A Decexxial Record 35 



A number of demonstration experiments have been niade in 

 cooperation with the Bureau of ^Nlines to show the value of certain 

 tars and oils, products of both hardwood and softwood distillation, as 

 agents in the flotation process of ore separation. Several of these 

 distillation products have proved themselves Avell adapted for this 

 purpose, and have assumed definite commercial value, instead of being 

 merely waste by-products. 



Certain perculiar properties of wood turpentine, not possessed by 

 gum turpentine, created a prejudice against it and retarded its sale. 

 The laboratory made a very complete study of wood turpentine, in- 

 cluding methods of analysis, methods of refining, chemical composi- 

 tion, and commercial value, and through this study assisted in obtain- 

 ing j^roper markets for it. 



To assist in the development of efficient utilization of softwood 

 sawdust and similar M'aste wood, the laboratory has carried out de- 

 tailed fundamental efficiency studies on the process for obtaining 

 ethyl alcohol from wood. These studies have determined the best 

 operating conditions and the amounts of alcohol whicli can be obtained 

 from various species of wood. Special research in the fermentation 

 of the sugars — one step in the process — has resulted in a decided in- 

 crease in the yields of alcohol commercially produced. 



In tliis same connection, investigations have been carried out on 

 tlie fermentation procedures for the fermentation of sugars contained 

 in M-aste sulphite liquors. This waste is produced in vast quantities 

 in sulpliite process pulp plants of the country, and the investigations 

 established a means of increasing the yields of ethyl (grain) alcohol 

 obtainable from the waste material. 



Basic underlying data on tlie chemical composition of wood and 

 on the effect of varying chemical composition on the physical and me- 

 chanical properties have ])een entirely lacking; methods for making 

 tlie cliemical analysis have not even been completely developed. The 

 laboratory has made a fair start on this Mork, and has made progress 

 in the refinement of methods of analysis. The analysis of several 

 species of M'ood has been completed. 



Conclusion 

 This, in brief, outlines the major fields of M^ork done by the 

 laboratory during the first years of its existence. The formative 



