Arundo donax paper product

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.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A paper products comprising Arundo donax pulp.  
   
   
       34 . The paper product of  claim 33 , further comprising one or more other pulps.  
   
   
       35 . The paper product of  claim 33 , wherein the pulp blend comprises softwood pulp, hardwood pulp, and mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       36 . The paper product of  claim 33 , wherein the pulp blend comprises from about 5 to about 80 percent by weight Arundo donax pulp.  
   
   
       37 . The paper product of  claim 33  having a brightness of at least about 82% ISO.  
   
   
       38 . The paper product of  claim 33  having a burst index of at least about 3.0.  
   
   
       39 . The paper product of  claim 33  having a tear index of at least about 8.5.  
   
   
       40 . The paper product of  claim 33  having a tensile index of at least about 50.  
   
   
       41 . The paper product of  claim 33  wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of high brightness printing and writing grade paper.  
   
   
       42 . The paper product of  claim 33  wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of newsprint and publication printing grade paper.  
   
   
       43 . The paper product of  claim 33  wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of unbleached liner and corrugation boards.  
   
   
       44 - 59 . (canceled)  
   
   
       60 . A paper product, comprising Arundo donax pulp, wherein the paper product has a brightness of at least about 82% ISO.  
   
   
       61 . The paper product of  claim 60  further comprising one or more other pulps.  
   
   
       62 . The paper product of  claim 60  having a tensile index of at least about 50.  
   
   
       63 . A paper product, comprising Arundo donax pulp, wherein the paper product has a tensile index of at least about 50.  
   
   
       64 . The paper product of  claim 63  further comprising one or more other pulps.  
   
   
       65 . The paper product of  claim 63  having a brightness of at least about 82% ISO.