Comparison of various eucalyptus species for their morphological, chemical, pulp and paper making characteristics

Abstract

Eleven eucalyptus species are characterized for morphological, chemical, pulp and paper-making characteristics to get high pulp yield of good strength through social forestry in north Indian topological conditions. <i>Eucalyptus grandis</i> of Bhadrachalam and Saharanpur origins give very good fibre dimensions, especially slenderness ratio, which is directly comparable to <i>Pinus kesiya</i>. Other eucalyptus species have shorter fibres and narrow lumen with thick wall resulting to poorer flexibility, higher Runkel ratio and rigidity coefficient. The chemical analysis of eucalyptus species reveal satisfactory levels of holocellulose (except <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i>) and Klason lignin content (<i><</i>30%) (except <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i> and <i>E. ‒348</i> hybrid). Relatively increased (>25%) lignin content except <i>E. ‒413</i> (hybrid) might require additional pulping time and chemical charge compared to other species. Kappa number (<22), pulp yield (>48%) and higher strength properties<i> </i>of <i>E. grandis</i> of Bhadrachalam and Saharanpur origins, <i>Eucalyptus torrelliana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis </i>and<i> Eucalyptus alba</i> showed their suitability for social forestry.