Abstract:

The pore structure of eucalyptus pulp fibers was investigated by means of atomic force microscopy （AFM） and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. Then, based on the fractal theory, the pore structure was further analyzed. AFM observation indicates that the eucalyptus pulp fibers are of a pore structure with self-similarity, which can be analyzed based on the fractal theory. Low-temperature nitrogen adsorption measurement shows that the fibers are of pore surface, and that the pores are mainly in a mesopore range, with an average size of 4. 9 nm, a BET specific surface area of 4. 83 m2/g and a total pore volume of 0. 005 8 cm3/g. Moreover, fractal analysis and calculation indicate that the pore structure of the fibers is of obvious fractal property in a dimension of 2.82, which means that the fibers are of rough and pore surface. It is also found that the fractal dimension of eucalyptus pulp fibers closely relates to the macroscopic properties such as water retention value.

Key words: eucalyptus pulp fiber, fractal, fractal dimension, pore structure