Anatomical, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Stem and Branch Wood of Populus nigra

Kiaei, Majid; Karimi, Sadegh

doi:10.22092/ijwpr.2026.371526.1821

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Cha. C., Islamic Azad University, Chalus, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwpr.2026.371526.1821

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Poplar (Populus nigra) is widely used in afforestation programs due to its rapid growth and easy availability, making it an important source of raw material for wood-based industries. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the physical, anatomical, and chemical properties of stem and branch wood of this species, as well as to examine their variation along the branch axis.
Materials and methods: ،Three trees were selected and from each tree, one sample at breast height of the stem and three samples from three branches at different elevation of the tree were taken. Fiber length, fiber diameter, cell-wall thickness, lumen diameter, biometric indices, vessel diameter, wood density, lignin, cellulose, hot-water extractives, and alcohol–acetone extractives were measured using appropriate preparation and test methods
Results: The results showed that all measured properties differed significantly between stem and branch wood. Stem fibers are longer, diameter, and wall thickness are wider, indicating a higher level of anatomical maturity. In contrast, branch wood with its smaller fibers exhibited higher slenderness ratio and Runkel ratio. Branch wood also showed fairly higher density, while vessel diameter was larger in the stem and displayed a decreasing trend from the base to the tip of the branch. Chemically, cellulose, lignin, and extractive contents were all higher in stem wood, whereas these components declined gradually along the branch.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that stem wood, due to its structural maturity and higher lignocellulosic content, is more suitable for wood and paper applications. However, branch wood owing to its higher density, acceptable papermaking indices, and adequate fiber characteristics can serve as an economical and accessible supplementary source for pulp production. These results highlight the potential role of branches in improving raw-material utilization and promoting sustainable wood-resource management

Keywords

10.22092/ijwpr.2026.371526.1821

Main Subjects

Physics and anatomy

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Anatomical, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Stem and Branch Wood of Populus nigra

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Volume 41, Issue 2 - Serial Number 95June 2026Pages 126-139

Volume 41, Issue 2 - Serial Number 95
June 2026
Pages 126-139