Basic density and fibre morphological characteristics of selected pulpwood species of Kerala

Abstract

The present study focuses on variation in basic density and fibre morphology of important pulpwood species of Kerala, viz. Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa vulgaris, Erythrina indica, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Macaranga peltata. Fibre morphological characters such as fibre length, fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter, fibre wall thickness and fibre ratios such as fibre length-to-diameter ratio and shape factors which are important in pulp and paper making were determined in these species. Wood samples of selected trees were collected from various saw mills and pulp mills of the state. The samples collected were converted to blocks of size 3 cm × 3 cm × 3 cm and for each species, 11 blocks were prepared and ten were used to estimate the basic density and the remaining for maceration studies. Results indicated that basic density and fibre morphology and fibre ratios varied significantly among the species studied, and all the species were suitable for pulp and paper making. Bambusa bambos recorded the highest Runkel ratio and shape factor. The two species M. peltata and E. indica which are common in the state but under-utilised for pulp and paper making had fibre morphological parameters similar to that of other hardwood species and hence offer good potential for pulp and paper making.