Influence of deformability of kraft pulp fiber surface estimated by force curve measurements on atomic force microscope (AFM) contact mode imaging

Abstract

Attempts were made to obtain high-resolution images of an unbeaten bleached softwood kraft pulp fiber surface in water by applying contact mode atomic force microscopy. However, clear topographic images could not be obtained. In order to investigate the possibility of deformation of a pulp fiber surface during scanning, force curve measurements were applied to pulp fiber surfaces. It was found that a pulp fiber in water had a more deformable surface than an air-dried pulp fiber in air. Moreover, the spring constant of it was estimated to be close to that of a cantilever applied for imaging. Therefore, the images of a pulp fiber surface in water were thought to be significantly affected by deformation, which was considered to be an important cause of the unclear images. © 2006 The Japan Wood Research Society.