The Influence of Populus deltoides Bark in Wood as Raw Material for Hardboard

Suitability of Populus deltoides wood and bark, for use as raw material for hardboard industry has been studied on laboratory scale using semi-chemical wet process for board reparation. Experimental data indicate that individually poplar wood is suitable but not the bark for hardboard. Further, experiments on the influence of bark in wood on board properties indicated that bark to the extent of 20 per cent (O.D.) helps in improving the physical and mechanical properties of board as compared to boards prepared with wood alone. In standard hardboard, bark content can safely be increased to 40-50 per cent. More so, cost of chemicals required in pulping is also low since the bark acts as an internal sizing material to a great extent. Lops and tops which generally contain bark to the extent of 20 per cent as determined on material of different diameters can safely be used in hardboard when processed together.