A New Method of Sample Preparation for Kenaf Bast Fiber Length Analysis with Automated Fiber Length Analyzer

Abstract

Summary Kenaf bast fiber bundles alternate radially in layers accompanied by sieve elements and phloem parenchyma cells. Fiber bundles are about 20 % in the area of a cross section of kenaf bast. Four sample preparation methods for kenaf bast fiber length analysis with an automated fiber length analyzer were compared and a new sample preparation method including three steps was proven to be accurate. Fiber bundles were obtained by acidified sodium chlorite treatment and an additional ammonium oxalate treatment. Following a 1% sodium hydroxide treatment, fiber bundles were completely separated into single fibers with no damage. Fiber length values of this method were more accurate and reliable than other three sample preparation methods and manual measurement with optical microscope.