Kenaf Powder Research Articles

The Study of Kenaf Powder Performance in Mortar

As cement is essential in producing mortar, reforms and innovations are needed to reduce the adverse effects of CO2 in the future. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal amount of kenaf powder in mortar strength and to examine the mechanical and flexural properties of kenaf powder in the mortar. Thirty-six mortar cubes of 50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm and 12 number of mortar prism were cast using mix ratio of 1:3 with two different water-cement ratios. The replacement of kenaf powder ranging from 10% to 20% to the cement matrix were tested to investigate the mechanical parameters such as workability, density, compressive strength, and water absorption capabilities. Furthermore flexural strength was assessed using a similar mix proportion. The mortar containing 10% of kenaf powder and superplasticizer additives had demonstrated the best performance in workability and improved the compressive strength and flexural strength.

Melt behavior of polypropylene‐co‐ethylene composites filled with dual component of sago and kenaf natural filler

AbstractA dual component natural filler system featuring discrete function appears to be suitable for modulating smooth flow of pseudo‐plastic into formulated biodegradable polymer composite. Polypropylene‐co‐ethylene (PPcoE) filled with sago starch and different kenaf powder loadings were compounded using co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder to produce dual component polymer composite. The flow characteristics of the composites were measured using capillary rheometer and Bagley corrections were performed to achieve the true rheological data. In addition, data collected from the twin‐screw extruder were used to calculate the composite apparent rheological value. The flow properties of PPcoE filled with sago starch (PPcoE/sago) exhibited deviation from the common non‐Newtonian thermoplastic flow paths at high shear rates. Interestingly, the addition of kenaf powder into the PPcoE/sago starch blend stabilized the melted composite flow stream. The calculation of interfacial tension revealed that the flow corrections were related to the phase selective localization of kenaf particle, which preferably embedded between the sago particles rather than in the surrounding PPcoE phase thus reducing the effect of sago clustering. At higher extrusion temperature, the extruded composite indicated sign of flow instability due to factors of high amount of kenaf powder loading and the degradation of sago starch and PPcoE chains.

Silane-coupled kenaf fiber filled thermoplastic elastomer based on recycled high density polyethylene/natural rubber blends

Abstract A silane coupling agent, namely γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), was used to modify kenaf powder (KP). It was then used as filler in a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based on Recycled High Density Polyethylene/Natural Rubber Blends (rHDPE/NR). The attachment of silane onto KP was verified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while the performance of the TPE was assessed in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. The results revealed that specific functional groups of APS were efficiently grafted onto the KP. Tensile strength was improved by the modification with silane and this also affected Young’s modulus of the TPE. Also, improved thermal stability was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as the degradation temperature increased upon inclusion of silane. These effects are attributed to improved compatibility of the KP and rHDPE/NR blend. Such compatibilizing effect was confirmed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) that indicated significantly increased crystallinity after the modification with silane.

A short review on the extraction of kenaf fibers and the mechanical properties of kenaf powder composites

Kenaf fibers are rapidly growing in the global market and currently being used as a composite to replace other expensive composite materials available in the market. Kenaf powder has the potential to replace other traditional fillers due to its low cost, eco-friendliness, and renewability. The aim of this paper is to review on the mechanical properties of Kenaf fibers, and its powder composites. This paper discusses on the Kenaf plants itself, extraction process, physical properties of kenaf fibers, and finally the mechanical properties of the kenaf powder composites. It can be concluded that Kenaf powder composite has more opportunity for further growth with new methods and technologies which keeps on evolving.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a filler treatment: effects on mechanical, morphological and swelling properties of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/kenaf core powder composites

The effects of SDS treatment on properties of PVC/ENR/kenaf core powder composites were studied. Four different loadings of kenaf core powder (5, 10, 15 and 20 phr) were used. Samples were prepared using a Haake Polydrive with the temperature of 140 °C and rotor speed of 50 rpm, with the processing time of 8 min. Processing torque and stabilization torque during the compounding process were recorded. Tensile properties indicated that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites exhibited an increase for samples with SDS treatment. Morphological analysis using SEM showed better interfacial adhesion of kenaf fibre with SDS treatment with less kenaf powder agglomeration. Furthermore, swelling index indicated that the composites with SDS treatment show lower absorption of solvent compared to composites without SDS treatment.

Properties and Characterization of Kenaf-Filled Natural Rubber Latex Foam

Kenaf powder was incorporated with natural rubber latex (NRL) compound and foamed to make natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) by using a well known technique called the Dunlop method. Different loadings of kenaf powder were added to NRL compound and was foamed to make NRLF. The mechanical properties, density, compression, thermal, and micro-structural characterization of control NRLF and kenaf incorporated NRLF were studied. Increasing content of kenaf reduced the tensile strength, elongation at break, and compressive strength of a NRLF. Modulus at 100% elongation and density of the NRLF increased with an increase in filler loading. Higher kenaf loading indicated higher elasticity of kenaf-filled NRLF, but the recovery percentage of kenaf-filled NRLF decreased with increasing kenaf loading. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result, an increase in the amount of kenaf loading from 1 to 7 phr increased the thermal stability of kenaf-filled NRLF. Morphological and micro-structural characterization performed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that kenaf powder filled up the micro-sized pores in the open cell structure of kenaf-filled NRLF.

Effects of Polyethylene Grafted Maleic Anhydride on the Mechanical, Morphological, and Swelling Properties of Poly (Vinyl Chloride) / Epoxidized Natural Rubber / Kenaf Core Powder Composites

The effects of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) on the properties of poly (vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber (PVC/ENR) kenaf core powder composites were studied, with four different loadings of kenaf core powder (5, 10, 15, and 20 phr). The tensile properties indicated that the strength and elongation at break of the composites exhibited an increase for samples with PE-g-MA. Morphological analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed better dispersion of kenaf fiber with the addition of PE-g-MA and less kenaf powder agglomeration. Furthermore, the swelling index indicated that composites with PE-g-MA showed lower toluene absorption than composites without PE-g-MA.

Removal of Pb (II) by CS<sub>2</sub> Modified Kenaf Powder

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a hardy crop that has wide industrial applications such as insulator, paper, carpet padding, bedding and a good adsorbent for oil. This study investigated the ability of carbon disulfide (CS2) modified kenaf (CMK) to remove toxic Pb (II) from waste water. Adsorbent characterization was carried out by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope (FESEM-EDX) analysis. The adsorption kinetic data was well described by pseudo-second-order model and the adsorption isotherm study indicated that Langmuir model fitted well with the experimental data than the Freundlich model. Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacities of Pb (II) (qmax) was 63.3 mg g-1 .This study suggested that CMK has a good potential to be used as an adsorbent material for Pb (II) removal from aqueous solutions.

Effect of filler surface treatment on the properties of recycled high-density polyethylene/(natural rubber)/(Kenaf powder) biocomposites

Biocomposites were prepared from a kenaf core powder and recycled high-density polyethylene/(natural rubber) blend by using an internal mixer at 165oC and 50 rpm. The effect of the filler content and the filler surface treatment was studied. Chemical modification of kenaf filler was performed with alkali pretreatment followed by treatment with silane. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy studies confirmed changes in the chemical compositions and structural characteristics induced through the modification. It was found that treated biocomposites offered higher tensile strength and tensile modulus, but lower elongation at break compared with untreated biocomposites. Lower water absorption and higher thermal stability of the resultant biocomposites were also obtained when treated fillers were used. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:218–224, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Impact Toughness of Kenaf Powder, Polypropylene and Kevlar

mpact and tensile properties were carried out on Kenaf Powder (K) Polypropylene (PP) reinforced with Kevlar (KV) composites plate prepared in-house using hot press technique. The effect of bonding agent, Maleic Anhydride grafted Polypropylene (MAPP), on the strength and impact toughness was also conducted. The size of kenaf powder used was limited to 100μm. The kenaf/polypropylene composite designated as KPP specimens were tested through tensile test (ASTM D 638) and izod test (ASTM D256) for 20-40% weight ratio of kenaf powder. The optimum weight ratio of KPP sample was selected and then underwent for the drop impact testing. The selected KPP sample was further reinforced with Kevlar cloths. This hybrid composite is designated as KPP/KV sample and further tested in izod impact and drop tests. The impact toughness of KPP reinforced with KV is almost 4-6 times without KV. There are also slight improvements in the impact toughness of the KPP/KV samples with MAPP.

Cholinium carboxylate ionic liquids for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials to enhance subsequent enzymatic saccharification

The present study is the first report demonstrating that ionic liquids consisting of cholinium cations and linear carboxylate anions ([Ch][CA] ILs) can be used for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials to enhance subsequent enzymatic saccharification. Six variants of [Ch][CA] ILs were systematically prepared by combining cholinium cations with linear monocarboxylate anions ([CnH2n+1–COO]−, n=0–2) or dicarboxylate anions ([HOOC–CnH2n+1–COO]−, n=0–2). These [Ch][CA] ILs were analyzed for their toxicity to yeast cell growth and their ability to pretreat kenaf powder for subsequent enzymatic saccharification. When assayed against yeast growth, the EC50 for choline acetate ([Ch][OAc]) was 510mM, almost one order of magnitude higher than that for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]). The cellulose saccharification ratio after pretreatment at 110°C for 16h with [Ch][OAc] (100.6%) was almost comparable with that after pretreatment with [Emim][OAc]. Therefore, [Ch][OAc] is a biocompatible alternative to [Emim][OAc] for lignocellulosic material pretreatment.

Maleated Natural Rubber as a Coupling Agent for Recycled High Density Polyethylene/Natural Rubber/Kenaf Powder Biocomposites

Kenaf powder (KP) was incorporated into recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE)/natural rubber (NR) blend using an internal mixer at 165°C and rotor speed of 50 rpm. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites decreased, while the tensile modulus increased with increasing filler loading. The water absorption was found to increase as the filler content increased. The maleic anhydride grafted natural rubber was prepared and used to enhance the composites performance. The addition of MANR as a coupling agent improved the tensile properties of rHDPE/NR/KP biocomposites. The water absorption was also reduced with the addition of MANR.

Enhanced enzymatic saccharification of kenaf powder after ultrasonic pretreatment in ionic liquids at room temperature

This study demonstrates for the first time that the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is drastically enhanced following ultrasonic pretreatment of lignocellulosic material in ionic liquids (ILs) when compared to conventional thermal pretreatment. Five types of ILs, 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl), 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EmimCl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate (EmimDep), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc) were tested. Cellulose saccharification ratio was about 20% for kenaf powders pretreated in BmimCl, AmimCl, EmimCl, and EmimDep by conventional heating at 110°C for 120min. Conversely, 60–95% of cellulose was hydrolyzed to glucose, subsequent to ultrasonic pretreatment in the same ILs for 120min at 25°C. The cellulose saccharification ratio of kenaf powder in EmimOAc was 86% after only 15min of the ultrasonic pretreatment at 25°C, compared to only 47% in that case of thermal pretreatment in the IL.

Mechanical properties and water absorption of kenaf powder filled recycled high density polyethylene/natural rubber biocomposites using MAPE as a compatibilizer

The performance of kenaf powder (KP) filled recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) /natural rubber (NR) blends with and without a compatibilizer, were investigated. The composites with different filler loading (0 to 40 phr) were prepared with a Haake internal mixer. Increasing the KP loading in rHDPE/NR/KP biocomposites reduced the tensile strength and the elongation at break but increased the stabilization torque and the tensile modulus. The addition of MAPE as a compatibilizer increased the tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of the composites. This might be attributed to the enhanced adhesion between the filler and polymer matrix, as evidenced from the morphology, using scanning electron microscopy. The incorporation of compatibilizer also reduced the water absorption of the composites.

Utilization of Dried Kenaf (H. Cannabinus) Leaves to the Meals

Kenaf (cannabinaus) is one of annual plants which belong to Malyales, Hibiscus L. Recently “Kenaf” draws one's attention for prevention of global warming and cleaning muddy water.The dried kenaf leaves contain about a lot of calcium and dietary fibers.Minerals, particularly calcium, are effective for the formation of bones and teeth, and dietary fibers contribute highly to our health.We tried to add the dried kenaf leaves in meals to improve the nutritional balance.The kenaf leaves were obtained at the Biotechnology Center of Kobe Women's university in November of 1998. The kind of kenaf is “green skin NO.3” these seeds imported from China.The result is following.We tried from one to three percent of dried green kenaf leaves powder mixing with cereals'powder. And made breads, sponge cakes, steamed cakes, dumplings and others.1. Over 3% contents of kenaf leaves powder indicated bitterness.2. The most suitable contents of kenaf powder for sponge cake and steamed cake were 3%, and for another foodstuffs were 1%.3. When 1% kenaf powder added to flour, the calcium contents 1.6 times and dietary fibers shows 2 times more than original flour.

Determination of the acid-base characteristics of lignocellulosic surfaces by inverse gas chromatography

The surface acid-base characteristics of samples of cellulose, pine wood, and kenaf powder were determined by inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The test substrates were packed in a deactivated glass column and the IGC probes were injected at infinite dilution. The surface acid-base parameters were expressed in terms of the acceptor K A and donor K D parameters, analogous to the Gutmann acceptor and donor numbers derived from the Lewis concept of acids and bases. The K A and K D values were calculated from the experimental values of the enthalpy of desorption, corresponding to the specific acid-base interactions, and literature values of the acceptor and donor numbers for the acid-base probes, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether. Values of K A and K D suggest that the surfaces of cellulose, pine wood, and kenaf powder that have been washed by extraction with toluene/ethanol (2: 1, v/ v) are amphoteric, with a relatively greater capacity to accept electrons. The effect of the washing procedure on the dispersive component of the surface energy of the pine wood and kenaf powder was also determined. It was observed that the values for the washed substrates were relatively greater than those of the nonwashed counterparts.