Arundo donax pulp and related methods

Abstract

Composite panels and pulp, and paper products of the pulp, are produced from Arundo donax. In the fabrication of the composite panels, Arundo donax is comminuted to a suitable size, combined with a binder, and consolidated into panels that meet standards for construction and / or furniture grade panels. The Arundo donax particulates may be combined with wood particulates to produce a mixed furnish that can be used in the preparation of composite panels. Comminuted Arundo donax is treated, in conventional pulping processes, to produce a high tensile strength pulp that can be used in the production of paper. The pulp has a lighter color than wood pulp, and thereby uses less bleaching chemicals to achieve a desired whiteness. The pulp can be combined with wood pulp to produce a variety of products.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending international application number PCT / US99 / 13519, filed Jun. 16, 1999, which claims the benefit of the priority of the filing date of U.S. patent application No. 60 / 089,596, filed Jun. 17, 1998. The benefit of the priority of the filing dates of each is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §§ 120 and 119, respectively. Each of the above-identified applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention pertains to composite panels and engineered products made of Arundo donax (a type of grass), and pulp and paper produced from Arundo donax. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are several well-known technologies for producing particle board, using wood chips and other wood processing waste products. Indeed, these wood-based composite boards have found wide application particularly in building construction and the manufacture of furni...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a way to make use of a native wild grass called nalgrass to create particles that can be used to make paper and paper products. These particles can be formed into pulp and used in the production of particle boards. The invention also provides a way to make composite boards using the nalgrass particles as a binder, which results in a stronger and more durable product. The nalgrass particles are a lighter color than traditional wood particles, so less chemical bleach is needed to achieve the desired whiteness. The invention also provides a way to make use of the nalgrass pulp in other cellulose-based products such as building materials and modified cellulosic fibers."

Problems solved by technology

While the supply of wood for use in these products is “renewable,” it requires setting aside land for long periods of time for tree farming.

Moreover, when demand outstrips supply, because supply is based on forecasts of decades before when trees were planted, then a shortage inevitably develops.

Since the wood required for these uses results in cutting millions of acres of forest each year, such shortages lead to serious worldwide concerns about large scale deforestation and its contribution to global warming.

Extensive research had been conducted and production trials have been made in an effort to find a suitable non-wood fiber for composites and pulp but, until now, this work has met with very little success due to inferior properties, excessive costs and many commercial production drawbacks.

Images