Kenaf Research Articles

Tensile strength and elongation of selected Kenaf fibres of Ghana

There are a number of genotypes/varieties of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) fibre in Ghana. The kenaf fibre is used in both engineering and social products and its properties improve its choice. This paper reports the tensile strength and elongation of five genotypes of the kenaf fibre in Ghana. The fibres are cultivated and harvested at maturity and prepared with water retting. A gauge length of 20 mm was used and cardboard as the initial support. The fibre diameters are found for each genotype to be 34.2 µm, 40.4 µm, 38.2 µm, 43.2 µm and 39.2 µm for EB31, TN11, EN31, PN11 and HN11 respectively. The densities are 0.53 g/cm3 for EB31; 0.60 g/cm3 for TN11; 0.63 g/cm3 for EN31; 0.94 g/cm3 for PN11 and 1.00 g/cm3 for HN11. The tensile strengths are 734.53 MPa for EB31, 1292.37 MPa for TN11, 1241.53 MPa for EN31, 979.35 MPa for PN11 and 1365.14 MPa for HN11. The corresponding percentage elongations are found to be 10.88 for EB31; 12.23 for TN11; 14.66 for EN31; 15.81 for PN11 and 13.13 for HN11. These results will make the application of fibre in various engineering applications, especially in composites, more predictive in properties and performance.

Influence of Nanosilica and Layering Sequence on the Mechanical Properties of Kenaf and Banyan Fibers Reinforced Composites

Influence of Nanosilica and Layering Sequence on the Mechanical Properties of Kenaf and Banyan Fibers Reinforced Composites

Effect of reinforcement of Alkaline-treated sugar palm/bamboo/kenaf and fibreglass/ Kevlar with polyester hybrid biocomposites: mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties

In this age of globalisation, decreasing synthetic resources have exhilarated global communities to apply natural fibres as substitute materials for green technology development. The growth of products from lignocellulose fibre-reinforced composites has been a wide topic among material scientists and engineers due to their abundance, sustainability in nature, biodegradability, and availability at low cost. A series of natural/synthetic hybrid fibre-reinforced composites are prepared by reinforcing polyester resin as the matrix. Natural fibres such as sugar palm/kenaf/bamboo with fibreglass/Kevlar hybrid composite materials were used in this research to determine the mechanical and water absorption properties. The difference between the weight content of natural fibres which were 0 (control sample), 15, 45, and 60 wt% influenced their strength of mechanical properties. The Charpy impact and tensile test were performed following the ASTM D6110-10 and ASTM D3039, respectively. A water absorption test in accordance with ASTM D570-98 was also performed on three different natural fibre-reinforced hybrid composite materials to determine which composite had the best water resistance property. The results showed that hybrid fibre-reinforced composite for 45 wt% kenaf fibre possessed better tensile properties and 60 wt % sugar palm fibre performed better during the Charpy impact strength test compared to other natural/synthetic hybrid fibre-reinforced composites. It was concluded that sugar palm fibres demonstrated the best water resistance in this study.

An evaluation on mechanical properties of vaccum bagging processed kenaf epoxy nano aluminium oxide and nanographene composites

This paper aims to study the mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites and the addition of primary and secondary fillers the nano-aluminum oxide and nanographene to the Kenaf epoxy composites. The vacuum bagging method was used to fabricate the composites. The advantage of using vacuum bagging is to reduce blowholes. The weight ratio of Kenaf fiber 50%–60%, matrix 40%, fillers nano-aluminum oxide 0%–6%, and nanographene 0%–3% was considered. Mechanical properties like Tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation, flexural strength, flexural modulus, hardness, impact strength, and compression strength were tested.6% nano aluminum oxide and 3% nanographene show a 125% increase in tensile strength, a 45% increase in flexural strength, and almost four times higher flexural modulus recorded. 42% increase in compression strength, and an increase of 40% in impact strength. The highest Vickers hardness is 27. An increase in primary and secondary fillers decreases and a combination of increases the mechanical properties.

Bioactivities of Kenaf Biomass Extracts: A Review

Kenaf or Hibiscus cannabinus is an annual herbaceous crop that grows well in temperate regions with high rainfall and abundant solar radiation. This Malvaceae member is famously known for its high-quality fibre that is directly retrieved from its dried stem materials and is useful in various industries, mainly in paper and pulp, bio-composite, textiles and manufacturing. With recent discoveries, kenaf can now be regarded as a multipurpose crop as its usage has been extended beyond its traditional applications, which include applications within the medicinal, pharmaceutical and food industries since its extracts possess several bioactivities that include anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antithrombotic abilities along with many more. The plant’s versatile applications and pharmaceutical activities come from its different plant parts such as its leaves, seeds, flowers and stems. This demonstrates that kenaf can also be safely regarded as a zero-waste crop, which is crucial for the sustainable development of any kenaf-based medicinal or therapeutic compounds. However, the biological properties of kenaf are still not known by many as industries mainly focus on the direct application of its fibre material. If this trend continues, the true potential of kenaf could be halted and undermined. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a concise overview of kenaf’s bioactivities that will hopefully provide better knowledge and understanding about this overlooked crop. This paper reviews the latest findings on kenaf’s bioactivities from its extracts that are retrieved from either its seeds, leaves, flowers or stems and provides additional information about its current status in Malaysia.

Utilizing XFEM model to predict the flexural strength of woven fabric Kenaf FRP plate strengthened on plain concrete beam

The evolution of advancing computing technology has encouraged the use of finite element analysis to require constitutive models, mostly adopted extensive experimental datasets. Nevertheless, fewer material properties are required within the bilinear traction-separation relationship incorporated with the XFEM technique and require fewer computation efforts due to the energetic approach simulation. This study used ABAQUS CAE 2021 to predict the flexural strength of plain concrete beams strengthened with Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Polymer (KFRP) plates under a four-point bending test, later validated with experimental datasets. The varying parameters, including woven fabric architectures, lengths, widths, and plate thickness, were considered. The results demonstrated that the consistency proposed modelling technique in this study well-captured failure modes and crack development as experimental observations. All models demonstrated an increase in peak load, and a comparison of load-deflection profiles was made between the numerical FEA modelling with the experimental works. The peak load discrepancies between the numerical outputs and the experimental datasets were found to be less than 12% in all testing series. Despite promising findings, stress analysis on peel and shear stresses associated with failure modes exhibited was performed. It was found that KFRP ruptures occurred due to peel stress peak at plate mid-span, while shear mode failure demonstrates concentrated peel stress (to lesser extent shear stress) at KFRP edge tip. Hence, a more unified approach is promoted to require only two material properties (preferably independently measured values). This approach enables a designer to choose the optimum FRPs size using the current modelling tool, substantially reducing laborious and expensive experimental setup.

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of some wild edible plants locally consumed by rural communities in northern Uganda.

Acalypha rhomboidea, Asystacia gangetica, Crassocephalum sacrobasis, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Heterosis rotundifolia, Hibiscus cannabinus, Hibiscus sp., Hibiscus surratensis, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Maerua angolensis, Senna obtusifolia and Vigna membranacea are among the common wild edible plants in the Acholi sub-region, northern Uganda. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of the plants. Fresh leaves collected from each plant species were air-dried under shade. The phytochemical contents of the ethanol and petroleum ether extracts were determined using standard protocols. The antioxidant content of the methanolic extracts was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Preliminary phytochemical analyses indicated the presence of tannins, reducing compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, flavons aglycones, flavanosides, anthracenosides, anthocyanosides, volatile oils, coumarins, steroid glycosides, sterols and triterpenes. However, the extracts did not contain any emodols and saponins. The results of the quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the contents of different phytochemicals detected varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the selected plants. The amount of tannins in mg/g (gallic acid equivalent) of dry weight varied from 3.90 ± 0.16 in C. ochroleuca to 10.41 ± 0.78 in I. eriocarpa, total flavonoids in RE, mg/g dry matter from 4.07 ± 0.11 in I. eriocarpa to 14.94 ± 0.08 in S. obtusifolia. Total alkaloids in mg/100 g ranged from 1.59 ± 0.30 in I. eriocarpa to 6.37 ± 0.24 in Hibiscus sp. Total phenolic content in GAE, mg/g dry matter ranged from 13.39 ± 0.26 in A. rhomboidea to 64.25 ± 0.54 in I. eriocarpa. The in vitro antioxidant assays revealed substantial free radical scavenging activity in all the plants. Antioxidant activity expressed as IC50 (ppm) ranged from 13.39 for A. rhomboidea to 64.84 for I. eriocarpa, compared to 12.82 for ascorbic acid standard. The total phenolic compounds and total tannins had significant and positive correlations with DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The findings of this study provide evidence that the species are good natural sources of phytochemicals and antioxidants, whose regular consumption could provide human health benefits by protecting against oxidative stress related diseases. Further research is needed on the structural characterization of the phytochemicals, profiling the plant extracts with high antioxidant activity and determining the antimicrobial activities.

Effect of nanoparticles in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites

Fiber surface modifications by chemical treatment and matrix modification with nanofillers are two key techniques used in recent times to improve the natural fiber reinforced polymer composite strength. The impact of titanium dioxide (TiO2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of 6% sodium hydroxide alkali treated kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy composites has been experimentally examined and reported in this research article. All the composite samples were fabricated using vacuum bagging technique, with 35% Fiber weight ratio. The nanofillers were added in 3% weight proportion of total composite weight using ultrasonication method. According to ASTM standards, the prepared samples were evaluated for tensile, flexural, and impact strength. The experimental results showed that, 6% NaOH treatment on kenaf fibers showed 11.2%, 24.9%, 8.4%, and 28.7% improvement on tensile strength, modulus, flexural and impact strength respectively. The addition of different nano particles in the matrix phase performed well on effective stress transfer between fiber layers through matrix layers, hence improvement on mechanical properties were noted.

Effect of corn husk fibre loading on thermal and biodegradable properties of kenaf/cornhusk fibre reinforced corn starch-based hybrid composites

This paper documents the thermal and biodegradation behaviour of kenaf/cornhusk fiber reinforced corn starch-based hybrid composites film (CS/K–CH) produced by solution casting method. To develop both components as biodegradable hybrid composite, this research used corn starch as matrix, kenaf fiber and cornhusk fibre as a filler. Changes in physical structure and weight from the soil burial test were measured using Mettler Toledo digital balance ME. Films produced from physically blended corn starch reinforced kenaf biocomposites films (CS/K) biocomposite film had faster biodegradation and lost 96.18% of weight within 10 days compared with corn starch hybrid composites that only lost 83.82% of total weight. It was observed that the control film, CS/K biocomposite film was completely degraded after 10 days, meanwhile it took 12 days for hybrid composite films to be fully degrade. The thermal properties such as TGA and DTG were also measured. Addition of corn husk fiber significantly improve the film's thermal properties. Glass transition temperatures of corn starch hybrid films were significantly lowered when cornhusk compositions were increased from 0.2% wt to 0.8% wt. Importantly, the current work has demonstrated that hybrid films made of corn starch can be a suitable biodegradable material for substitute synthetic plastic.

Kenaf fiber reinforced chemically functionalized styrene-acrylonitrile composites

In view of no reports on natural fiber reinforced functionalized styrene acrylonitrile composites, this study develops kenaf fiber (KNF) reinforced chemically functionalized styrene acrylonitrile (CF-SAN) composites (KNF/CF-SAN) by extrusion and injection molding. The selected CF-SAN matrix is a chemically functionalized random ter-polymer, with high (10 ± 2%) maleic anhydride functionality and requires higher processing temperature. With respect to CF-SAN, the 10/90, 20/80 and 30/70 KNF/CF-SAN composites show 25%, 46% and 75% higher tensile modulus, 23%, 55% and 78% higher tensile strength, 34%, 66% and 104% higher flexural modulus and 48%, 87% and 125% higher flexural strength. Relative to the dry matrix, the water absorbed composites show higher properties, but relative to the respective dry composites, the water absorbed composites have at least 7% lower tensile strength and at least 20% lower tensile modulus, flexural modulus and flexural strength. SEM and FTIR (ATR-IR) establish that hydrogen bonding and esterification by Palsule process impart CF-SAN/KNF adhesion and bonding in the composites. The composites show thermal stability between KNF reinforcement and CF-SAN matrix upto 295°C.

A sustainable cementitious composite reinforced with natural fibers: An experimental and numerical study

Eco-friendly nature, low cost, life-cycle superiority and lightweight are the key drivers pushing today's technology towards employing natural fibers as reinforcement for cementitious-based composites. The present study provides an extensive experimental and finite element analysis aiming to develop a sustainable cementitious composite reinforced with natural fibers. Different concentrations of kenaf and coconut fibers were chemically treated and incorporated into the stabilized sand and specimens were cast and compacted using a modified compaction method. The mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties of the specimens were investigated by various types of tests. A validated 3D slab track model was also developed using a finite element method, which includes all components of the railway infrastructure to assess the performances of this composite under realistic operation scenarios. The outcomes indicated that reinforcing cementitious composite with a certain amount of kenaf fiber (1.5% wt of dry sand) can significantly improve the mechanical behavior and durability performance of the composite through microstructural enhancement. This study opens proper perspectives on the immense potential of the natural fibers in order to develop sustainable, reliable and affordable cementitious composites for different infrastructures applications related to structural layers in transportation, pavements, slope protection and stabilization, embankment, and building foundation.

Heterosis and Combining Ability Estimate on Yield and Yield-Related Traits in a Half Diallel Crosses of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Understanding heterosis and combining ability among distinct kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) genetic resources is crucial for developing hybrid kenaf. An investigation was conducted on 36 F1 combinations produced from nine parental genotypes of kenaf in a diallelic scheme using Griffing diallel analysis technique 2, model I. Highly significant F-test values revealed the presence of variability for all the 15 quantitative traits for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) except days to 1st flowering. The magnitude of GCA variance was considerably higher than that of SCA variance for plant height, stem middle diameter, stem top diameter, days to flowering, number of pods, number of seeds and 1000 seeds weight, showing the predominates of additive gene for these traits. Narrow-sense heritability of 50.93% in the combined environments showed that seed number was the most heritable trait, whereas days to 1st flowering and 1000 seed weight had moderate heritability. Parents P1, P3 and P4 had the most dominant alleles for most traits studied. Considering SCA and heterosis values, the hybrids H3, H4, H9, H11, H23, H29 and H35 had high heterotic for fiber and seed yield.

Tailoring lightweight, mechanical and thermal performance of PLA/recycled HDPE biocomposite foams reinforced with kenaf fibre

With an increase in environmental issues regarding industrial wastes, recent researches are shifted toward green environmentally material using natural biomass, polymer and composite. In this work, the foamed reinforced poly(lactic) acid/recycled high-density polyethylene (PLA/rHDPE)/kenaf fibre biocomposites were prepared by extrusion and compression molding technique for the synergism of lightweight and performance. To reduce density of kenaf fibre biocomposite foam, without over sacrificing the performance, the determination of PLA/rHDPE blend formulation as matrix and azodicarbonamide (ADC) loadings was assessed based on morphology, mechanical and thermal properties. A fixed kenaf fibre loading of 30 wt% was incorporated in the composite system. Results revealed that (90/10) and (70/30) (wt/wt) % compatibilized blends of PLA/rHDPE showed an improvement in flexural properties up to 54 – 1549% as compared to the neat PLA and rHDPE. The (70/30) (wt/wt) % based kenaf biocomposites exhibited a notable density reduction at 5 phr of ADC up to 7% as compared to (90/10) (wt/wt)% based biocomposites. The early formulation was appeared as a preferable blending composition for having homogenous porous structured PLA/rHDPE/kenaf fibre biocomposites foams with reduced density and improved mechanical strength. These foamed composites have a high potential to replace traditional foamed materials used in construction interior applications.

Hibiscus cannabinus seeds assisted spherical silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial and photocatalytic applications

Green nanomaterial manufacture limits hazardous substances and encourages noxious-free environments. The fields of photocatalysis and antibacterial resistance are more promising because of their chemical reductants and sterile environments. Here, we used Hibiscus Cannabinus seed as a bio source and developed a simple, environmentally friendly approach for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Researchers and scientists have recently shown a strong interest in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles due to their ease, eco-friendliness, non-toxicity, low cost, and ability to function as an antibacterial agent. Research goals include producing environmentally friendly, bacteriocidal, and photocatalytic dye removal products that can be applied to biomedical and water reuse applications. In this paper, we have reported spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles synthesized from Hibiscus cannabinus seeds and their characterization by X-ray Diffraction method, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Micrograph. The surface functionalization of prepared silver particles by phenolic compounds in Hibiscus cannabinus seeds enhances antibacterial activity. Both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are inhibited by the prepared silver nanoparticles. By preparing silver nanoparticles at a significantly higher extract concentration, we were able to obtain effective and increased bactericidal activity. The photocatalytic degradation of congo red by prepared silver particles was studied under 150 min of UV light irradiation. The produced silver nanoparticles' structural, optical, morphological, compositional, and bactericidal activity are all shown to be dependent on the concentration of Hibiscus cannabinus seeds extract that is attached to the silver surface.

Jute and kenaf carrier bags: an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags in India.

Increasing demand for shopping and packaging carrier bags has given rise to various issues relating to its disposal as well as to the overall environmental footprint and sustainability of the packaging materials. This study assesses the carbon footprint and life cycle environmental impacts of the production, usage, and disposal of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and two natural fibre carrier bags (jute and kenaf). Life cycle assessment study was conducted of all inputs and outputs, aggregated in the form of resources used and environmental emissions, extending from the production of raw materials to the final disposal of the product. The carbon footprint and GHG emissions of jute and kenaf carrier bags were estimated using the CO2, N2O, and CH4 emissions coefficients of inputs. Research literature from life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) results was used to determine the effects of LDPE polyethylene packaging material. It was observed that the global warming potential (GWP) for the production of 1 kg of LDPE (100 micron) carrier bag (39.4 kg CO2eq) is more than 490 times higher than jute and kenaf carrier bags. In general, LDPE materials have the greatest impact on the carbon footprint and resource depletion. The LDPE material also has the highest impacts on indicators of terrestrial ecotoxicity, photochemical oxidation, acidification, and eutrophication as compared to jute and kenaf fibres. Since jute and kenaf are natural fibres, they sequester a substantial quantity of carbon during their agricultural stages. As a result, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission emissions of jute and kenaf were found to be negative. Popularising the use of jute and kenaf products as alternatives to plastic in industrialised countries would benefit the reduction of plastic waste and its negative environmental effects. Additional production of jute and kenaf fibre, which are already available in major bast fibre producing countries like India and Bangladesh, could meet the demand for fibre-based carrier bags.

Evaluation of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of woven kenaf/bio-epoxy composites

The demand for eco-friendly materials in many sectors is due to the age-long usage of synthetic materials, which has so many negative impacts on the environment, high energy consumption, and health concerns. The physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of woven kenaf fibre reinforced bio-epoxy composites are investigated in this study. The bio-composites were produced utilizing a manual lay-up process with varying fibre loading percentages of 30%, 35%, and 40%. Pure Bio-epoxy composites were also prepared as a reference. Physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal characteristics were assessed. The density and water absorption of the bio-composites increase as the fibre loading increased. The highest density (1.2559 g/cm3) was shown by 40% fibre loading which also exhibited the highest water absorption of 9.8%. Furthermore, the void content revealed that the pure bio-epoxy has the highest value of 3.16% as compared to kenaf/bio-epoxy composites. The highest tensile strength and Young’s modulus was recorded by 40% fibre loading with 92.47 MPa and 9.18 GPa respectively. Impact properties also show enhancement with the increase in fibre loading, it showed the highest impact strength of 7280.8 J/m2 at 40% fibre loading. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the tensile fracture indicates that 40% fibre loading shows better fibre and bio-epoxy inter facial bonding because of its higher strength. The Initial decomposition temperature (IDT) of the bio-composites happens at about 230°C–280°C, and the Final decomposition temperature (FDT) is 540°C–560°C which is lower when compared to the pure bio-epoxy composites of 279°C and 560°C. Kenaf/bio-epoxy composites with 40% fibre loading show the best physical and mechanical and thermal properties. Based on our findings, we believe that our green bio-composites has the potential to be employed in various industries such as automobiles, construction and packaging.

Physiological and transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and molecular basis into heterosis of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) under drought stress

Kenaf exhibits strong heterosis with abiotic stress tolerance. To understand the performance of kenaf heterosis under drought stress, transcriptome profiling was performed by RNA sequencing of kenaf hybrid F1 and its parents (CP079 and CP071). Under drought stress, SPAD values, soluble sugar, and proline accumulation were significantly higher, while malonaldehyde (MDA) content were lower in the F1 hybrid compared with its parents. In addition, F1 exhibited higher activity of antioxidant enzymes. Overall, 616 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely related to drought tolerance and 792 specific genes related to drought heterosis were identified between the F1 hybrid and its parents. The expression patterns of 524 and 523 DEGs were closer to maternal and paternal genes, respectively. Some critical drought-induced transcription factors (TFs) of specific drought-associated genes such as MYB, bHLH, NAC, bZIP, and HSP families played key roles in drought stress tolerance heterosis. According to KEGG pathway analysis, DEGs are primarily involved in the metabolism of galactose, starch and sucrose, glycerolipids, taurine, and hypotaurine, plant MAPK signaling pathway and the transduction of plant hormones. Moreover, several hormone transduction genes among the drought stress heterosis genes were found, including HcGH3, HcEXPB4, HcVAP, HcCKX1, HcDnaJ, and HcMSR2. Furthermore, overexpression HcERF2 suggested it positively regulates the drought tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings provide a solid foundation for understanding the essential genes functions and pathways involved in kenaf heterosis during drought stress.

Comparative Testing of Tensile, Flexural and Impact Analysis on Coated and Uncoated Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Composite

Due to its enhanced strength, stiffness, and tensile qualities, fibre reinforced composites are being employed more and more in the aerospace, automotive, plastic and mineral processing industries. Kenaf, jute, Kemp, and other types of reinforcing fibres are frequently utilized and come in strips. The design and analysis of the mechanical characteristics of the Kenaf fibre reinforced composite is the primary goal of this project. Different combinations of fibre and resin are examined for their various mechanical qualities, such as impact resistance, flexural strength, and tensile strength. By altering the fibre orientation and boosting impact strength, the composite is created. By altering the fibre orientation and boosting impact strength, the composite is created. The composite is personally examined using a variety of testing tools, and it is also examined using design software like Ansys. This research aims to increase the composite’s impact strength by adjusting the fibre length. The hydrogen peroxide solution is also coated on the composite before the tests are run. Comparisons are made between the experimental findings for coated and uncoated composites.

Potential significance of kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L.) to global food and feed industries

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an annual herbaceous dicotyledonous plant native to Asia and Africa belonging to the Malvaceae family. Due to its many applications, it is a valuable multifunctional crop. This is an essential food, fibre and medicinal plant that can tolerate a variety of environmental conditions. This plant, along with other food alternatives, has potential to be used in feed resource-based inventories. It is an alternative crop that can be used as a protein source in both human and animal feed production. Kenaf contains a great number of bioactive compounds which can be of great importance in human and animal health. Furthermore, kenaf meal can replace soyabean meal and fish meal as protein supplements. Kenaf is greatly adaptable and available therefore, its fast growth and nutritional qualities give it a great potential to solve food insecurity in future. This paper gives an overview of kenaf’s future potential in the food and feed industries.

Extraction of phenolic and flavonoids compounds from kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) using ultrasound assisted extraction

The objective of this research is to conduct the preliminary phytochemical screening of phenolic and flavonoid compounds from leaves and bast fibres of Hibiscus Cannabinus L that been extracted using Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE). This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative phytochemical screening test of kenaf leaves and kenaf bast fibres using Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) with water and absolute ethanol as extraction solvent and different extraction times. Phytochemical screening was carried out with the crude extracts by tested with ferric chloride test for phenolic compounds meanwhile sodium hydroxide 10% test for flavonoid compounds. The major finding of this research is the presences of phenolic and flavonoid compounds by the colour changes using the phytochemical screening test. In phenolic compound test, bast fibres shown the orange colour for ethanol solvents while for water shows dark orange with precipitate. Meanwhile, leaves give dark green colours for water and for ethanol the dark green colour was more intense. In flavonoid compound test, both water and ethanol solvent for bast fibres samples shows pale yellow while leaves show yellow for water and bright yellow for ethanol. Overall, the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was confirmed in Hibiscus Cannabinus L. The result shown the kenaf leaves gives the most positives presences of both compounds according by the colour changes in water and ethanol solvents. The extracts from locally grown kenaf shows the presences of phenolic and flavonoid compounds which can be used as antibiotics for diseases.