Abstract:

The rattan cane properties greatly depend on its anatomical structure and chemical components. This study showed that the chemical components of the cane core and cortex of Daemonorops margaritae rattan cane were very different. Compared with the cortex, the core had more extractive contents, more pentosan, stronger acidity, higher buffering capacity; but its holocellulose, lignin, ash contents and pH value were lower. As for the main components of polysaccharide, the cane core had more five-carbon monosaccharides, such as arabinose and xylose, and less six-carbon monosaccharides such as mannose, galactose, glucose, and less absolute total content of polysaccharide. These indicated that the cane core had more hygroscopic groups, hemicellulose and acid materials, less cellulose, lignin and ash contents. The cane chemical components changed with the cane height. From the base up to the top of the cane, its extractive contents and acidity decreased; its pentosan contents increased; and its holocellulose, lignin and ash contents increased slightly. The hemicellulose of the rattan cane mainly consisted of polyxylose. Compared with normal timber, bamboo wood and other rattan canes, the cane of D. margaritae had more extractives, less cellulose, stronger acidity and bigger buffering capacity, which indicated less advantages of utilization in pulping and paper making.

Key words: Daemonorops margaritae, rattan cane, basic components, chemical properties