Kenaf Research Articles

A Weed diversity and Comparative Allelopathic Effects of Extracts of Trianthema portulacastrum L., Portulaca oleracea L. and Boerhavia diffusa L. on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Hibiscus cannabinus L.

This study examines the diversity of weeds and the allelopathic impact of selected weed extracts on the seed germination and seedling development of Hibiscus cannabinus L., a leafy vegetable from the Malvaceae family. Field observations were conducted from March to June 2023 in B. Thandrapadu, a village in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. We identified 34 weed species belonging to 16 families with varied important value index (IVI). Trianthema portulacastrum exhibited the highest IVI at 27.11%, followed by Portulaca oleracea 15.59%, Boerhavia diffusa 15.54%, Cynodon dactylon 14.54% and Parthenium hysterophorus 14.52%. Allelopathy effect of aqueous extracts of the top three weeds at varying concentrations on seed germination and seedling performance of H. cannabinus was assessed. All three weed species demonstrated the strong allelopathic effect on seed germination and seedling growth at 100% concentration and the weakest at 25%. Comparatively, T. portulacastrum showed a more pronounced effect than the other two weed species. Therefore, environmentally sustainable and appropriate weed management strategies are necessary for the agricultural sector during the initial stages or prior to crop planting.

The Characterization and Development of Kenaf and Graphene Nanoplatelets in Polylactic Acid Composites

Kenaf fiber is in high demand due to the need for lightweight composites, particularly in the automobile industry and occasionally for interior building materials. Its remarkable strength and low density are the main causes of this. The use of natural fiber as a bio-composite material is limited because it is less heat resistant compared to synthetic fiber. To bolster the mechanical robustness of kenaf composites, graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) are incorporated as a supplementary reinforcing agent. Numerous studies have explored the mechanical properties of composites made from natural fibers and polymer matrices, with the recent market introduction of polylactic acid (PLA) polymers as biodegradable matrix options for biocomposites. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of incorporating graphene fillers on the tensile and flexural properties of PLA, kenaf, GnP composites. Hot pressing compression moulding is employed to fabricate the composite samples consisting of varying compositions, ranging from 95% PLA, 5% kenaf, and 0% GnP to 80% PLA, 15% kenaf, and 5% GnP. The result shows that adding 5% Graphene Nanoplatelets as a reinforcing filler will enhance the tensile strength and tensile modulus up to 18.2% and 53.2% respectively. While the flexural strength and flexural modulus enhanced up to 46.1% and 53.2% respectively. Besides that, DSC analysis shows that adding GnT does not alter the thermal properties of the composite with a melting point of 161.5 ℃. Overall, the results confirm that the addition of graphene improves the mechanical properties of the composites. It is suggested that further research should investigate the optimal ratio of GnP, kenaf, and PLA composition in order to achieve the optimum mechanical properties so that this composite has the potential to be used in various applications.

Study on strength properties of lightweight foamed composite with 0.6% volume fraction treated kenaf fibre

The Lightweight Foamed Composite (LFC) exhibits inherent limitations in mechanical strength due to its porous structure, hindering its wider application. This study presents a novel approach to enhancing LFC's mechanical strength properties by incorporating Treated Kenaf Fibre (TKF), a domestically available high-yield crop in Malaysia, offering a green and effective solution for “Sustainable Composite Reinforcement.” To optimize fibre incorporation, raw kenaf fibres were pre-treated with a 1.5 M NaOH solution for 12 hours. Subsequently, a 0.6% TKF by Volume Fraction (Vf) was integrated into the LFC mix. The fresh and hardened density of Treated Kenaf Fibre Lightweight Foamed Composite (TKFLFC) was controlled within 1200 ± 5% kg/m3. Next, the mechanical properties evaluation of TKFLFC involved compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength tests. By the 28-day mark, the compressive strength of LFC-TKF 0.6 showed a moderate improvement of 4%, while the flexural and splitting tensile strengths significantly increased by 56% and 62%, respectively, compared to LFC-Control. A performance index evaluation emphasizes the contribution of TKF in enhancing LFC's mechanical strength at the same densities. These findings demonstrate the potential for utilizing TKF in LFC as a green, sustainable civil construction material, offering valuable insights and opportunities for innovation.

Economic Evaluation of the Planting Period and Retting Techniques in the Production of Quality Kenaf Fibre

The quality and quantity of fibre produced in terms of fibre length, tensile strength and fineness could be determined by the planting period and good retting techniques in kenaf. This study was carried out to determine the appropriate time of planting and examined the different retting techniques for enhanced quality fibre for value addition. Five varieties of Kenaf (Cuba108, Ifeken-DI-400, Ifeken100, Ifeken-400 and Tianung-2) were planted at 50cm x 20cm monthly from June to August (June 10, July 10 and August 10) in 5 locations with their coordinates; Ibadan (Transitional-Rain forest, Lat.7.23′N;Long.3.55′); Ilora (Derived savannah, Lat.8.54′N;Long4.54′E); Ikenne (High Rain forest, Lat.6.92′N;Long.9.46′N); Orin Ekiti (Rain forest, Lat.7.49′N;Long.5.14′E) and Kishi (Southern Guinea Savannah, Lat.9.46′N; Long.3.52′E). Gross Margin (GM) analysis was used to determine the profitability and suitability of the different planting periods. The results show that total variable cost (TVC) in Orin Ekiti for each planting time was the highest (₦705,650:00). The least TVC (₦250,000) was from August plantings in Ikenne. The GM value for a sum of ₦701,650 and ₦1,736,400 were obtained from Kishi and Ilora respectively while ₦1,441.750, ₦184,750, ₦1,224,950 were obtained for the months of June plantings in Orin-Ekiti, Ikenne and Ibadan respectively. July and August plantings recorded low GM. The GM value of June planting was significantly higher in all the locations. The results of the retting techniques revealed that chemical retting had a greater efficiency in the processing of fibre while tank retting is technically supported due to its potability and availability.

Effect of alkali treatment on physical and mechanical properties of Cattail and Kenaf fibres

NaOH treatment is widely used for natural fibre extraction. However, the different treatment conditions produce fibres with other characteristics. The present work aims to study the effect of alkali treatment conditions on Kenaf bast and Cattail stem fibres’ properties. Two conditions at two different levels were selected. They are soaking time (2 and 4 hours) and alkali treatment temperature (80 and 120°C). Untreated Kenaf and Cattail fibres were used as control samples. The NaOH process occurred due to the decline in the fineness of Cattail and Kenaf fibres. SEM micrographs of treated fibres showed a clear surface with rectangular pits for Cattail fibres and dissociation of the technical fibre. Best tensile strength obtained for Kenaf fibres for 80°C and under 4 hours. However, a temperature of 120°C and a duration of 4 hours confirmed the best results in terms of lignin removal, proved by IR spectra. Also, X-ray diffractograms suggested that the crystallinity index increases with the highest conditions. The properties of Kenaf bast fibres are found to be superior to Cattail fibres. Characteristic ranges of Cattail and Kenaf fibres after alkaline treatment can be resumed respectively as the diameter of (205–496) and (66–162 μm), the linear density of (31–48) and (14–22 tex), tenacity of (6–8) and (13–17 cN/tex), elongation of (2.6–3.3) and (3–6.2%), lignin ratio of (20.7–23.7) and (15.13–22.6%), alpha-cellulose of (50.2–55.6) and (53–59%), and crystallinity of (43.9–58.6) and (55.4–66.3%). Findings showed that Kenaf bast fibres are found to be great resistant and thinner than Cattail fibres and compared to other fibres.

High-density genetic map construction and QTL analysis of the first flower node in kenaf using RAD-seq

BackgroundIn kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) which is an important natural fiber crop, the first flower node is closely linked to fiber yield. However, the genetic mechanisms controlling the first flower node remain poorly understood.ResultsIn this study, we constructed a high-density genetic linkage map using Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) technology based on 148 individual hybrid kenaf progeny. The map contained 3418 bin markers unevenly on 18 linkage groups and spanned a total of 864.607 cM with an average distance of 0.253 cM. Based on the genetic map, two major QTLs, FFN6.1 and FFN6.2, were detected on LG6 and were strongly associated with the first flower node. Based on annotation information in the GO, KEGG and NR public databases, 373 candidate genes were predicted in the FFN6.1 and FFN6.2 regions. Finally, using RT-qPCR, three genes related to the first flower node were identified.ConclusionThe study provides a good foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the first flower node trait in kenaf.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Correlation, and Phenotypic Path Coefficients in Hybrids of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Cultivated for High Fibre Yield

Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Correlation, and Phenotypic Path Coefficients in Hybrids of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Cultivated for High Fibre Yield

Mechanical, machinability and water absorption properties of novel kenaf fiber, glass fiber and graphene composites reinforced with epoxy

This paper aims to fabricate a novel kenaf fiber, glass fiber, graphene composite reinforced with epoxy, and to study its water absorption, mechanical and machining properties. Natural fiber composites seek numerous applications nowadays due to its high strength is to weight ratio, high impact resistance, thermal stability, and recyclability. The literature study on natural fiber composites indicates lack of research on Kenaf fibers reinforced with E-glass fibers in conjunction with 0.5% and 1.0% of graphene. Hence, this research focuses on Kenaf fiber with percentage composition of graphene was varied as 0.5%, and 1.0%, by weight of the holding matrix and with/without incorporation of glass fiber. Suitable surface modifications were done by treating natural fibres by 0.5% NaOH for better adhesion of fibre and epoxy resin. Sonication and Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) treatments were also done to realize the fine scattering of graphene in the epoxy matrix in order to achieve better mechanical behaviour. Moulds were prepared as per D-638 ASTM standards. The treated fibres were then arranged in the mould by the conventional hand layup technique. The main objectives of this study are to conduct tensile, flexural, Impact, water absorption, machinability, and FTIR test. Result shows that the incorporation of graphene in natural fiber composites showed an increase in tensile strength, flexural strength, and water absorption properties by 27.7%, 53%, and 15% on average, respectively. The composites used in this research find their use in potential applications such as defence, biomedical aids, automobiles, packaging, actuators, etc. These often generate great interest, whenever there is a demand for fabricating lightweight and high strength material.

Investigating the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Kenaf, Jute, and Coconut Fibers

This study investigates the mechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) through the addition of natural fibers such as kenaf (KFRC), jute (JFRC), and coconut (CFRC). The evaluation focused on key properties including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength. Fiber combinations were introduced in a fiber volume fraction of 0.5%, with fiber lengths standardized at 20 mm. A water-to-binder ratio of 0.44 was maintained for all mixes. Six specimens were tested for each parameter after a curing period of 28 days. The objective of this research was to assess the potential of natural fibers like kenaf, jute, and coconut for developing sustainable FRC while maintaining or improving its mechanical properties. Results demonstrated that the inclusion of natural fibers at the specified length and concentration positively influenced post-cracking flexural performance and splitting tensile strength. Among the tested combinations, FRC reinforced with jute fibers (JFRC) exhibited superior performance compared to other fiber combinations.

Exploring the dynamic and thermo-mechanical behavior of Banana/Kenaf/Jute epoxy hybrid biocomposites: impact of stacking sequences

Abstract This study investigates the thermal behavior and thermo-mechanical properties of banana, jute, and kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, focusing on the impact of different layering sequences and hybrid configurations. The novelty of the work lies in the tailored stacking of natural fibers to optimize composite performance, a topic of growing significance in sustainable engineering. Thermal analysis revealed the highest endothermic peak at 72 °C in BJKKJBE hybrid composites, while jute fiber-reinforced composites exhibited a marginally higher peak at 73 °C. Dynamic mechanical analysis highlighted kenaf fiber-reinforced composites as having superior storage modulus values, reaching 152 MPa at 10 Hz, followed by the BJKKJBE hybrid, which achieved 137 MPa. Additionally, banana fiber-reinforced composites and neat epoxy recorded the highest loss modulus values (52 MPa and 51 MPa), indicating excellent energy dissipation. Neat epoxy and kenaf fiber reinforced composites displayed the highest tan delta values, with BJKKJBE hybrids also showing notable damping behavior, suggesting effective vibration attenuation. On the other hand, jute-based composites demonstrated the lowest tan delta, reflecting increased stiffness. A significant outcome is the thermal expansion behavior, where BJKKJBE composites exhibited the highest shrinkage (0.3%), while the KBJJBKE reinforcement, with kenaf as a skin layer, recorded the highest coefficient of thermal expansion (257 ppm °C−1). These findings present new opportunities for optimizing fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in applications requiring tailored thermal and thermo-mechanical performance, contributing to advancements in sustainable materials design for engineering applications.

Impact of magnesium hydroxide particles decorated Kenaf fibre on the physico-mechanical properties of polypropylene-based composites

Impact of magnesium hydroxide particles decorated Kenaf fibre on the physico-mechanical properties of polypropylene-based composites

Engineering properties of natural fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete

Environmental concerns and the desire for improved performance in building construction have led to a great deal of attention being paid to developing sustainable construction materials. The engineering characteristics of natural fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete (NFROPGC), a novel material that combines strong mechanical qualities and offers significant environmental advantages, are examined in this work. Activated by a dry alkali source (Sodium meta–Silicate Anhydrous), one-part geopolymer concrete is more sustainable and easier to use than two-part geopolymer concrete. Fibres from kenaf, coconut, and oil palm measuring 25 mm and containing 0 %, 0.75 %, and 1 % were utilised. The chosen fibres were treated with an alkaline solution of 5 % concentration to enhance their performance. The engineering properties of natural fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete were measured by determining its workability, compressive, flexural, split tensile, impact resistance strengths, MOE, Poisson's ratio, and water absorption. Also, its morphology was studied under the scanning electron microscope. The flexural, splitting tensile strengths and MOE were improved by including 0.75 % natural fibre in one-part geopolymer concrete. Kenaf, coconut, and oil palm fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete showed increased flexural strengths from 4.93 MPa to 7.87 MPa, 4.11 MPa to 6.04 MPa, and 4.02 MPa to 5.85 MPa, respectively, while splitting tensile strengths of kenaf, coconut, and oil palm fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete increased from 3.3 MPa to 4.95 MPa, 3.25 MPa to 4.37 MPa, 2.95 MPa to 3.79 MPa, respectively and the MOE of kenaf, coconut, and oil palm fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete increased from 37.77 GPa to 44.04 GPa, 37.77 GPa to 42.79 GPa, and 37.77 GPa to 39.61 GPa, respectively. The optimum impact resistance strengths of the reinforced geopolymer concrete for kenaf fibre, coconut fibre, and oil palm fibre were obtained at 1 % fibre content with increments of 122.11 %, 98.33 %, and 88.33 %, respectively. However, fibre-reinforced one-part geopolymer concrete's compressive strength and workability reduced slightly as fibre content rose. The SEM results demonstrate how well fibres fill voids and bridge cracks in one-part geopolymer concrete. Future studies will focus on long-term performance evaluations and scaling up for industrial buildings.

Exploring the combustion, emission and performance of n-Butanol with Deccan hemp oil methyl ester on dual fuel diesel engine

This experiment investigated the feasibility of using n-butanol with Deccan hemp oil methyl ester derived from Hibiscus cannabinus. Deccan hemp oil, from warm countries like India is an eco-friendly alternative energy source since it is reusable and easy to locate. The Acetone–Butanol–Ethanol (ABE) process made the n-butanol. Further, 60% Deccan hemp oil methyl ester and 40% diesel were mixed and injected directly into the engine’s cylinders. The engine’s performance was evaluated by adding varying quantities of n-butanol (10%, 20%, or 30%) to the intake pipe at various intervals throughout the experiment. The results showed that using pure Deccan hemp oil or its methyl ester was much better for the engine’s performance than regular diesel fuel. This was compared to how well the engine worked when diesel was used. However, the engine ran much better when fed a mix of 60% Deccan hemp oil methyl ester and 40% diesel (B60). Even though it couldn’t compete with diesel engines in speed, this was still the case. The engine was running in dual fuel mode when n-butanol was added to the mixture. This made the carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and smoke outputs go down. All of these decreases happened without making the engine less able to work. NOx emissions from the B60Bu10 (10% n-butanol share), B60Bu20, and B60Bu30 dual fuel combinations went up by 2.65%, 6%, and 8.9%, respectively, at full load, while smoke emissions went down by 18.33%, 23.75%, and 30.83%, in that order. The study’s results show that adding Deccan hemp oil methyl ester to diesel fuel and injecting n-butanol into a dual-fuel diesel engine could help lower emissions without affecting the engine’s performance.

Exploring the synergistic effects of graphene on the mechanical and vibrational response of kenaf/pineapple fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites

AbstractThe automotive, aerospace, and sports industries are increasingly utilizing hybrid composites made from natural fiber reinforcements. This study evaluated the performance of a composite made from kenaf and pineapple fibers, manufactured using the compression molding process, with graphene nanoparticles added at varying weight concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt%. Results showed that adding 0.5 wt% graphene increased the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of hybrid composite by 133.75%, 90.24%, and 25.67%, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that graphene integration has enhanced the interfacial bond between the fiber and the matrix, creating resin‐rich areas. Furthermore, the free vibrational analysis indicated that graphene‐infused composites exhibited higher natural frequencies, improving their energy‐absorbing capabilities. Water absorption tests demonstrated that the inclusion of graphene reduced water penetration by improving interfacial bonding, minimizing voids, and decreasing surface energy, which limited water pathways in the composite. Furthermore, the composites with 0.5 wt% graphene showed a contact angle of 80.8°, indicating lower hydrophilicity compared to neat composites, which had a contact angle of 70.7°. This research emphasizes the advantages of hybrid composite materials derived from kenaf and pineapple fibers, specifically for applications in vehicle interiors and construction, including wall panels and separators.Highlights Hybrid composite was prepared using the compression molding process. Adding 0.5 wt% graphene improved the mechanical properties of composites. Hybrid composites with lower wt% graphene had higher natural frequencies. The composites with 0.5 wt% graphene had better water absorption properties.

Experimental and multiscale analysis of volume fraction effects in tensile properties of recycled PLA-PDA/kenaf fiber 3D printing filament composites

Polylactic acid, a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable sources, has notable environmental advantages and versatile properties. However, recycled PLA often experiences reduced mechanical strength and altered chemical composition due to the recycling process, limiting its suitability for 3D printing filament applications. Recognizing the inherent limitations of recycled PLA (rPLA), this research employs a unique method of coating rPLA with dopamine (DA) and reinforcing it with kenaf fibers (KF) at various weight fractions, introducing a novel multiscale modeling approach to address the challenges of interfacial bonding and tensile performance in recycled polymers. The methodology integrates experimental single filament tensile testing with multiscale finite element modeling to accurately predict the composite’s mechanical behavior across different scales. The findings reveal that a 5% kenaf fiber weight/volume fraction provides the optimal balance between tensile strength, stiffness, and toughness, achieving a significant 49.3% improvement over the unreinforced rPLA. However, increasing the kenaf fiber content beyond 5% leads to a decline in mechanical properties, attributed to higher fiber agglomeration and suboptimal fiber-matrix interactions. The novelty of this research lies in its combined use of PDA coating, natural kenaf fiber reinforcement, and advanced multiscale modeling to enhance and predict the performance of rPLA-PDA/kenaf composites, paving the way for sustainable, high-performance materials in 3D printing applications.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanol Extract from Hibiscus cannabinus L. Flower in Diesel Particulate Matter-Stimulated HaCaT Cells.

Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is a very small particulate matter originating from cities, factories, and the use of fossil fuels in diesel vehicles. When DPM permeates the skin, it causes inflammation, leading to severe atopic dermatitis. Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Kenaf) seeds and leaves possess various beneficial properties, including anti-coagulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of Hibiscus cannabinus L. flower (HCFE) in HaCaT cells stimulated with 100 μg/mL of DPM. The anthocyanin content of HCFE was analyzed, and its antioxidant capacity was investigated using the DPPH assay. After inducing inflammation with 100 ug/mL of DPM, the cytotoxicity of HCFE 25, 50, and 100 ug/mL was measured, and the inhibitory effect of HCFE on inflammatory mediators was evaluated. Anthocyanin and myricetin-3-O-glucoside were present in HCFE and showed high antioxidant capacity. In addition, HCFE decreased the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, and MCP-1, and significantly reduced the gene expression of CXCL10, CCL5, CCL17, and CCL22, which are known to increase in atopic dermatitis lesions. Furthermore, HCFE reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and down-regulated the activation of NF-κB, MAPKs. Inhibition of the NLRP-3 inflammasome was observed in DPM-stimulated HaCaT cells. In addition, the restoration of filaggrin and involucrin, skin barrier proteins destroyed by DPM exposure, was confirmed. These data suggest that HCFE could be used to prevent and improve skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis through the regulation of inflammatory mediators and the inhibition of skin water loss.

Enhancing mechanical performance of kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites: influence of fiber characteristics and processing techniques

Enhancing mechanical performance of kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites: influence of fiber characteristics and processing techniques

Enhanced Thermal and Flexural Properties of Alkalized Date Palm/Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites: A Comparative Study of Untreated and Treated Fibers

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the thermal and mechanical behavior of hybrid composites made from date palm (DP) and kenaf fibers (KF) in an epoxy thermoset matrix. Both DP and KF fibers are abundant and renewable, reducing environmental impact. KF offers high tensile strength and stiffness, improving composite strength and rigidity, while DP fibers offer toughness and impact resistance, enhancing durability. The composites were developed in 30%, 50%, and 70% DP-KF compositions using layup and hot-pressing methods. Fiber treatment through alkalization was analyzed for its impact on mechanical and thermal properties to find the optimal fiber ratio. The hybrid composites were subjected to DMA, TGA, and flexural tests. The treated composites exhibited fewer impurities and increased cellulose content, resulting in enhanced flexural performance. This improvement was evident through higher storage modulus, lower loss modulus, and reduced tan δ when exposed to thermal stress. The 30% DP and 70% KF composites exhibited best performance. The treated 30DP-70KF exhibited improvement in the flexural strength and modulus by 13.8% and 2.7%, respectively. TGA demonstrated that treated 30DP-70KF composites had a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and better thermal degradation resistance. These findings highlight the potential of natural fiber hybrids in creating sustainable, high-performance composite materials for construction and industrial applications.

Experimental analysis and optimization of kenaf fiber-lateritic bricks using glass powder as partial cement replacement

The rising global cost of housing demands innovative solutions to improve construction materials and reduce expenses, making affordable housing more attainable. This study investigates the synergistic benefits of eco-friendly additives—kenaf fiber and glass powder—in masonry applications aimed at affordable housing solutions. The aim is to identify the effect of different kenaf fiber and glass powder proportions on lateritic brick. Kenaf fiber was incorporated into a cement-lateritic clay mix at varying percentages (0.5 %, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, and 2.0 %), while glass powder replaced cement at levels of 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 %. The reference mix was prepared as 20 % cement, 20 % sand, and 60 % laterite clay while the water/cement ratio was maintained at 0.4. Results indicate that kenaf fiber and glass powder significantly improve compressive, flexural, and splitting strengths compared to the reference mix. However, kenaf fiber exhibits a reduction in ultrasonic velocity. The dosage of kenaf fiber and glass powder profoundly influences the hybrid material properties. The study has revealed that 4 % of glass powder and 1 % of kenaf fiber highly improved the compressive strength, flexural strength and ultrasonic velocity of the mixes. On the other hand, 4 % of glass powder and 1.5 % of kenaf fiber highly improved the splitting strength of the material. These results were supported by a predictive model validated against experimental data. Optimization reveals an optimum mix with 20.44 % cement replacement (comprising 15.91 % cement, 4.08 % glass powder, and 1.19 % kenaf fiber), 20 % sand and 58.80 % clay, offering balanced performance for masonry bricks in affordable mass housing construction.

Green Innovation: Kenaf Fiber as a Sustainable Filler in Composites

Kenaf fiber has recently gained significant attention as a reinforcement in composite materials across various industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, ease of manufacturing, and natural biodegradability. This brief review examines the physical and chemical properties of kenaf. The high cellulose content of kenaf composites enhances their mechanical and thermal properties. Additionally, several previous studies focusing on improving kenaf composites are highlighted. The reinforcement made by using the kenaf fiber shows its potential to replace the glass fiber composite. The review also discusses the applications of kenaf in various industries, as well as the challenges faced by the kenaf industry in Malaysia and globally. Finally, the review addresses the potential and market demand for kenaf fiber and kenaf seed oil.