Potential of Mimosa (Albizia Julibrissin) for Papermaking, 2001 Pulping Conference Proceedings

S. R. Duke, P. J. Reed, H. Gu, G. Krishnagopalan, T. A. Morrison, D. I. Bransby--Studies are underway to develop the technologies needed in paper processing and agronomy to make mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) a viable materials substitute for hardwood fibers in fine paper manufacturing. Mimosa is a fast growing perennial plant; results are presented to demonstrate that it can be successfully grown in plantation conditions at high yields. Results are presented from preliminary studies that address the response of mimosa to different pulping conditions, the response of mimosa to bleaching sequence, and the effects of age of wood at harvest. Cooking aspects, pulp qualities, strength properties of paper, and anatomic characteristics of fibers were determined. Strength properties of pulp made from the mimosa are comparable to the pulp obtained from typical southern hardwood (gum). Pulp processing experiments indicate potential for cost savings associated with the ease of pulping, bleaching, and refining of the mimosa fibers.