Morfologia e densidade básica das folhas de tucum (Bactris inundata Martius) como fonte de fibras celuló sicas para papel

Abstract

This work aims at making an evaluation of the morphological characteristics and density of fibers obtained from straws of Bactris inundata palms leaves. A value of 0,342 g/cm³ was found for the basic density. Bactris inundata presented two different fibers due to their morphological characteristics: Fiber A, with average fiber length of 0,69 mm, width of 10,56 μm, lumen width of 2,63 μm and cell-wall thickness of 3,97 μm, classified as short; Fiber B, with length of 2,33 mm, width of 7,66 μm, lumen width of 1,85 μm and cell-wall thickness of 2,91 μm, classified as long. The fiber “A” of Bactris inundata presented a low coefficient of flexibility of 25,12%, and a rather high felting index of 66,85. The fiber “B” of Bactris inundata presented a low coefficient of flexibility (24,09%), and a high felting index (313,59). The relationship between fibers dimensions indicated that they could be used in kraft production with good indexes of physical-mechanical resistance in some properties.