The importance of microfibril angle for the processing industries

Authors: J.C.F. Walker, B.G. Butterfield
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1995, Issue N.Z.J.For. 40(4) 1996, pp 34-40, Jan 1996
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Conventional thinking about wood quality centres on the primacy of density. This review observes that many wood characteristics are age related and co-vary with one another (density, tracheid length, microfibril angle, lignin content etc.); indeed correlations between and within properties and characteristics can be high. Selection of any favourable characteristic has benefits for a number of wood properties, with the overall gain depending on the characteristic sought for improvement and its effect on all wood properties. In the case of Pinus radiata the intrinsic characteristic whose improvement is likely to yield the greatest economic benefits is the microfibril angle.

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