Atomic force microscopy to determine the surface roughness and surface polarity of cell types of hardwoods commonly used for pulping
Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science for South Africa
Abstract
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY CAN BE USED to determine the surface roughness and surface polarity of different cell types originating from hardwood species. This analytical method allows images representing the topography and polarity of a surface to be captured simultaneously at a molecular (nanometre) resolution. The distribution of hydrophilic (polar) groups on these cell surfaces influences the subsequent processing of woodpulp in paper manufacture. These surface properties of fibres, vessel elements and parenchyma cells were investigated for Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus grandis, E. dunnii and E. macarthurii. A clear distinction was observed between the cell types and the species in terms of polarity and surface roughness. All four species are currently being used for paper manufacture in South Africa, but not with equal success. This study may help to explain the differences in pulp quality obtained for the various species.
Description
CITATION: Meincken, M. 2007. Atomic force microscopy to determine the surface roughness and surface polarity of cell types of hardwoods commonly used for pulping. South African Journal of Science, 103(1-2):4-6.
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za
Keywords
Papermaking, Paper products
Citation
Meincken, M. 2007. Atomic force microscopy to determine the surface roughness and surface polarity of cell types of hardwoods commonly used for pulping. South African Journal of Science, 103(1-2):4-6