STATUS OF THE UTILIZATION OF JACK PINE (PINUS-BANKSIANA) IN THE PULP AND PAPER-INDUSTRY

Although jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), which represents 20% of th e total softwood volume, is one of the most abundant commercial softwo od species in Canada, its rate of utilization in pulping is surprising ly low. This paper reviews the literature concerning the physical and chemical properties as well as the pulping characteristics of this spe cies by mechanical, thermomechanical, chemithermomechanical, chemimech anical, and chemical processes to better understand its potential use in papermaking. The objective is to identify the problems related to t he use of jack pine so that solutions might be sought to promote its u sage. Some recommendations are put forth concerning future research.