Rubberwood—Potential for Pulp and Composite Board Utilization

Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg) is underutilized in most developing countries but has potential to be a solution the shortage of wood for pulp, paper and composite products at end its production cycle. Determining understanding fibre properties (fibre dimensions morphology) key utilization pulp as well composites. This study assessed effect age on rubberwood. Samples four ages (10, 15, 20 25 years) were obtained both axial (base top merchantable length) radial direction (innerwood, middlewood outerwood). Slivers from samples macerated provide individual fibres optical measurement. Fibre measured, their morphology was determined. significantly affected by p = 0.05. Average length 1.47 ± 0.12 mm, with non-constant variation observed across different ages, pith bark. lumen width 16.87 µm, diameter ranged 25.02 µm 27.23 µm. The rubberwood potentially make it suitable boards.