Electron microscopy reveals that the cellulose microfibrils in the S2 layer of wood cell walls are often arranged at a small angle relative to the fiber axis. This microfibril angle (MFA) strongly influences the mechanical properties of wood, with smaller MFAs generally corresponding to greater tensile strength. Therefore, to maximize the tensile strength of wood products, manufacturers should aim to minimize the MFA in the S2 layer during wood processing.
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?
