The papermaking properties of Salix serissaefolia, a fast growing willow species were evaluated to determine its potential as a raw material for pulp and paper production. Its chemical composition was measured, and soda-anthraquinone (AQ) and kraft pulping processes under varied conditions were employed. The material has cellulose and lignin contents comparable to commercially used wood species suggesting its suitability for pulping. The different cooks provided nearly zero reject yields and an acceptable range of screened yield which was highest in standard soda-AQ pulping. Kappa numbers of the different pulps especially those cooked under higher levels of chemical charges were remarkably low. Willow pulps cooked with kraft method particularly at a higher chemical charge generally provided better brightness and strength properties. However, soda-AQ pulps responded better to the mechanical treatment providing handsheets with higher strength values. At about the same freeness level, strength properties of S. serissaefolia pulps cooked under standard conditions and at a higher level of chemical charge are comparable or even more superior to other fast growing hardwoods.

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Organic-inorganic hybrid biodegradable materials containing silica as inorganic component and starch as organic component were successfully prepared by sol–gel method. Molar ratios of tetramethoxysilane(TMOS): 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane(GPTMOS) and starch contents in the hybrids were investigated. The hybrid prepared with TMOS: GPTMOS=0.5: 0.5 (molar ratio) and the starch concentration of 60 was transparent without cracks. Thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) showed that heat resistance of the hybrid was improved.

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