Mechanical properties for a wet-processed fiberboard made from small-diameter lodgepole pine treetop material

Abstract

Many federal, state, and private forests, especially in thewestern part of the United States, have an overabundance of fire-prone small-diameter trees, forest thinnings, and residual material. These materials are not being fully utilized as a fiber resource because there are few economical options for their use. This report looks at using treetop material to produce a structural fiberboard-like product by varying several pulping and refining conditions. The treetop material with barkwas processed using a wet processing method. Resin-free experimental panelswere formed and press-dried. Mechanical properties were obtained at both 50 and 90 percent moisture conditions. These panels were tested in bending and tension to determine the effects of processing on structural properties. General trends show an increase in properties with an increase in sodium hydroxide pulping and refining level. In comparison, strength propertieswere equal to or surpassed minimum standard hardboard properties. Results from this study will be used to design value-added three-dimensional engineered structural fiberboard panels. Three-dimensional panels are currently being developed at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, and will provide a potential outlet for the underutilized small-diameter fiber resource.

Citation

Hunt, John F.; Supan, Karen. 2005. Mechanical properties for a wet-processed fiberboard made from small-diameter lodgepole pine treetop material. Forest products journal. Vol. 55, no. 5 (May 2005): Pages 82-87