Comparison between the Crystallinity, Thermal degradation, and Morphology of Kenaf Bast and Stalk NaOH-AQ pulp Fibers

In this study, kenaf bast and stalk fibers properties studied to determined their potential in reinforcing of polymeric composite as well as their ability in cellulose extracting process to achieve interested applications such as  producing micro and nano cellulose. Chemical pulps from kenaf bast and stem fibers were prepared using Soda-AQ process by using the 15% NaOH and 0.1% AQ. A three-stage bleaching procedure was carried out, including a DEpD stage for increasing the cellulose content in the produced pulp. The morphology of the obtained fibers were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Microscopy studies revealed that the pulping and bleaching processes separated the fiber bundles to individual fibers, and caused a significant decrease in their diameter. The analysis of the chemical composition indicated an increase in the cellulose content after the chemical treatments. FTIR results also displayed that the chemical treatments could successfully be used to remove lignin and hemicellulose. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the thermal stability increased in the materials having undergone pulping and bleaching. The TGA results also demonstrated the higher resistance towards heat for both treated and untreated kenaf bast fibers compared to stem fibers. X-ray analyses pointed at a higher crystallinity for the chemically treated fibers, and the highest crystallinity was found for the treated kenaf bast fibers. Finally, it is found that one could be able to produce reinforcing fiber of this plant, considering in all cases kenaf stalk shoed better results comparing to the bast fiber.