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Title: A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF KENAF FIBER BUNDLES AND THEIR COMPOSITE CELLS

Author
item Calamari Jr, Timothy
item TAO, WEIYING - LSU (BATON ROUGE, LA)
item Goynes, Wilton

Submitted to: TAPPI Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Kenaf bast fibers are derived from Hibiscus cannabinis L., an annual plant with an outer fibrous bark and an inner woody core. There are many varieties available. Each varies in form, leaf color, stem, flower and seed appearance. Furthermore, each variety responds differently to geographical conditions yielding different quality and yields of kenaf fiber. Kenaf usually occurs as a bundle of various lengths and widths of ultimate cells bound by lignin and pectins. Although there are many kenaf varieties available, the desired physical properties of the hybrid bark necessary for wider commercial acceptance of kenaf have not as yet been clearly defined or understood. Because fiber dimensions are critical for both textile and nonwoven processing, a more precise knowledge of fiber length and width would be an important aspect for breeders to consider. We, therefore, have undertaken to study the characteristics of kenaf ultimate cells. Ultimate kenaf fiber cells were obtained by treatment of kenaf bark from an unidentified kenaf variety with a mixture of glacial acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The structures and dimensions of the fiber bundles and cells were examined with both a scanning electron microscope and a light microscope. Preliminary details of this study are presented. Several varieties of kenaf have been planted recently in the experimental plot of Southern Regional Research Center. Further studies on kenaf ultimate fiber dimensions are planned when these different varieties of kenaf are harvested.

Technical Abstract: Kenaf stems consist of an outer sheath or bark and an inner woody core. Only the bark of the kenaf stalk is really fibrous. These so-called "fibers" are really fiber bundles bound by lignin and other natural binders. The fiber bundles are composed of kenaf single cells of varying lengths and widths. Breeders have produced many kenaf varieties, but the desired physical properties of hybrid bark necessary for wider commercial acceptance of kenaf fiber have not as yet been clearly defined or understood. Because fiber dimensions are critical for textile preparation, nonwoven processing, pulp and paper making, a more precise knowledge of fiber length and width would be an important aspect for breeders to consider. The literature is replete with references to the dimensions and other physical properties of kenaf single fiber cells. In general, the reported data are not consistent. We, therefore, have undertaken to study the characteristics of single kenaf fiber cells. Kenaf bundles were treated with a mixture of glacial acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to chemically degrade the lignin binders and thereby approach separated single fiber cells. The structure of kenaf fiber bundles and cells was examined by light and by scanning electron microscopy. Fiber dimensions were determined and compared with the findings of prior researchers. Details of this study are presented.