Pulpwood Quality of the Second Generation Acacia auriculiformis

Abstract

The physical, chemical and fibre characteristics of the 6, 8 and 10 years old akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) wood from the second generation seed and their suitability for pulping were assessed and compared with the wood of 10 years old from the first generation seed. The A. auriculiformis of 8 years old had the highest α-cellulose and lower lignin than those of 6 and 10 years old, which are similar to the first generation wood. This study also evaluated the effect of cooking time, temperature and active alkali on kraft pulping. The most important influence factors for pulp yield and kappa number were active alkali charge and time. The highest screened rejects were observed for young tree. Delignification degree of the 1st generation was faster than that of the 2nd generation A. auriculiformis.