trees, are important factors to consider in the evaluation of yellow birch production. Despite the limited occurrence of yellow birch, the potential for growth and quality was high in the Lower-Saguenay-Charlevoix area. For equivalent topographic, climatic, and competitive environment conditions, there was no significant difference in either radial growth or stem quality with Portneuf. We suggest that the economic interest of producing high quality timber should be used to justify the implementation of a restoration strategy in the Lower-Saguenay-Charlevoix area.

Asymmetric Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Birch Products

Asymmetric Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Birch Products

What is X? A Classroom Exercise

The last stage of three-step synthetic sequence to obtain an alkylated Birch product gave an unexpected and undesired product. From the discussion of all the reactions involved rather than from the interpretation of NMR spectra, the structure of the product X is elucidated.

Susceptibility of Betula pendula clones to Phytobia betulae, a dipteran miner of birch stems

Larvae of Phytobia betulae Kangas (Diptera: Agromyzidae) mine within the differentiating xylem tissue of birch trees from canopy to stem base, resulting in permanent brown tunnels in the wood. In birch products the tunnels are considered to be an aesthetic defect. The aim of the study was to determine whether European white birch (Betula pendula Roth) clones differed in their susceptibility to Phytobia and to ascertain the relationship between the size of the trees and their susceptibility. We counted the number of pith flecks (larval tunnels) in eight or nine micropropagated clones of B. pendula in three 4- to 6-year-old field trials. After adjusting for the positive effect of tree size on Phytobia there were significant two- and three-fold differences between clones in Phytobia resistance. A significant genotype × environment interaction in susceptibility of birch to Phytobia was observed. A slow-growing clone was the least susceptible to Phytobia.

Susceptibility of <i>Betula pendula</i> clones to <i>Phytobia betulae</i>, a dipteran miner of birch stems

Larvae of Phytobia betulae Kangas (Diptera: Agromyzidae) mine within the differentiating xylem tissue of birch trees from canopy to stem base, resulting in permanent brown tunnels in the wood. In birch products the tunnels are considered to be an aesthetic defect. The aim of the study was to determine whether European white birch (Betula pendula Roth) clones differed in their susceptibility to Phytobia and to ascertain the relationship between the size of the trees and their susceptibility. We counted the number of pith flecks (larval tunnels) in eight or nine micropropagated clones of B. pendula in three 4- to 6-year-old field trials. After adjusting for the positive effect of tree size on Phytobia there were significant two- and three-fold differences between clones in Phytobia resistance. A significant genotype × environment interaction in susceptibility of birch to Phytobia was observed. A slow-growing clone was the least susceptible to Phytobia.

A novel synthesis of 14α, 15α-methylene estradiol (J 824)

A novel approach to the synthesis of the orally active estrogen 14α, 15α-methylene estradiol ( 8, J 824) is described, starting with 3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17α-ol( 5). The 14α, 15α-methylene bridge was sonochemically introduced by regioselective and stereoselective Simmons-Smith methylenation of the 14-double bond. Birch reduction of the 8-double bond provided the desired 8β-H. 9α-H steroid, whereas ionic hydrogenation afforded the 8β-H, 9β-H isomer, together with an epimerization of the 17α-hydroxy group. Oxidation of the Birch product yielded the corresponding 17-oxo steroid, which gave the title compound by diborane reduction. For radioimmunoassay development the 6-(O-carboxymethyl)-oximino derivative of 8 was prepared as hapten and the 2-hydroxy derivative of 8 was synthesized as a potential metabolite of 8, and 8 was tritium labeled as well.

Birch production and utilization for energy

Natural birch stands represent a significant biomass resource since birches are one of the most common deciduous genera in cool temperate regions, even in places ranging up to the forest line. Many characteristics of birch make it highly suited for short rotation forestry. However, growing birch in very short rotations (less than 10 years) in northern climates is not worthwhile on the basis of biomass production and economics. Rotations of 15 to 20 years may give good results everywhere. The intensive culture of birch plantations has largely remained untested, but it is very likely that the yield levels can be increased significantly by using cloned material as well as improved silvicultural treatments, fertilization and pest control. Birch feedstock, compared to material of many other tree species, is of even quality. Moisture content is low and basic density high. Branches and bark are also suitable for energy use. Birch plays an important part in the energy budget of entire nations, particularly of Finland and Sweden

Produktzusammensetzung der Kohlenwasserstoffgemische nach der BIRCH-Reduktion substituierter Benzene und säurekatalysierte Addition von Alkoholen an alkylsubstituierte Cyclohexene und Cyclohexa-1,4-diene

Composition of Mixtures of Hydrocarbons after BIRCH-Reduction of Substituted Benzenes and Acid Catalyzed Addition of Alcohols to Alkylsubstituted Cyclohexenes and Cyclohexa-1,4-dienes. 10 different benzene hydrocarbons 1, indane, tetraline, anisol and phenol are reduced by sodium in liquid ammonia in the presence of methanol to the BIRCH products 2. The product mixture compositions are determined through capillary GLC. On storage at + 6°C some rearomatization of the 1,4-cyclohexadienes 2 occurs. Data of the 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectra and also mass spectra of the BIRCH 1,4-dienes 2 are given. For comparison 4-alkoxycyclohexenes 4 and 1-alkoxy-1-methylcyclohexanes 8 are prepared and spectroscopically characterized. Acid-catalyzed addition of alcohols to the 1,4-cyclohexadiene systems is a slow process and gives the 4-alkoxy-4-alkylcyclohex-1-enes (4) only in moderate yields up to 30 %. Most of the products are dimers 5 and also oligomers 6 of the parent hydrocarbons 2.

Birch reduction of arylphosphines

In contrast to unsubstituted tri(aryl)phosphines, bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phenylphosphine is not cleaved by sodium in liquid ammonia; instead, the hitherto unknown Birch product is formed via an intermediary phosphinocyclohexadienyl anion.

Man's use of birch—past and present

SynopsisMan has found a diversity of uses for birch at least since Mesolithic times. In the mediaeval period, it was used for all kinds of domestic and agricultural purposes and it is remarkable how early its beneficial effects in silviculture were appreciated. Similarly, its amenity value has been appreciated for centuries in the rural scene and today it is employed in urban improvement too. Its importance for fuel and charcoal goes back into the distant past. Its bark is unique, with a range of end products from trinket boxes in northern Europe to large canoes in Canada. The trade in birch products is very large in eastern North America, while in Finland the plywood industry is also important. Birch will continue to play a significant role in British Forestry, both as a nurse species and as the main amenity species for poor and exposed sites.

Biomass and Primary Productivity of Birch (Betula Pubescens S. Lat.) in South-West Greenland

Biomass and Primary Productivity of Birch (Betula Pubescens S. Lat.) in South-West Greenland