Comparative Study on the Anatomical Features and Chemical Composition of Leucaena leucocephala Wood for Pulp and Paper Application

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala, locally known as “petai belalang,” is widely found in Malaysia and utilised for forage, reforestation, and as a source of timber for furniture and construction. This study aims to identify and compare the anatomical properties, chemical composition, and wood density of L. leucocephala at three stem positions (top, middle, and bottom). Wood samples aged 3–5 years were collected from the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan area. Anatomical characteristics were assessed by measuring fibre length, fibre diameter, and lumen diameter. Chemical composition analyses, including lignin, hemicellulose, ?-cellulose, holocellulose, and extractives, were conducted following TAPPI standards. Results indicated that the bottom section had the highest mean fibre length (1072.5 µm), lowest fibre diameter (22.0 µm), and the thinnest fibre wall (1.35 µm). The middle section exhibited the most favourable chemical properties, with the highest hemicellulose content (18.44%), lowest lignin content (28.96%), and moderate extractives (1.12%). Holocellulose was highest at the bottom (68.79%), followed by the middle (67.24%) and top (65.62%). Regression analysis showed that fibre length is a more reliable predictor of pulp and paper strength than wood density. These findings suggest that L. leucocephala, particularly from the bottom and middle sections, holds strong potential for pulp and paper applications.