Physical properties of kraft pulp from four-year-old aspen hybrids and crosses

Short-rotation forestry and species hybridization offer acceptable raw materials for pulp and paper production. Poplars (Populus spc.) are the most promising materials because of their fast growth rates and their suitability for pulp. The objectives of this study were to determine the kraft pulp properties of three new aspen hybrids and crosses and to compare these properties with those of other poplars. We used Populus alba X Populus tremula, Populus alba X Populus alba Bolleana, and Populus alba X Populus grandidentata. Results indicated that the P. alba X P. tremula hybrid was most suitable for pulp production. Handsheets made from the P. alba X P. tremula hybrid had greater burst and tear strengths and a comparable tensile index compared with those of the kraft pulps of other juvenile poplars. Results suggest that P. alba X P. tremula is a promising hybrid for pulp production.