Optimization of Pulping Conditions for Kenaf Bast Fiber
Wiwin Suwinarti*, Yu Wang*, Zhou Cheng** and Kazuhiko Sameshima*
The main objective of this research is to decide the optimum conditions of kenaf bast pulping for high pulp viscosity and paper strength properties. Kenaf bast fiber was treated by ammonium oxalate, sodium hydroxide and acidic chlorite at different order and conditions in three methods, A, B and C. The viscosity of the pulp and the paper strength properties were determined according to the TAPPI standard method.
Generally, the viscosity and the paper strength properties of Kenaf-A derived from the method A was the highest compared to the others. Comparison of the viscosity and the strength properties with other pulps (kenaf bast commercial and wood pulps) indicated all the three methods give higher results and the Kenaf-A is an optimum pulp so far.
(International Wood Science Symposium at Kyoto-Japan, September 2004)
