Wood and how it relates to paper products

Wood species, age, and density control the length, diameter, and wall thickness of the fibers. These parameters influence the performance of the paper product and ultimately influence customer satisfaction with the product. This article reviews some of the contributions wood makes to performance and performance problems in high yield pulps, coating printing papers, uncoated free sheet, bleached paperboard, and corrugated board. The strengths and weaknesses of fiber from four softwood genera (spruces, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and the southern pines) and four hardwood genera (oak, sweet-gum, birch, and aspen) for these paper and paperboard grades are considered.