Physical Properties of Kraft Pulp from Four-Year-Old Aspen Hybrids and Crosses

Abstract

<p>Short-rotation forestry and species hybridization offer acceptable raw materials for pulp and paper production. Poplars (<em>Populus spc.</em>) are the most promising materials because of their fast growth rates and their suitability for pulp. The objectives of this study were to determine the kraft pulp properties of three new aspen hybrids and crosses and to compare these properties with those of other poplars. We used <em>Populus alba X Populus tremula, Populus alba X Populus alba</em> Bolleana, and <em>Populus alba X Populus grandidentata</em>. Results indicated that the <em>P. alba X P. trernula</em> hybrid was most suitable for pulp production. Handsheets made from the <em>P. alba X P. tremula</em> hybrid had greater burst and tear strengths and a comparable tensile index compared with those of the kraft pulps of other juvenile poplars. Results suggest that <em>P. alba X P. tremula</em> is a promising hybrid for pulp production.</p>