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Terminalia catappa fibre dimensions were evaluated as raw material for pulp and paper production. Sapwood samples of T. catappa were collected from five matured trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) of 1.82m, 1.57m, 1.02m, 1.05m and 0.76m from stem portions of top, middle and base portions, respectively within Makurdi metropolis. The samples were air dried and sliver of 1cmx2cmx2cm dried sapwood were macerated in a test-tube containing equal volume of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in ration 1:1 at 100oC for 24 hours. Macerated solution of fibre was dropped on a slide and mounted on a Zeiss light microscope (standard 25) under 80 xs. Fifteen straight and unbroken fibres were randomly selected to the fibre dimensions. Derived indices were determined with standard formula. Fibre lengths of T. catappa ranged from 0.72 - 1.80mm. Fibre diameter was between 20.76µm and 16.25µm; mean lumen width ranged from 12.78µm - 8.35µm while mean cell wall thickness were 3.85µm - 6.28µm at different dbh and stem portions. Means of all fibre dimensions were not significant (p>0.05). Results on fibre indices ranged from 0.65 - 1.05 in Runkel ratio; 34.53% - 60.09% elasticity coefficient; 16.07% - 32.89% in rigidity coefficient; 22.00 - 36.73 in slenderness ratio; 0.37 - 0.47 in Luce's shape factor; 39.20 - 64.22 in F factors and 236.71in - 296.15in Solid factor. Means of all derived fibre indices were not significant (p>0.05). Results obtained have substantially proved Terminalia catappa to be very good raw material for pulp and paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia catappa fibre dimensions were evaluated as raw material for pulp and paper production. Sapwood samples of T. catappa were collected from five matured trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) of 1.82m, 1.57m, 1.02m, 1.05m and 0.76m from stem portions of top, middle and base portions, respectively within Makurdi metropolis. The samples were air dried and sliver of 1cmx2cmx2cm dried sapwood were macerated in a test-tube containing equal volume of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in ration 1:1 at 100oC for 24 hours. Macerated solution of fibre was dropped on a slide and mounted on a Zeiss light microscope (standard 25) under 80 xs. Fifteen straight and unbroken fibres were randomly selected to the fibre dimensions. Derived indices were determined with standard formula. Fibre lengths of T. catappa ranged from 0.72 - 1.80mm. Fibre diameter was between 20.76µm and 16.25µm; mean lumen width ranged from 12.78µm - 8.35µm while mean cell wall thickness were 3.85µm - 6.28µm at different dbh and stem portions. Means of all fibre dimensions were not significant (p>0.05). Results on fibre indices ranged from 0.65 - 1.05 in Runkel ratio; 34.53% - 60.09% elasticity coefficient; 16.07% - 32.89% in rigidity coefficient; 22.00 - 36.73 in slenderness ratio; 0.37 - 0.47 in Luce's shape factor; 39.20 - 64.22 in F factors and 236.71in - 296.15in Solid factor. Means of all derived fibre indices were not significant (p>0.05). Results obtained have substantially proved Terminalia catappa to be very good raw material for pulp and paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]