Gary C. Myers

Biomechanical pulping of loblolly pine chips with selected white-rot fungi

Paper optical properties handsheets, whereas brightness and light scattering coefficient of the handsheets were decreased after all of the fungal treatments. Opacity of the handsheets after the fungal treatments remained unchanged. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) White-rot fungi Based on energy savings and improvements in the strength properties, regardless of bioreactor type, the white-rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora appeared to be superior to the other white-rot fungi tested. When incubated in stationary tray bioreactors, C. subvermispora caused only 6% weight loss, saved 42% energy during fiberization and refining, improved burst index by 32% and tear index by 67%, as compared to the control.

Kraft pulp from budworm-infested Jack pine

Abstract This study evaluated the quality of kraft pulp from budworm-infested jack pine. The logs were classified as merchantable live, suspect, or merchantable dead. Raw materials were evaluated through visual inspection, analysis of the chemical composition, SilviScan measurement of the density, and measurement of the tracheid length. Unbleached pulps were then refined using a laboratory disk refiner. The mechanical and optical properties of handsheets made from the refined pulps were evaluated. Although budworm galleries may affect the physical integrity of the wood, they have no effect on pulp quality. Blue stain did not affect the handsheet brightness. The results indicate that merchantable dead jack pine trees are acceptable for kraft pulp production, with equivalent pulp yield.