Dividends from Wood Research

Decay Processes and Bioprocessing

• Deterioration of Wood from Live and Dead Alaska Yellow-Cedar in Contact with Soil
  Hennon, Paul; Woodward, Bessie; Lebow, Patricia
  2007. Forest Prod. J. 57(6): 23-30.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_hennon001.pdf

• Obtaining Value Prior to Pulping with Diethyl Oxalate and Oxalic Acid
  Kenealy, W.R.; Horn, E.; Houtman, C.J.; Laplaza, J.; Jeffries, T.W.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Congress in Biotechnology in the Pulp and Paper Industry, Madison, WI. 25–26.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_kenealy004.pdf

Durability

• Effects of Air Leakage of Residential Buildings in Mixed and Cold Climates
  Antretter, Floria; Karagiozis, Achilles, PhD; TenWolde, Aton; Holm, Andreas, PhD
  2007. In: 30 Years of Research Proceedings—Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings X. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. pp. 1–10.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_antretter001.pdf

• Physical, Mechanical, and Fire Properties of Oriented Strandboard with Fire Retardant Treated Veneers
  Ayrilmis, Nadir; Candan, Zeki; White, Robert
  2007. Holz. Roh. Werkst. 65: 449–458.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_ayrilmis002.pdf

• 1-072. Review of In-Service Moisture and Temperature Conditions in Wood-Frame Buildings
  Glass, Samuel V.; TenWolde, Anton
  2007. General Technical Report FPL–GTR–174. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 53 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr174.pdf

This literature review reports in-service moisture and temperature conditions of floor, wall, and roof members of wood-frame buildings and exposed wood decks and permanent wood foundations. A wide variation exists in reported wood moisture content, spanning a range from as low as 2% to well above 30%. Relevant studies are summarized, and measured values of wood moisture content and temperature are tabulated. Trends are discussed that relate moisture conditions to climate and season, moisture sources and transport mechanisms, and building design and construction.

• A Preliminary Study of Preservative Retention and Penetration in ACQ-Treated Timbers Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
  So, Chi-Leung; Everhardt, Thomas L.; Lebow, Stan T.; Groom, Leslie H.
  2006. In: Proceedings of Wood Protection 2006. Barnes, H. Michael (Ed.). Sponsored by Arch Wood Protection, Inc., Chemical Specialities, Inc., Copper Care Wood Preservatives, Inc., Forest Products Society, Osmose, Inc., and Timber Products Inspection, Inc.: 367–370.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_so001.pdf

• The Effect of Indoor Humidity on Water Vapor Release in Homes
  TenWolde, Anton; Pilon, Crystal L.
  2007. In: 30 Years of Research Proceedings—Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings X. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. pp. 1–9.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_tenwolde001.pdf

• Acoustic Assessment of Stress Level and Potential Wood Quality of Logs Affected by Oak Decline
  Wang, Xiping; Stelzer, Henry E.; Wiedenbeck, Jan; Ross, Robert J.
  2006. In: Proceedings—15th Central Hardwood Forest Conference. Buckley, David S.; Clatterbuck, Wayne K., (Eds.) Asheville, NC: USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station: 513–523.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_wang004.pdf

• 2-072. Acoustic Tomography for Decay Detection in Red Oak Trees
  Wang, Xiping; Allison, R. Bruce; Wang, Lihai; Ross, Robert J.
  2007. Research Paper FPL–RP–642. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 7 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp642.pdf

The science of tree stability analysis uses both biological and engineering principles in attempting to rate a tree’s structural soundness and make reasonable predictions of potential for failure. In such analysis, arborists are often challenged by internal structural defects hidden from view within the trunks. This paper reports the results of an investigation using acoustic tomography to detect internal decay in park trees. Two century-old red oak (Quercus rubra) trees located at the Capitol Park in Madison, Wisconsin, were nondestructively evaluated using an acoustic tomography technique. The trees were subsequently felled, and a disk at each test location was obtained and examined. We found that the light-colored zones in the tomograms were larger than the true decay present in the disks. The oversized light-colored areas were the composite effects of both decay and large internal cracks. The results of this study demonstrated that acoustic tomograhy cannot distinguish between large internal cracks and heartwood decay. To make a better assessment of internal condition for urban trees, resistance microdrilling should also be used prior to tree removal.

• Analysis of Three-Year Wisconsin Temperature Histories for Roof Systems Using Wood, Wood-Thermoplastic Composite, and Fiberglass Shingles
  Winandy, Jerrold E.; Hatfield, Cherilyn A.
  2007. Forest Prod. J. 57(9):87–96.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_winandy004.pdf

• Cone Calorimeter Tests of Wood-Based Decking Materials
  White, Robert H.; Dietenberger, Mark A.; Stark, Nicole M.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 18th Annual Conference on Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials. Volume II. Norwalk, CT: BCC Research: 326–337.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_white002.pdf

General

• Vision of the U.S. Biofuel Future: A Case for Hydrogen-Enriched Biomass Gasification
  Dietenberger, Mark A.; Anderson, Mark
  2007. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 46(26): 8863.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_dietenberger001.pdf

• Why Good Ideas and Good Science Do Not always Make it into the Marketplace
  Frihart, Charles R.
  2006. In: Miner, Cynthia; Jacobs, Ruth; Dykstra, Dennis; Bittner, Becky (Eds). Proceedings: International Conference on Transfer of Forest Science Knowledge and Technology Troutdale, OR, May 10–13, 2005.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_frihart004.pdf

Papermaking and Paper Recycling

• Cornstalk as a Source of Fiber and Energy
  Ahmed, Aziz; Zhu, J.Y.
  2006. In: Huaiyu, Zhan; Fangeng, Chen; Shiyu, Fu, (Eds.). Proceedings of 3rd international symposium on emerging technology of pulping and papermaking; 2006 November 8–10; Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou, China: South China University of Technology Press: New technologies in non-wood fiber pulping and papermaking. 1–4.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2006/fpl_2006_ahmed001.pdf

• Determination of Microstickies in Recycled Whitewater by Headspace Gas Chromatography
  Chai, X.-S.; Samp, J.C.; Yang, Q.F.; Song, H.N.; Zhu, J.Y.
  2007. Progress in Pap. Recycl. 16(3): 12–17.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_chai001.pdf

• Full-field Local Displacement Analysis of Two-Sided Paperboard
  Considine, J.M.; Vahey, D.W.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 61st Appita Annual Conference and Exhibition, Volume 2. 2007 International Paper Physics Conference Papers. Carlton, Vic, Australia: Appita. 223–227.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_considine001.pdf

• Box Compression Analysis of World-Wide Data Spanning 46 Years
  Urbanik, Thomas J.; Frank, Benjamin
  2006. Wood Fiber Sci. 38(3): 399–416.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2006/fpl_2006_urbanik002.pdf

• Tests for Z-Direction Fiber Orientation
  Vahey, David W.; Considine, John M.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 61st Appita Annual Conference and Exhibition, Volume 2: 2007 International Paper Physics Conference Papers. Paptac, Canada, Tappi. 53­59.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_vahey002.pdf

• Wood Density and Anatomical Properties in Suppressed-Growth Trees: Comparison of Two Methods
  Vahey, David W.; Zhu, J.Y.; Scott, C. Tim
  2007. Wood Fiber Sci. 39(3): 462–471.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_vahey001.pdf

• Froth Conductivity for In Situ Monitoring of Fiber (Solid) and Wet Rejects in Flotation Deinking
  Zhu, J.Y.; Fleischmann, M.; Gleisner, R.
  2006. In: Beihai, He; Shiyu, Fu; Fangeng, Chen (Eds.). Proceedings of 3rd International Symposium on Emerging Technology of Pulping and Papermaking; 2006 November 8–10; Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou, China: South China University of Technology Press: Research progress in pulping and papermaking. 138–143.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2006/fpl_2006_zhu003.pdf

• Mill Demonstration of TMP Production from Forest Thinnings: Pulp Quality, Refining Energy, and Handsheet Properties
  Zhu, J.Y.; Scott, Tim C.; Gleisner, Roland; Mann, Doreen; Dykstra, D.P.; Holton Quinn, G.; Edwards, Louis L.
  2007. BioResources 2(4): 544–559.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_zhu004.pdf

• Using Ring Width Correlations To Study the Effects of Plantation Density on Wood
  Density and Anatomical Properties of Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa Ait.)
  Zhu, J.Y.; Scott, C.T.; Scallon, K.L.; Myers, G.C.
  2006. In: Beihai, He; Shiyu, Fu; Fangeng, Chen, (Eds.) Proceedings of 3rd international symposium on emerging technology of pulping and papermaking; 2006 November 8-10; Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou, China: South China university of technology press: Research progress in pulping and papermaking. 63–70.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2006/fpl_2006_zhu004.pdf

• Effects of Plantation Density on Wood Density and Anatomical Properties of Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa Ait.)
  Zhu, J.Y.; Scott, C. Tim; Scallon, Karen L.; Myers, Gary C.
  2007. Wood Fiber Sci. 39(3): 502–512.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_zhu001.pdf

• Effect of Tree-Growth Rate on Papermaking Fiber Properties
  Zhu, J.Y.; Vahey, D.W.; Scott, C.T.; Myers, G.C.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 61st Appita Annual Conference and Exhibition, Volume 2. 2007 International Paper Physics Conference Papers. Carlton, Vic, Australia: Appita. 415–422.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_zhu002.pdf

Properties and Use of Wood, Composite, and Fiber Products

• Durability and Mechanical Properties of Silane Cross-linked Wood Thermoplastic Composites
  Bengtsson, Magnus; Stark, Nicole M.; Oksman, Kristiina
  2007. Compos. Sci. Technol. 67: 2728–2738.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_bengtsson001.pdf

• Determining Moisture Gradient Profile Using X-Ray Technique
  Cai, Zhiyong
  2007. In: Proceedings of 15th International Symposium on Nondestructive Testing of Wood, Sept 10–13, 2007, Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth, MN: Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth.
  http://www.nrri.umn.edu/cartd/ndt2007/home.html  

• 3-072. Censoring Data for Resistance Factor Calculations in Load and Resistance Factor Design: A Preliminary Study
  Evans, James W.; Green, David W.
  2007. Research Note FPL–RN–0304. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agricul­ture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 6 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn304.pdf

Reliability estimates for the resistance distribution of wood product properties may be made from test data where all specimens are broken (full data sets) or by using data sets where information is obtained only from the weaker pieces in the distribution (censored data). Whereas considerable information exists on property estimation from full data sets, much less information is available on property estimation using censored data. To assess the need for a more rigorous study, a small simulation study was conducted to identify potential problems that could be associated with censoring effects on property estimates from an assumed Weibull distribution for use in reliability-based standards such as ASTM D 5457. Results suggest that reasonable estimates of property percentiles may be obtained when the censoring point is above the percentile needed. However, censoring also affects the estimate of the Weibull shape parameter, and therefore the coefficient of variation. This is important because the coefficient of variation is used to estimate the data confidence factor and the normalization factor also used in determining the data resistance factor. The simulation suggests that for a given sample size, the estimate of Weibull-shape parameter gets better as more of the distribution is included. Further studies are recommended to provide guidance on use of censored data with both the two- and three-parameter Wiebull distributions.

• 4-072. Long-Term Effects of Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Sour Orange Wood Specific Gravity, Modulus of Elasticity, and Microfibril Angle
  Kretschmann, David; Evans, James; Wiemann, Mike, Rudie, Alan; Kimball, Bruce A.; Idso, Sherwood B.
  2007. Research Note FPL–RN–0307. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 9 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn307.pdf

The carbon dioxide (CO²) concentration of Earth’s atmosphere continues to rise. Plants in general are responsive to changing CO² concentrations, which suggests changes in agricultural productivity in the United States and around the world. The ability of plants to absorb CO² during photosynthesis and then store carbon in their structure or sequester it in the soil has potential for mitigating the rate of rise of atmospheric CO² concentration. Since 1987, Bruce Kimball and coworkers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Phoenix, Arizona, have maintained a greenhouse gas experiment using sour orange trees maintained in a CO²-enriched environment. These trees were harvested in 2005.

During the final massive harvest, many different properties and characteristics of the woody biomass for these sour orange trees were studied. This report focuses only on the mechanical property evaluation of modulus of elasticity (MOE), specific gravity, and microfibril angle. In this study of CO²-exposed sour orange trees, CO² did not significantly affect specific gravity of sour orange trees. Exposure to CO² did not significantly affect MOE of sour orange trees. Exposure to CO² did, however, seem to influence microfibril angle development. Minor interactions between CO² and cardinal direction affected the MOE and were caused by experimental difference in chamber construction.

• 5-072. Investigating the Use of Small-Diameter Softwood as Guardrail Posts: Static Test Results
  Kretschmann, David E.; Faller, Ron; Hascall, Jason; Reid, John; Sicking, Dean; Rohde, John; Shilts, Dick; Nelson, Tim
  2007. Research Paper FPL–RP–640. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 23 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp640.pdf

Round guardrail posts may provide an important value-added option for small-diameter thinnings. Such posts require minimum processing and have been shown to have higher strength compared to the equivalent rectangular volume. The resulting value-added product may bring a higher return compared to lumber. The obstacles to immediate utilization of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir guardrail posts are the need for full-scale crash testing, a visual grading rule, and an installation guide. This paper reports on the static and dynamic tests performed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, to determine material properties for designing a new Midwest Guardrail System for round wood posts. Grading practices are recommended for round ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and southern yellow pine guardrail posts for the new Midwest Guardrail System.

• Preparation and Properties of Recycled HDPE/Clay Hybrids
  Lei, Yong; Wu, Qinglin; Clemons, Craig M.
  2007. J. Appl. Poly. Sci. 103: 3056–3063.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_lei001.pdf

• Influence of Nanoclay on Properties of HDPE/Wood Composites
  Lei, Yong; Wu, Qinglin; Clemons, Craig M.; Yao, Fei; Xu, Yanjun
  2007. J. Appl. Poly. Sci. 106: 3958–3966.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_lei002.pdf

• Chicken Feather Fiber as an Additive in MDF Composites
  Winandy, Jerrold E.; Muehl, James H.; Glaeser, Jessie A.; Schmidt, Walter
  2007. J. Nat. Fib. 4(1): 35–48.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_winandy003.pdf

• Thermal Degradation of Wood Fibers During Hot-Pressing of MDF Composites: Part I. Relative Effects and Benefits of Thermal Exposure
  Winandy, Jerrold E.; Krzysik, Andrzej M.
  2007. Wood Fiber Sci. 39(3): 450–461.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_winandy002.pdf

• 6-072. Estimating Janka Hardness from Specific Gravity for Tropical and Temperate Species
  Wiemann, Michael C.; Green, David W.
  2007. Research Paper FPL–RP–643. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 21 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp643.pdf

Using mean values for basic (green) specific gravity and Janka side hardness for individual species obtained from the world literature, regression equations were developed to predict side hardness from specific gravity. Statistical and graphical methods showed that the hardness–specific gravity relationship is the same for tropical and temperate hardwoods, but that the relationship for softwoods is different from that for hardwoods. As expected, the relationship for green wood is different from that for wood at 12% moisture content.

• 7-072. Reduction of Oxidative Stain in Ochoó (Hura crepitans L.) = Reducción de la Mancha de Oxidación en Ochoó (Hura crepitans L.)
  Wiemann, Michael C.; Knaebe, Mark; Harriague, Fernando
  2007. Research Note FPL–RN–0306. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 23 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn306.pdf

The sapwood of ochoó (Hura crepitans) suffers from an oxidative stain that results in substantial loss in value, making it one of the most important utilization problems encountered among Bolivian timber species. Initiating kiln drying within 6 days of felling did not reduce staining of ochoó, although many boards with extensive interior stain had bright surfaces, so it is possible that immediate drying might reduce or eliminate discoloration. Shock treatments did not reduce staining either, except for the localized effects of surface hammering. Eighteen-hour treatment with a 5% solution of sodium metabisulfite reduced stain, although penetration was limited in many samples.

• Equivalent Circuit Modeling of Wood at 12% Moisture Content
  Zelinka, Samuel L.; Stone, Donald S.; Rammer, Douglas R.
  2007. Wood Fib. Sci. 39(4): 556–565.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_zelinka003.pdf

Recycling of Wood Products

• 8-072. Feasibility of Producing Value-Added Wood Products from Reclaimed Hemlock Lumber
  Janowiak, John J.; Falk, Robert H.; Kimmel, Jeffery D.
  2007. Research Paper FPL–RP–645. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 13 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp645.pdf

This study evaluated the feasibility of producing value-added wood products from hemlock lumber salvaged from building deconstruction. About 6,000 board feet of lumber, ranging in size from 3 in. by 8 in. to 3 in. by 12 in., was remilled into four products including log cabin siding, V-groove paneling, beadboard (wainscoting), and tongue and groove flooring. The general quality of the products produced was high and little loss was found after processing, although checks, ringshake, and face-nail holes were found in some pieces. The yield of value-added products was rather low (about 33%) and was constant over lumber size and product type. The authors believe yield could be increased with better on-site trimming.

Surface Chemistry

• Coating WPCs Using Co-Extrusion To Improve Durability
  Stark, Nicole M.; Matuana, Laurent M.
  2007. In: Proceedings: Coating Wood and Wood Composites: Designing for Durability, July 23-25, 2007. Seattle, WA. Blue Bell, PA: Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology. 1–12.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_stark002.pdf

Timber and Fiber Demand and Technology Assessment

• Forest Products Research and Development Organizations: Organization, Governance, and Measures of Performance in a Worldwide Setting
  Ellefson, P.V.; Kilgore, M.A.; Skog, K.E.; Risbrudt, C.D.
  2007. Forest Prod. J. 57(10): 6–13.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_ellefson001.pdf

• 9-072. Forest Products Research and Development Organizations in a Worldwide Setting: A Review of Structure, Governance, and Measures of Performance of Organizations Outside the United States
  Ellefson, Paul V.; Kilgore, Michael A.; Skog, Kenneth E.; Risbrudt, Christopher D.
  2007. General Technical Report FPL–GTR–172. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 106 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr172.pdf

Located in 23 countries, 40 forest-products research and development organizations outside the United States were reviewed in 2004 and 2005. The intent was to obtain a better understanding of how such organizations are structured and administered and their performance judged. Investing over $600 million annually, the 40 organizations employed 7,000 to 7,500 scientists and supporting staff. Especially noteworthy about the organizations are the many ways in which they identify themselves (such as institutes, laboratories, centers); their long history of sustained involvement in forest products research; and their movement from public to private ownership (whole or in part). The distinction between public and private sector responsibility for research is blurry with these organizations, as often they have public sponsorship, yet private operation and management. They offer a wide range of services to clients yet have complex ownership and partnering arrangements. Their organizational structures are seemingly scrambled with forest product research subunits located within larger parent organizations (with broad multisector research responsibilities) and specialized services to a single major group of clients. These organizations have an intense desire to meet the needs of clients, and feature the following: synthesis of existing information as an important service; fees charged for services provided; strategic interest in clients located throughout the world; educational and degree-granting activities; multiple sources of income and revenue; diverse standards for measuring performance; adept response to broad economic-social changes; multiple location of physical facilities; and differing degrees of publicly available information describing mission and operation of organizations.

• 10-072. Profile 2007: Softwood Sawmills in the United States and Canada
  Spelter, Henry; McKeever, David; Alderman, Matthew.
  2007. Research Paper FPL–RP–644. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 65 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp644.pdf


The number of larger, permanent softwood lumber mills in the United States and Canada has shrunk from 1,311 in 1995 to 990 as of June 2007. These mills had a combined capacity of 190.2 million m³ (80.6 × 10⁹ board feet), slightly down from the 2005 value. In 2006, they produced 171 million (nominal) m³ (72.3 × 10⁹ board feet) of lumber, and in the process, generated approximately 0.56 oven-dried metric tons of chips and 0.23 tons of saw-dust and shavings for every 2.36 m³ (1,000 board feet) of lumber produced. Of the chips, 95% were used for pulp and the contribution of this product stream to sawmill economics was approximately $2.1 billion (10⁹) U.S. dollars. Of the sawdust and shavings, 59% were used for boards, 25% for fuel, 7% for animal bedding, 4% for pellets, and about 5% were unused or unaccounted for. Employment dropped to about 93,000 people, down from 99,000 in 2005 and 115,000 in 1995. Economic prospects for the industry are clouded by overcapacity because of weakness in demand caused by a cyclical downturn in housing. Longer term influences include the ongoing mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) epidemic in British Columbia that threatens to cut timber supplies over the next 5 to 10 years and the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement affecting the terms under which lumber is imported from Canada into the United States.

• 11-072. U.S. Timber Production, Trade, Consumption, and Price Statistics 1965 to 2005
  Howard, James L.
  2007. Research Paper FPL–RP–637. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 91 p.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp637.pdf

This report presents annual data but is published every 2 years. The data present current and historical information on the production, trade, consumption, and prices of timber products in the United States. The report focuses on national statistics, but includes some data for individual States and regions and for Canada. The data were collected from industry trade associations and government agencies. They are intended for use by forest land managers, forest industries, trade associations, forestry schools, renewable resource organizations, individuals in the major timber producing and consuming countries of the world, and the general public. A major use of the data is tracking industry production and consumption trends over time. One of the major shifts occurring in the wood using industry over the last 2 years is that both production and consumption of roundwood per capita have been increasing. The consumption of products per capita also increased over the last 2 years. Because of increased paper recycling and increased processing efficiency, the consumption per capita in roundwood equivalent has decreased since about 1987 from 83 ft³ to 72 ft³ per capita. In the 1960s and 1970s, consumption averaged 65 ft³ per capita. Per capita consumption in 2004 increased to 71 ft³ per capita before increasing further in 2005 to 72 ft³ per capita. Another shift occurring during 2005 is increased emphasis on wood energy use, which has shown wide fluctuations over the last decade into 2005.

• 12-072. U.S. Forest Products Annual Market Review and Prospects, 2004–2008
  Howard, James L.; Westby, Rebecca
  2007. Research Note FPL–RN–0305. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn305.pdf

  This report provides general and statistical information on forest products markets in terms of production, trade, consumption, and prices. The current state of the U.S. economy is described. Market developments are described for sawn softwood, sawn hardwood, softwood log trade, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, fuelwood, and forest product prices. Policy initiatives that can affect domestic markets and international trade in wood products are also discussed in some detail. Estimates are made through the end of the year 2007.

Wood Chemistry

• Higher Acid-Chlorite Reactivity of Cell Corner Middle Lamella Lignin in Black Spruce
  Agarwal, Umesh P.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Symposium on Wood Fibre and Pulping Chemistry, held in Durban, South Africa, Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry of Southern Africa, TAPPSA; 6/25–6/28/2007.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_agarwal002.pdf

• Revealing Organization of Cellulose in Wood Cell Walls by Raman Imaging
  Agarwal, Umesh P.; Ralph, Sally A.
  2007. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Symposium on Wood Fibre and Pulping Chemistry, held in Durban, South Africa, Technical Association of the Pulp and paper Industry, TAPPSA; 6/25–6/28/2007.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_agarwal001.pdf

• Lignin Modification in the Initial Phase of Softwood Kraft Pulp Delignification with Polyoxometalates (POMs)
  Bujanovic, Biljana; Ralph, Sally A.; Reiner, Richard S.; Atalla, Rajai H.
  2007. Holzforschung 61: 492–498.
  http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_bujanovic001.pdf