Wood fiber - Definition and Overview

Wood fibres are (usually) cellulosic elements that are extracted from trees, straw, bamboo, cotton seed, hemp and sugar cane to name just a few sources. The dimensions of individual fibres typically used in North America can range from 0.5 mm to 30 mm (0.02"-1.2") in length and 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm (0.0008"-0.0015") in diameter. Specialty fibre length can be 130mm (5") or longer, and as narrow as 0.009 mm (0.0003") in diameter.

The end paper product (paper, paperboard, tissue etc.) dictates the species, or species blend, that is best suited to provide the desirable sheet characteristics, and also dictates the required fiber processing (chemical treatment, heat treatment, mechanical 'brushing' or refining etc.).

In North America, virgin (non-recycled) wood fiber is primarily extracted from hardwood (deciduous) trees and softwood (coniferous) trees, of which there is an abundant and (if properly managed) virtually inexhaustible supply.

These treated wood fibres (which are often combined with other additives) are then processed into a network of wood fibers, which constitutes the sheet of paper.

Research about fibers is sometimes conducted by fiber simulation