Determining the Minimum Conditions for Soda-AQ Pulping of Kenaf Bast, Core, and Whole Stalk Fibers

摘要

Chemical pulping of kenaf fiber is comparatively new. In this study, bast, core, and whole stalk kenaf fibers were pulped using a soda-AQ pulping process and various pulping conditions. Handsheets were evaluated for density, Canadian standard freeness, brightness, opacity, smoothness, and tensile, burst, and tear indexes and strength. The results indicate that commercially viable pulp can be produced from kenaf using 12% NaOH, 0.15 AQ, and 2 h of cooking at 160 degrees Centigrade.