Application of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Fiber Distribution Index to Study Kenaf Handsheet Properties

This study was to quantify fiber distributions in thickness direction of kenaf handsheets as a fiber distribution index (FDI) and to analyze the relationship between FDI and the handsheet properties. The images of fiber distribution in z-direction were obtained by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and analyzed by image analysis technique. The proposed FDI had a good correlation with high R2 vlaues with various properties of paper, such as apparent density, scattering coefficient , burst index, tear index, tensile index, and folding endurance. The proposed FDI was shown as a good index to quantify paper properties.