Characterization of different treatment sequences on kenaf bast fiber
Sherif Keshk*, Wiwin Suwinarti** and Kazuhiko Sameshima**
Three different processing sequences for pulping kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusL.) bast fibres were tested, and the chemical composition (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content) and physical properties (viscosity, degree of polymerization and crystallinity index) of the extracted pulp determined. Three processing steps were employed: treatment with (a) ammonium oxalate, (b) sodium hydroxide, and (c) acidic chlorite. Variations in the order, conditions and duration of their application resulted in 3 different pulping methods. The kenaf fibre treated sequentially with acidified sodium chlorite, 0.5% ammonium oxalate and 1% sodium hydroxide (AC-AO-SH1) generated the greatest yield and highest kappa number; whereas the sample treated sequentially with 0.5% ammonium oxalate, 15% sodium hydroxide and acidic chlorite (AO-SH15-AC) developed the highest viscosity. No significant difference in hemicellulose content was observed between pulping methods. While Fourier Transform Infra Red spectra (FT-IR) and X-ray diffractometry of all extracted pulp samples revealed the same chain conformation, differences in mean hydrogen bonding, relative frequency of ether linkages and crystallinity index were apparent. X-ray diffractograms indicated the presence of residual oxidized lignin between the (11¯0) planes of the fibres subjected to AC-AO-SH1 processing sequence that were absent from fibres processed differently. Overall, the AO-SH15-AC sequence is the best processing option, generating a good viscosity and crystallinity index.
Keyword: Crystallinity index, FT-IR spectroscopy, Kappa number, Kenaf, Viscosity, X-ray diffractometry.
(Industrial Crops and Products, Submitted)
i found many words of "kenaf" here. could you tell what does it mean? of course you must expalin it in easy words...thank you, mbak.
best regard,
sahrudin (Comment this)