Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofiber(CNF)from Kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus)Bast through the Chemo-Mechanical Process

The present work emphasizes the isolation of cellulose nanofiber(CNF)from the kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus)bast through a chemo-mechanical process.In order to develop high CNF yield with superior properties of CNF for improving compatibility in varied applications this method is proposed.The fiber purification involved pulping and bleaching treatments,whereas mechanical treatment was performed by grinding and high-pressure treatments.The kraft pulping as a delignification method followed by bleaching has successfully removed almost 99%lignin in the fiber with high pulp yield and delignification selectivity.The morphology of the fibers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy,which showed a smooth surface,fiber bundles,gel-shaped nanofiber,and an average size of 94.05 nm with 69%of CNF in 34–100 nm size.The chemo-mechanical process exhibited a more crystalline nature in CNF than pulp kenaf.The low zeta potential values exhibit the distribution of fibrils and colloidal suspension stability without any further agglomeration.A lower concentration of CNF is less stable exhibiting the product agglomeration.Therefore,the chemo-mechanical process for the isolation of CNF(Hibiscus cannabinus)from kenaf involves sustainable,low-cost,non-toxic,and cheap alternatives than other traditional methods.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Thermo-Chemical Properties of Sudanese Biomass for Sustainable Applications

The chemical composition and thermal properties of natural fibers are the most critical variables that determine the overall properties of the fibers and influence their processing and use in different sustainable applications,such as their conversion into bioenergy and biocomposites.Their thermal and mechanical properties can be estimated by evaluating the content of cellulose,lignin,and other extractives in the fibers.In this research work,the chemical composition and thermal properties of three fibers,namely bagasse,kenaf bast fibers,and cotton stalks,were evaluated to assess their potential utilization in producing biocomposites and bioenergy materials.The chemical composition analysis followed the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Standards(TAPPI)methods.The total phenol content was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method,while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)was employed to assess the light absorption by the bonds.To evaluate thermal stability and higher heating values,Thermogravimetric Analysis(TGA),Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC),and bomb calorimetry were performed.The chemical analysis revealed that bagasse contained 50.6%cellulose and 21.6%lignin,kenaf bast fibers had 58.5%cellulose and 10%lignin,and cotton stalks exhibited 40.3%cellulose and 21.3%lignin.The FTIR curves demonstrated a notable similarity among the fibers.The TGA analysis showed degradation temperatures of 321°C for bagasse,354°C for kenaf bast fibers,and 289°C for cotton stalks.The DSC analysis revealed glass transition temperatures of 81°C for bagasse,66.3°C for cotton stalks,and 64.5°C for kenaf bast fibers.The higher heating values were measured as 17.3,16.6 and 17.1 MJ/kg for bagasse,kenaf bast fibers,and cotton stalks,respectively.The three fibers have a high potential for biocomposites and bioenergy material manufacturing.

Effect of Hybridization on the Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber/Kenaf Phenolic Hybrid Composites

In this study,pineapple leaf fiber(PALF),kenaf fiber(KF)and PALF/KF/phenolic(PF)composites were fabricated and their mechanical properties were investigated.The mechanical properties(tensile,flexural and impact)of the PALF/KF/PF hybrid composites were investigated and compared with PALF/KF composites.The 3P7K exhibited enhanced tensile strength(46.96 MPa)and modulus(6.84 GPa),flexural strength(84.21 MPa)and modulus(5.81 GPa),and impact strength(5.39 kJ/m2)when compared with the PALF/PF and KF/PF composites.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)was used to observe the fracture surfaces of the tensile testing samples.The microstructure of the 7P3K hybrid composite showed good interfacial bonding and the addition of KF improved the interfacial strength.It has been concluded that the 3P7K ratio allowed obtaining materials with better mechanical properties(tensile,flexural and impact strengths)than PALF/PF and KF/PF composites.The results obtained in this study will be used for further comparative study of untreated hybrid composites with treated hybrid composites.

The Role of Bamboo Nanoparticles in Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

In this study,bamboo nanoparticles in concentration ranges from 0-5%were incorporated along with woven/nonwoven kenaf fiber mat into unsaturated polyester and the developed composites were further characterized.Bamboo chips were subjected to ball milling process for the synthesis of nanoparticles with a particle size of 52.92 nm.The effect that the incorporation of nanoparticles had on various properties of reinforced composites was further observed.Due to the high surface area of nanoparticles,incorporation of 3%of nanofillers contributed towards strong bonding and better wettability with matrix,thus resulting in excellent mechanical properties and thermal characteristics in reinforced unsaturated polyester composites.Furthermore,mechanical characteristics of reinforced composites were deteriorated by the addition of a higher percentage of nanoparticles(>3%)due to agglomeration,as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.Moreover,ordered structural arrangement of woven kenaf textile fiber showed enhancement in interfacial adhesion and promoted superior mechanical strength in reinforced composites as compared with nonwoven composites.