The pulp potential and paper properties of willows with reference to Salix viminalis.

Abstract

In view of the early interest shown in growing willows as a novel source of pulpwood in Northern Ireland a review of the pulp and paper properties of the genus Salix was carried out. In general pulp yields were acceptable and the quantities of chemicals consumed in the pulping process not excessive. A practical evaluation of the pulp and paper properties of juvenile Salix viminalis stems indicated that the material could be pulped whole but chemical consumption was high. A high-strength pulp with barely adequate drainage properties was produced. This would tend to limit the range of paper types for which the pulp would be suitable but this range could probably be increased by using more mature stems from plants grown on a longer harvesting cycle.