Fiber characterization using confocal microscopy-collapsze behavior of mechanical pulp fibers

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to measure changes in the transverse dimensions of mechanical pulp fibers produced under different refining conditions. Increasing the specific energy of refining increased the degree of fiber collapse and decreased the fiber cross-sectional area, fiber-wall thickness, and lumen area. The decrease in fiber-wall properties was more pronounced with high-intensity refining, and fiber collapse was further increased by a decrease in fiber-wall rigidity. Fiber properties were also measured by conventional image analysis and surface profilometry techniques. These results agreed with those obtained by the more comprehensive CLSM.