Utilization of Redwood Bark

The redwood bark produced at one mill is estimated at 12,000 to 14,000 tons per year (air dry). It is difficult to burn; therefore suggestions are to leave it in the woods or produce by-products. The report describes studies on bark utilization made by the Pacific Lumber Company and the Institute of Paper Chemistry. Bark is separated into the coarse fiber fraction and the dust fraction. Chemical analysis of the fiber fraction basically produced 54 percent cellulose and 41.8 percent a lignin fraction consisting primarily of phenolic hydroxyls and carboxylic groups. Pulping was tried using a modified alkaline cooking process, but the resulting paper was very porous and weak in comparison to conventional papers. Additions of unpulped fiber to various pulps also proved unsuccessful. Bark used as a plastic filler or combined with various textiles was possible but was unfeasible. Bark fiber could be used as insulation. Bleaching of the pulp was found very detrimental to the fiber quality. Chemical analysis of the dust fraction indicates a “Palconic acid” with smaller amounts of pectin, tannin, phiobaphenes, and others. The dust could be a substitute for peat moss, it is slightly more acidic but contains comparable amounts of nutrients and soil building properties. A dust derivative, sodium palconate has possible use as a mud derivative in oil well drilling.

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