Investigation on Size Distribution and Fiber Dimensions of Cornstalks

Abstract

Fiber length, diameter and lumen diameter and its distribution is determined. Five stalks were randomly selected and after cleaning, the internodes and nodes of each stalk were separated. Each part was depithed manually and then experimental samples were cut from these depithed parts. Each sample was defibered according to procedure developed by Franklin, 1954. After defibration, fiber length, diameter and lumen diameter of 30 fibers were measured. Each stalk contained 10 nodes and internodes. Average fiber length of internodes and nodes were determined at 1.004 and 0.802 millimeter respectively. The difference in averages of fiber length for different stalks, different heights in each stalk and between nodes and internodes were significant at 99% level. Fiber length distribution curves for internodes, nodes and all fibers show uniform and symmetrical distribution and the highest points in distribution curves are all at similar fiber length. Average fiber diameter for internodes and nodes were determined at 16.8 and 20.1 µm respectively which are significantly different at 99% level. Fiber diameter distribution curves for nodes, internodes and all fibers also shows uniform and symmetrical shape, but the highest point for internodes is located at lower fiber diameter than nodes. The average lumen diameter for internodes and nodes were measured at 9.42 and 12.7 respectively which is significantly different at 99% level. The distribution curves for lumen diameter is identical to fiber diameter. The results indicate that the fiber geometry of cornstalks is similar to hardwoods and other agricultural residues and it can be utilized for production of lower grade pulps such as fluting paper pulp.

Keywords

• Cornstalks
• fiber geometry
• distribution
• nodes
• internodes