Abstract:
CHEMICAL CONTENT AND ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SAGO (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.)
FROND FROM SOUTH KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA. This research aims to evaluate the suitability of
sago palm waste as a fiber raw material in terms of its chemical content and anatomical characteristics. The
chemical content analysis of its extractive components, lignin, holocellulose, α-cellulose, and hemicellulose,
was carried out using sago frond powder with a size of 40–60 mesh. Subsequently, functional group analysis
was performed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), while anatomical characterization was carried
out by calculating the fiber length and diameter, lumen diameter, fiber derivative values, and wall thickness
using a microscope connected to a digital camera. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) pictures were taken
in different magnifications. The results showed that sago frond contains 31.6% α-cellulose and 38% lignin.
The α-cellulose content was within the standard range for non-timber forest products, but the lignin content
had a relatively high value. Based on the derived value, namely class II, sago frond can be used as pulp and
paper raw materials.
Keywords: Sago palm, Metroxylon sagu Rottb., anatomical characteristic, chemical content, FTIR
