Kenaf Bast Fiber Research Articles

Evaluation of a Kenaf Nanocrystalline Cellulose-based Hydrogel Containing Platelet Lysate for Full-thickness Wound Healing

Introduction: Healing full-thickness wounds is often challenging and time-consuming, with complications such as scarring and infections. The standard treatment, split skin grafting, has limitations due to the availability of healthy donors and suitability for immunocompromised patients. Method: Autologous platelet lysate (PL) has been popular for tissue regenerative potential because it contains growth factors (GF) and is a safer option for bedridden patients with weak immune systems. However, PL has inconsistent clinical efficacy, high costs, and a short half-life. To address these issues, this study explores a novel delivery system by fabricating a chitosan/nanocrystalline cellulose (CS/NCC) hydrogel to sustainably deliver autologous PL to the wound site. Notably, NCC was prepared from kenaf bast fibers using acid hydrolysis and integrated into the CS matrix through physical entrapment without any chemical crosslinkers. The composite hydrogel was then enriched with autologous PL and further characterized for its physicochemical properties, in vitro GF release, and compatibility with skin cells. At the molecular level, gene expression of wound healing genes was facilitated using qPCR, revealing that the PL-supplemented hydrogel upregulated the expression of extracellular matrix genes. An in vivo study using a full-thickness wound model demonstrated that the CS-NCC-PL hydrogel dressing achieved 81.8% wound closure within 14 days, compared to the control groups. Result: Histological analysis indicated enhanced re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Particularly, the CS-NCC-PL hydrogel group showed a significantly higher hydroxyproline content (60.62 ± 11.46 μg/100 mg) by day 14. Immunohistochemistry results revealed elevated levels of α-SMA and CD31, markers of myofibroblast presence and angiogenesis, peaking at day 7. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the CS-NCC-PL hydrogel is a promising personalized wound dressing for bedridden patients, offering improved healing outcomes in hospital settings.

Characterization of Bio-Retted Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Bast Fibre

The bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibres offer significant advantages over synthetic fibre regarding their being lightweight, environmentally friendly, and cheap. During the characterization procedure, the chemical composition as well as the physical, thermal, mechanical, crystallinity, and morphological properties of bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibre were assessed. The chemical composition analysis of the bioretted bast fibre of kenaf (H. cannabinus L.) revealed that it contained a significantly high proportion of cellulose (58.72%). While, in the tensile test, the bast fibre of bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) exhibited an average tensile strength of 3876 ± 1122 MPa and modulus of elasticity of 577 ± 177 GPa. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the bio-retted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibre revealed its crystalline size to be 19.65 nm and crystallinity index to be 68.62%. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) performed on the bast fibre of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) revealed that it maintains a thermal stability of 240°C. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to examine the fibre’s morphology. The fibre exhibited flaws and a smoothed surface, as determined by the morphological evaluation. The utilisation of bio-retted bast fibre derived from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as a reinforcing agent in applications involving elevated temperatures exhibited encouraging outcomes.

MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BIOCOMPOSITES FOR FURNITURE AND THERMAL INSULATION

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of three natural fibers, namely, bagasse, kenaf bast fibers and cotton stalk, to produce particleboard suitable for application in green furniture and thermal insulation, using tannins and casein as natural matrices at the concentration of 15%. The particleboards were tested according to the relevant European standards to determine their mechanical properties, physical properties and thermal conductivity. The results showed that particleboards made from bagasse fibers and cotton stalks with casein adhesives exhibited higher mechanical performance and complied with European standards for board used for furniture and interior fitments. The particleboards prepared using tannins failed to satisfy the EN standards. All particleboards met the thermal conductivity requirements of the European standards.

Investigations on the Suitability of Non-Wood Kenaf Bast Fiber as an Alternative for Making Insulating Presspaper for Transformers

Investigations on the Suitability of Non-Wood Kenaf Bast Fiber as an Alternative for Making Insulating Presspaper for Transformers

Enhancement micro filler spent coffee grounds in catalyst - chemically modified bast fibers reinforced biodegradable materials

In this study, an eco-friendly packaging biocomposite is developed using Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and chemically modified kenaf bast fibers with the help of sodium formate as a catalyst. Spent coffee grounds (SCG) were incorporated at different concentrations (1 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 %) into the biocomposites. Three variations of PHBV-reinforced bast fiber mats incorporated SCG were prepared: unmodified mats, mats chemically modified with propionic anhydride, and mats modified with propionic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst. These biocomposites were evaluated for physical, thermal, functional, water absorption, thickness swelling, water contact angle, and mechanical properties. Catalyzed propionylated bast fiber-based biocomposites showed improved functional properties, enhanced thermal stability, and superior mechanical performance than propionylated and unmodified biocomposites. Lower concentrations (1 % & 3 %) of spent coffee grounds filler resulted in better biocomposite properties, making them suitable for sustainable packaging applications. This study demonstrates the potential of these biocomposites for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Kenaf bast nanocrystalline cellulose: Analysis of morphological, chemical, crystalline, and thermal

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared from delignified kenaf bast fiber by using alkaline pulping, based on soda anthraquinone, hydrogen peroxide bleaching, and acid hydrolysis treatment with H2SO4. The size and morphology of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the isolated fiber from unbleached and bleached pulp had a diameter between 9 to 30 µm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy exhibited that the content of lignin decreased in the pulping process, and the lignin was almost completely removed during hydrogen peroxide bleaching. Moreover, fibers were characterized for crystallinity using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The fiber crystallinity gradually increased at each stage of the process (raw kenaf bast, unbleached pulp, bleached pulp, and acid hydrolysis). The fiber was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which showed that the isolated pulp nanofibers had diameters of approximately 30 nm.

EVALUATING THE ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY AND SKIN IRRITATION OF THE TEMEPHOS IMPREGNATED CELLULOSE NANOFIBER INTENDED FOR MOSQUITO LARVICIDE

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) derived from kenaf bast fiber has the potential to be used as a biodegradable and renewable larvicide nanocarrier due to its excellent physicochemical properties. However, acute dermal toxicity testing of CNF with high aspect ratios and fibrous morphology is limited even though its exposure to the skin is possible. Herein, this study aims to investigate the skin irritation effect and acute dermal toxicity of kenaf CNF (KCNF 2.3 % w/v) & kenaf CNF impregnated with temephos (KCNF+T 2.3 % w/v) following OECD test guideline 402. Female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed with KCNF 2.3 % w/v and KCNF+T 2.3 %w/v, respectively, at a dose level of 2000 mg (kg body weight)-1 for 24 hours followed by 14 days of observation for skin irritation effect, mortality, abnormal behaviours, and clinical signs of toxicity. Our result indicated that no skin irritation effect, treatment-related mortality, and abnormal behaviours in both exposed groups. However, KCNF+T 2.3 % w/v treated rats showed mild cholinergic signs of toxicity compared with the absence of clinical signs of toxicity in KCNF 2.3 % w/v treated rats. The KCNF 2.3 % w/v and KCNF+T 2.3 % w/v were non-skin irritants with the LD50 value > 2000 mg (kg body weight)-1 and therefore classified as non-hazardous chemicals of Category 5 according to the GHS system.

Characteristics ofAbelmoschus esculentus(Indian okra) fiber varieties

Okra fiber is the natural cellulosic bast fiber extracted from the bark of the Abelmoschus esculentus plant stem. India is the largest producer of okra for the cultivation of ‘okra fruit’. After the okra plant is harvested in the field, the okra fruit is collected as a vegetable, and the okra plant is thrown out as agricultural waste. In India, an estimated 4.5 Mt of green okra plants is discarded annually as agricultural waste. The okra plant has the potential to produce 150–160 kg of okra fibers per hectare and about 13.4 million kg of okra fibers annually. The okra plant is cultivated in two seasons: summer and winter. The summer variety and winter variety of okra fibers are extracted from okra plants cultivated in the summer and winter seasons, respectively. In this study, the characteristics of the summer and winter varieties of okra fibers (morphological, thermal and structural) were investigated by optical and electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy), thermogravimetric analysis (differential thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry), X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. This study analyzed the characteristics of both varieties of okra fibers, compared them and proved their potential for commercial applications, similar to those of banana, jute, flax, hemp and kenaf bast fibers.

Physical and Electrical Breakdown Characteristics of Oil-Impregnated Kenaf Paper with the Introduction of External PVA for Transformer Application

This work examines the physical and electrical breakdown characteristics of kenaf paper coated with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for application in power transformers. The paper was made from kenaf bast fibers using the soda pulping method, whereby the pulps were subjected to 12,000 beating revolutions. PVA with weight percentage concentration up to 6% was introduced to the beaten kenaf through a spin coating approach. The structure of the kenaf paper was examined through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The physical properties examined were apparent density, Tensile Index (TI), Burst Index (BI), and Tear Index (TeI), while AC breakdown voltage and strength were analyzed for the electrical property. It is found that the beating and external PVA improve the kenaf paper’s apparent density, TI, BI, and AC breakdown strength while the TeI decreases.

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.

Effect of chemical treatments on physical properties of kenaf bast fibres

In the present study, kenaf bast fibre surfaces have been modified using different chemicals with varying concentration. The effects of these chemical treatments on moisture content, water absorption, fibre diameter and bundle strength are investigated. The benefit of chemical treatments in the removal of impurities from the fibre surfaces has been established by scanning electron microscopy. It is found that the fibres treated with sodium hydroxide and acetic acid show major effect on fibre diameter. Compared to untreated kenaf fibre, strong alkali (NaOH) treatment show maximum water absorption (78.76%) and moisture content (8.15%). In fibre bundle tensile strength, sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate treated fibres show more than 80% improvement in the tensile strength of fibre. Kenaf fibre treated with 10% Na2CO3 show highest tensile strength of 410 MPa.

Metagenomic and proteomic analysis of bacterial retting community and proteome profile in the degumming process of kenaf bast

BackgroundData on the microbial community and functional proteins associated with degumming in kenaf remains scant. Here, we analyzed the microbial communities associated with kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) bast fibers during retting to identify potential candidate degumming bacteria. Retting liquids were collected and analyzed at 0 days, 10 days, and 34 days and then evaluated the yield and quality of kenaf fiber at the different retting times. Besides, the microbial communities were characterized using metagenomic and proteomic analysis by LC–MS/MS technology.ResultsThe data showed that increase in the retting time significantly improves the softness, dispersion, and fiber whiteness of the kenaf fiber. The relative abundance of Acinetobacter increased from 2.88% at the baseline to 6.64% at the 34th retting. On the other hand, some members of Clostridium were reduced from 3% at the baseline to 2% at the 34th retting. Analysis of carbohydrate active enzymes showed constant changes in the utilization of carbohydrates. Besides, benzoquinone reductase, cellobiose dehydrogenase, glucose 1-oxidase, aryl alcohol oxidase and alcohol oxidase were the top five most abundant enzymes in the retting liquids. This present results demonstrated that the expressions of B7GYR8, Q6RYW5 and Q6FFK2 proteins were suppressed in Acinetobacter with the retting time. On the contrary, P05149 was upregulated with the retting time. In Clostridium, P37698, P52040 and P54937 proteins were upregulated with the retting time.ConclusionIn addition, bacteria Acinetobacter and Clostridium might be playing important roles in the kenaf degumming process. Similarly, up-regulation of P37698, P52040 and P54937 proteins is an important manifestation and mediates important roles in the degumming process.

Growth, Yield, and Fiber Morphology of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Varieties Influenced by Different Levels of Npk Fertilizers

Different levels of NPK fertilizer were used to improve the growth, yield, and fiber morphology of two kenaf varieties. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in the summer season of 2021 at the Grdarasha Field, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil. The results revealed that adding NPK at the rate of 100 kg/ha caused improved growth and yield characteristics includes; plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and total fresh stem yield by almost (3.35 m, 25.88 mm, 250.10, and 246.93 t/ha), respectively. While, the best values of fresh and dry matter of core and bast fibers were recorded when NPK was applied at the proportion of 150 kg/ha which were (98.40, 57.80, 39.73, and 15.13 t/ha), respectively. Morphological properties of the kenaf bast fiber were also improved by adding NPK fertilizer. Both levels of NPK 100 and 150 kg/ha were noted to be the best for enhancing kenaf bast fiber compared to the control treatment. Finally, based on the results could recommend the farmers to use NPK fertilizer as a factor to increase fiber yield and improve its quality.

Isothermal crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of PLA/Kenaf biocomposite: Comparison between alkaline treated kenaf core and bast reinforcement

Crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of alkaline treated kenaf core and bast fibres as reinforcement in PLA composites were investigated. The crystallization rate and the percentage of crystallinity values were comparable in both samples, where the values were found to be 1.239 and 49.46% for KCC and 1.119 and 47.28% for KBC, respectively. The addition of kenaf fibre revealed the same reduction of the Avrami index at around 13% for both KBC and KCC indicating that the addition of fibre promotes growth in less spatial dimensions. The improvement on kinetics properties was supported by flexural testing that showed that there is no significant difference in flexural modulus and flexural strength between Kenaf core composite (KCC) and Kenaf bast composite (KBC). These findings shed a light on the potential utilization of kenaf core fibre as filler in matrix composite.

Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Increased environmental awareness and the demand for sustainable materials have promoted the use of more renewable and eco-friendly resources like natural fibre as reinforcement in the building industry. Among various types of natural fibres, kenaf has been widely planted in the past few years, however, it hasn’t been extensively used as a construction material. Kenaf bast fibre is a high tensile strength fibre, lightweight and cost-effective, offering a potential alternative for reinforcement in construction applications. To encourage its use, it’s essential to understand how kenaf fibre’s properties affect the performance of cement-based composites. Hence, the effects of KF on the properties of cementitious composites in the fresh and hardened states have been discussed. The current state-of-art of Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Cement Composite (KFRCC) and its different applications are presented for the reader to explore. This review confirmed the improvement of tensile and flexural strengths of cementitious composites with the inclusion of the appropriate content and length of kenaf fibres. However, more studies are necessary to understand the overall impact of kenaf fibres on the compressive strength and durability properties of cementitious composites.

Chitosan Reinforced with Kenaf Nanocrystalline Cellulose as an Effective Carrier for the Delivery of Platelet Lysate in the Acceleration of Wound Healing.

The clinical use of platelet lysate (PL) in the treatment of wounds is limited by its rapid degradation by proteases at the tissue site. This research aims to develop a chitosan (CS) and kenaf nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) hydrogel composite, which intend to stabilize PL and control its release onto the wound site for prolonged action. NCC was synthesized from raw kenaf bast fibers and incorporated into the CS hydrogel. The physicochemical properties, in vitro cytocompatibility, cell proliferation, wound scratch assay, PL release, and CS stabilizing effect of the hydrogel composites were analyzed. The study of swelling ratio (>1000%) and moisture loss (60–90%) showed the excellent water retention capacity of the CS-NCC-PL hydrogels as compared with the commercial product. In vitro release PL study (flux = 0.165 mg/cm2/h) indicated that NCC act as a nanofiller and provided the sustained release of PL compared with the CS hydrogel alone. The CS also showed the protective effect of growth factor (GF) present in PL, thereby promoting fast wound healing via the formulation. The CS-NCC hydrogels also augmented fibroblast proliferation in vitro and enhanced wound closures over 72 h. This study provides a new insight on CS with renewable source kenaf NCC as a nanofiller as a potential autologous PL wound therapy.

Extraction of Tannic Acid from Kenaf Bast Fibre using Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction

Extraction of Tannic Acid from Kenaf Bast Fibre using Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction

Characterization of Control and Chemically Modified Kenaf Fiber

ABSTRACT Natural fibers are very flexible materials; their properties vary with physical structure and chemical composition. Chemical treatment of fiber can chemically modify, clean the fiber surface, increase the surface roughness and stop the moisture absorption process. In the present study, kenaf bast fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), ortho phosphoric acid (H3PO4), acetic acid (CH3COOH) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) each with different concentrations. The morphological properties were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which shows many impurities on untreated kenaf fiber surface. NaOH and ZnCl2 treated kenaf fiber surface is more rough than other chemical treatments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out to evaluate crystallinity index. NaOH treated kenaf fiber shows highest crystallinity index of 76.87%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to characterize chemical functional groups. In untreated kenaf fiber broad band at 3469 cm−1 confirms the presence of OH group. After chemical treatments this band disappears which confirms the removal of the OH groups. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) carried out shows low fixed carbon content (64%) and maximum ash content (22%) for NaOH treated kenaf fiber.

Comparison of the Thermal and Electrical Conductivities of Pretreated Kenaf–Polyester Composites

Conductivity of a material is an important physical property that determines its suitability or otherwise in all engineering designs and construction. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of two pretreatment methods viz acetylation and permanganate on the thermal and electrical conductivities of pretreated kenaf bast fibres applied in polyester resin. Fully grown kenaf (hibiscus cannabalis) were manually retted from the stalk, washed, and cut into short fibre lengths of about 10 cm. One portion of the fibres was pretreated with 5%pbw NaOH solution before immersing it in glacial acetic acid and then in acetic anhydride. The second was also pretreated with5%pbw of NaOH before being pretreated with 0.125%of KMnO4. The third portion of fibres was untreated to serve as control. The ground fibre was incorporated into ortho unsaturated polyester rand cast with moulds of dumb-belland square shapes. The electrical conductivity of the composites was deduced by measuring the resistance of the composites using the high voltage insulation tester model 3122 and calculating from equations. The thermal conductivities were determined by analytical method. The results show that chemical pretreatments of fibres by acetylation and permanganate methods have no appreciable effect on the thermal conductivities of composites. Further findings show that the acetylated fibre composites have no effect on the electrical conductivities of the composites. The permanganate pretreated fibre composites however increased the electrical conductivities of the composites significantly.

Comparison of the Thermal and Electrical Conductivities of Pretreated Kenaf–Polyester Composites

Conductivity of a material is an important physical property that determines its suitability or otherwise in all engineering designs and construction. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of two pretreatment methods viz acetylation and permanganate on the thermal and electrical conductivities of pretreated kenaf bast fibres applied in polyester resin. Fully grown kenaf (hibiscus cannabalis) were manually retted from the stalk, washed, and cut into short fibre lengths of about 10 cm. One portion of the fibres was pretreated with 5%pbw NaOH solution before immersing it in glacial acetic acid and then in acetic anhydride. The second was also pretreated with5%pbw of NaOH before being pretreated with 0.125%of KMnO4. The third portion of fibres was untreated to serve as control. The ground fibre was incorporated into ortho unsaturated polyester rand cast with moulds of dumb-belland square shapes. The electrical conductivity of the composites was deduced by measuring the resistance of the composites using the high voltage insulation tester model 3122 and calculating from equations. The thermal conductivities were determined by analytical method. The results show that chemical pretreatments of fibres by acetylation and permanganate methods have no appreciable effect on the thermal conductivities of composites. Further findings show that the acetylated fibre composites have no effect on the electrical conductivities of the composites. The permanganate pretreated fibre composites however increased the electrical conductivities of the composites significantly.