BCT441: Structure and Identification of Cellulosic Materials / Faculty of Applied Sciences

Woody materials like timber, bamboo, rattan, and agricultural fibers are the world’s most valuable renewable resources. an understanding of the anatomical structure of this material is essential for its best utilization. To help students achieve this understanding, the major part of the module discusses the macroscopic features common to all local woods such as the tree growth, wood formation, and the composition of wood. Next is a study of Hardwood and Softwood anatomy that emphasizes the relationship between structure, function, and material characteristics. Students will learn to identify the common commercial woods of Malaysian using features that ate identifiable through the naked eye, by using hand lens and microscope. Students will also learn the macroscopic features of major agricultural crops in Malaysia such as oil palm, rice, and other important agricultural plants. Woody materials like timber, bamboo, rattan, and agricultural fibres are the world’s most valuable renewable resources. An understanding of the anatomical structure of this material is essential for its best utilization. To help students achieve this understanding, the major part of the module discusses the macroscopic features common to all local woods such as the tree growth, wood formation, and the composition of wood. Next is a study of Hardwood and Softwood anatomy that emphasizes the relationship between structure, function, and material characteristics. Students will learn to identify the common commercial woods of Malaysia using features that are identifiable through the naked eye, by using hands lens and a microscope. Students will also learn the macroscopic and microscopic features of
major agricultural crops in Malaysia such as oil palm, rice, and other important agricultural plants.