The three major framework organic constituents of the secondary xylem (wood) of trees are cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Lignin imparts a number of important physical properties to the woody cell wall. In addition, lignin serves as the "cement" which binds cells together, and is the material which must be softened, altered, or removed during pulping processes. The distribution of lignin within pulp cell walls is of importance with respect to use of the pulp fibers. In this study, x-ray analysis was used to investigate lignin distribution in thermomechanically pulped (i.e., pulped with heat and pressure, with no chemical treatment) aspen (Populus tremuloides) wood.