Abstract
A kenaf bast fiber is comprised of a bundle of single fibers bound by lignin and pectins. It offers the advantages of being renewable, biodegradable and environmentally safe. However, it is difficult to process kenaf fibers because of the coarseness, stiffness and low cohesion of the fiber bundles. In this research, kenaf fiber bundles have been treated by both alkaline sulfide and a modified chemical degumming methods to improve fiber properties. Tensile properties, fineness, length and softness of the kenaf fiber bundles after the treatments were determined. It was found that both treatments improved the fiber fineness, softness and elongation; however, fiber bundle strength was decreased. The modified chemical degumming method was more effective. Under the optimum modified chemical degumming condition, the fineness of the kenaf fiber bundle was improved more than 50% and the fiber bundle was more than twice as soft as the raw material. These kenaf fiber bundles were much finer and softer and found to be easier to process than those obtained in earlier studies. The treated kenaf fiber bundles can be blended with cotton fibers and easily carded on a cotton card with minimum losses. The carded batts can be further processed for either nonwoven or woven applications.