Anatomy based papermaking potential of some woody plants under different ecological conditions

The increasing use of wood in the forest industry and reduction of forest resources have prompted the paper industry to look for new materials. To this end, this study examined the biometric coefficients of the seven woody stems grown in different regions and investigated suitability for papermaking as an alternative to the use of wood. Wood samples of each species were collected from two different regions in Türkiye: the Kozan region, which has a Mediterranean climate, and the Yuvacık region, which has a mostly oceanic climate.  The species included in the study were Phillyrea latifolia (mock privet), Arbutus andrachne (greek strawberry tree), Erica arborea (tree heath), Spartium junceum (spanish broom), Laurus nobilis (bay tree), Pistacia turpentine (cyprus turpentine tree), and Rhus coriaria (elm-leaved sumac). All fibers were classified as short. The longest fiber was observed for Spartium junceum (spanish broom) in Kozan. The fiber diameter was highest for Arbutus andrachne (greek strawberry tree) from Kozan, followed by Rhus coriaria (elm-leaved sumac) from Yuvacık and Laurus nobilis (bay tree) from Kozan. The fiber dimensions and the relationship between them were statistically analyzed. These included the slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, Runkel ratio, rigidity coefficient, Luce’s shape factor, F-factor, and Muhlsteph ratio. Although differences in fiber properties were detected between the two regions, it was determined that these were not enough to affect the desired properties for paper production. It was concluded that the fibers could be used in pulp, paperboard, and corrugated board production when mixed with long fibers.