Method for making 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 - 43 . (canceled)  
     
     
         44 . A method for forming an  Arundo donax  paper product, comprising: 
 (a) subjecting a furnish comprising  Arundo donax  particles to a pulping process comprising cooking the furnish using an H-factor of about 850;    (b) depositing the furnish onto a foraminous support;    (c) dewatering the deposited furnish to provide a fibrous web; and    (d) drying the web to provide a paper product.    
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the  Arundo donax  furnish further comprises wood fibers.  
     
     
         46 - 59 . (canceled)  
     
     
         60 . A method for making a paper product, comprising: 
 (a) depositing a furnish comprising  Arundo donax  pulp onto a foraminous support;    (b) dewatering the deposited furnish to provide a fibrous web; and    (c) drying the web to provide a paper product.