Evaluation of the cross-section of lignocellulosic fibers using digital microscopy and image analysis

Abstract

Lignocellulosic fibers have several advantages as reinforcement for polymer-matrix composites such as their biodegradability and neutrality with respect to CO2 emission. One characteristic of these fibers is the variability of their properties that usually present large bounds due to several factors. In respect to the determination of fiber properties, one issue is the actual measurement of the fiber cross-section. It is usual practice to measure a typical cross-section length and to assume that the fibers have circular cross-sections, although this is known to be a relatively crude approximation. In this work, digital microscopy and image analysis were used to measure the actual cross-section of several lignocellulosic fibers. The true area was compared to those calculated from minimum and maximum projected diameters, and the errors were analyzed.