Microfibril angle determination of rattan fibers and its influence on the properties of the cane

The microfibril angle of rattan fibers was determined using the iodine staining method and the X-ray diffraction technique, The two were compared to assess the applicability of the X-ray technique in estimating the actual microfibril angle (MFA) of the fiber walls. Likewise, longitudinal Young's modulus and longitudinal shrinkage were evaluated to determine the influence of MFA on the properties of the cane. The X-ray technique gave an accurate and objective estimate of the actual MFA of the fiber walls. A nonlinear relationship existed between MFA and longitudinal Young's modulus while a curvilinear relationship was observed between MFA and longitudinal shrinkage. This pattern is similar to the behavior of wood. Thus, it was deduced that the influence of microfibril angle on the properties of rattan cane is similar to its influence on the properties of wood.