ABSTRACT
This work aims at making an evaluation of the morphological characteristics and density of fibers obtained from straws of Bactris inundata palms leaves. A value of 0,342 g/cm³ was found for the basic density. Bactris inundata presented two different fibers due to their morphological characteristics: Fiber A, with average fiber length of 0,69 mm, width of 10,56 μm, lumen width of 2,63 μm and cell-wall thickness of 3,97 μm, classified as short; Fiber B, with length of 2,33 mm, width of 7,66 μm, lumen width of 1,85 μm and cell-wall thickness of 2,91 μm, classified as long. The fiber “A” of Bactris inundata presented a low coefficient of flexibility of 25,12%, and a rather high felting index of 66,85. The fiber “B” of Bactris inundata presented a low coefficient of flexibility (24,09%), and a high felting index (313,59). The relationship between fibers dimensions indicated that they could be used in kraft production with good indexes of physical-mechanical resistance in some properties.
Key words:
Bactris; tucum; morphological; density