Characterization of TMP fiber wall structures by microscopic techniques

Effect of pH on micro and nano scale surface structure of 1st stage TMP latewood fibers from Norway spruce was investigated. The fibers were analyzed by light microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Fibers at rather neutral pH level were found to be partly covered by reminants of outer fiber wall layers and partly by areas of exposed inner fiber wall. The outer fiber wall areas appeared as intact bands surrounding the fiber and were clearly rougher than areas of exposed inner fiber wall. In addition, the pH level affected the roughness of the outer fiber wall areas