Ash and lignin content of Meranti Kepong (Shorea Ovalis)

The percentage of ash and lignin content in Meranti kepong (Shorea ovalis) was determined from wood segment near the pith and near the bark in accordance to TAPPI standard. In both cases, the segment of wood near the pith exhibited higher values for ash and lignin content when compared to those segments near the bark. Lignin content ranges from 26% to 31% and the ash content ranges from 0.13% to 0.26%. These values of high lignin and low ash content 'could serve as good indication for better utilization especially when machining and during chemical recovery of black liquor in the manufacture of chemical pulp. Knowledge on the ash content for example, would enable a mill to take positive measures in their effort to minimize problems related to pulping of wood containing substantial ash contents. On the other hand, wood with high lignin content would influence bleaching during pulping process.