Radial variation of anatomical, morphological and chemical characteristics of Acacia auriculiformis in evaluating pulping raw material

Abstract

The Variations of anatomical, morphological and chemical characteristics with annual growth ring from first and second generation Acacia auriculiformis were investigated. The fiber length and wall thickness increased and proportion of ray cells decreased with increasing annual growth ring. First generation A. auriculiformis had higher proportion of fiber, longer fiber length than second generation A. auriculiformis. The average percentage of fibers, vessels and rays were 77.56%, 15.14% and 7.31% for first generation A. auriculiformis and 77.19%, 15.64% and 7.16%, for second generation A. auriculiformis, respectively. The holocellulose, α-cellulose and pentosan content increased and lignin and extractives content decreased with increasing annual growth ring. Holocellulose, α-cellulose, pentosan and lignin content in first generation A. auriculiformis were higher than second generation A. auriculiformis.