Dimensions and Fiber Quality Values of Api-api Wood (Avicennia Alba Blume)

Abstract

The aim of  this resarch is to determine the fiber dimensions and the  fiber quality of api-api woo (Avicennia alba Blume). Samples were taken from Tanjung Limau village, Muara Badak district and cut in form of disk at the base, middle and top of the tree. The maceration process (fiber separation) using schultze method, while  observations and fiber measurements using laboratory standard method with research microscope Nikon E400. The results showed that the longest average values of wood fiber is in the middle of the trunk (1584, 75 µm) and the widest of the fiber diameter  (18,70 µm) is in the middle as well. The biggest average values of  lumina is in the base (10,06 µm)  and the wallthickness (4,40 µm)   is in the middle of the trunk. The results of the fiber derivative values of Avicennia alba Blume are as follows, the runkel ratio with an average value of  0.77 at the base, 0.92 in the middle and 0.78 at the top. Felting power with an average value of 84.55 at the base, 84.86 in the middle and 79.37 at the top. Flexibility ratio with an average value of 0.56 at the base, 0.5275 in the middle and 0.55 at the top. Coefficient of rigidy with an average value at the base 0.21, the middle 0.23 and the top 0.212. Muhlsteph ratio with an average value of 33.2% at the base, 35.28% in the middle and 32.71% at the top. Overall, the fiber quality value of  Api-api (Avicennia alba Blume) is included in quality class II with the total value 350.