Abstract:
This study sought to appraise 7-year and 9-year-old Cedrela odorata for pulp and paper making. Sectioning and maceration processes were adopted. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 17.00. Cell characteristics for all ages and tree positions appeared similar but quantitatively, cells in 9-year-old generally exhibited some significant (p <.05) variations. Age and wood position generally had some significant influence on cell characteristics. Fibre lengths were generally short (<1.6 mm or 1600 ?m) with variations in fibre morphology being significant axially than radially. In appraising the wood for paper production, derived fibre indices/values viz; Runkel ratio (ranging from 0.19 to 0.28), flexibility coefficient (ranging from 0.78 to 0.83), and slenderness ratio (ranging from 38.98 to 51.72) appeared to provide some positive indications. The species therefore, has potential for pulp and paper production, but further studies on its chemical consumption levels and other properties need to be ascertained towards a well-informed decision. � 2022 IWSc, The Wood Technology Society of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Description:
Dadzie, P.K., Interior Design and Materials Technology Department, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana; Amoah, M., Faculty of Technical Education, University of Education Winneba, Kumasi Campus, Kumasi, Ghana; Inkum, P.B., Interior Design and Materials Technology Department, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana; Boampong, E., Interior Design and Materials Technology Department, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana; Owusu Ansah Jnr, V., Centre for Research and Development for Technology Incubation (CRDTI), Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana