Thermal Characteristics of Douglas-Fir Bark Fiber—25 C to 250 C

Authors

  • P. H. Short
  • J. D. Wellons

Keywords:

Differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, Douglas-fir, bark fiber, disc-refining, extractives

Abstract

To determine if extractives control the thermal properties of Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] bark fiber at lower temperatures and limit its utility for reinforcing plastic, fiber and its extractives were subjected to differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses. In addition, the amount and composition of volatiles were measured as a function of temperature and fiber recovery process.

Heating bark fiber to 250 C yielded water and carbon dioxide as the major volatiles, the amounts increasing disproportionately as the extractive content of the fiber increased. Because the extractives were thermally less stable than the fiber wall, recovering bark fiber of low extractive content by pressurized refining reduced volatilization more than fiber recovery by atmospheric refining or alkali extraction.

References

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Published

2007-06-27

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Section

Research Contributions