Earlier investigations on kraft pulping studies of Albizzia•
moluccana Miq. wood (1) reveals that pulp of good physical strength
properties could be obtained from this exotic wood species. After
the successful completion of the kraft pulping, attention has been
diverted to observe the response to the Semi—chemical pulping of
the wood. If the response is positive, it may be possible to
suplement the existing short supply of pulp-wood in Bangladesh
by introducing large scale plantation of Albizzia moluccana.
Several logs of Albizzia moluccana were collected from the
tea-gardens of Khadimnagar, District Sylhet, Bangladesh. After
debarking, these logs were sawn to 6* x 4″ x 4” sizes and left
for air-drying by stacking. Chipping was subsequently done in a
laboratory model Murrey chipper to 1″ x 72″ x 78″ sizes. The
chips were hand sorted to remove the over and undersized ones.
Moisture content of the chips were then determined.

Albizzia moluccana is a fast growing tree of Leguminosae
family and Mimoseae sub—family, with light foliage and straight
clean bole. The wood is soft and light. It grows rapidly in the
wet zone (in the rainfall, range of 75 inches to 200 inches) and
reaches 32 ft. in height in about four years. The chief use in
Bangladesh appears to be for shade purpose in, tea garden:.., o -her
probable uses include making of tea-chests and planks. This
species is a native of Moluccas and Java (2).