Summary
Fibre length, microfibril angle and wood density were measured in eight-year-old Eucalyptus globulus
clones planted on three different sites. Samples were chipped and pulped, and the pulps beaten prior to
preparation of 60g/m2 handsheets. Eleven physical handsheet properties, together with pulp freeness,
were measured using standard methods. Direct relationships between wood properties and pulp/paper
properties were studied using path analysis.
Fibre length had a strong, direct effect on tear index, bending stiffness, freeness, pulp yield and active
alkali consumption. Wood density was a strong predictor of most handsheet properties: high density
woods produced bulkier, more porous sheets with higher bending stiffness, while lower density woods
produced smoother, denser sheets with higher tensile strength.The effect of microfibril angle was small
and more evident in handsheets made from beaten pulp.