Mimosa (Albizia Julibrissin) Pulping and Papermaking Properties

This paper evaluates mimosa (Albizia julibrissin D.) as a substitute for traditional hardwood in fine paper manufacturing. Laboratory pulping and handsheet experiments were undertaken for plantation-grown one-, two-, three-, four-, and 20-year-old mimosa wood. Mimosa pulp yield, strength, and optical properties were comparable to sweet gum, a traditional southern hardwood. Mimosa required gentle pulping and bleaching conditions. Mimosa pulps in softwood blends indicated high potential for papermaking, with three- and four-year-old wood exhibiting the best properties.