Improving the use of kenaf for kraft pulping by using mixtures of bast and core fibers

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a herbaceous annual plant amenable to use as a papermaking raw material. Kraft and soda pulping of kenaf have so far been done exclusively on the bark fraction (about 34–38% of the stem) or whole stem of the plant. Using kenaf bark exploits the higher quality of its bast fibers but reduces the typically high crop yields of this plant. In any case, core kraft pulp has acceptable properties some of which (e.g. tensile index, burst index) can even surpass those of bark pulp. Pulp made from both fractions has been found to exhibit better bonding properties than bark pulp. However, too high a proportion of core fibers can result in difficult drainage, a low tear strength or poor air permeability. These problems restrict the proportion of core that can be mixed with bast fibers, hinders separation of the two fractions and raises operational costs.The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the core–bark ratio on the properties of mixed kenaf pulp. We used unrefined core pulp and refined bark pulp. Based on the results for kraft sacks, obtaining kenaf paper from both fractions has some advantages. Because Gurley air porosity changed dramatically with the proportion of core pulp used, it was used to determine the maximum amount of core fibers to be added to bast fibers. A proportion of up to 34% was found to have no adverse effect on air permeability. Such a proportion allowed paper strength to be preserved with an acceptable tear index (19.8 mN m²/g) and excellent tensile index (72 N m/g). Also, energy consumption was reduced if only the bark fraction was refined. The proposed strategy thus provides increased fiber yields of kenaf per hectare per year and valorizes the core fraction.     

Studies on Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa as an alternative pulp blend for softwood: An optimization of kraft delignification process

Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa, agro-based residues consist of bast and wood fibers which resemble to those of softwood and hardwood, respectively. The runkel ratio of core fibers H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa is comparable to that of Picca abies, whereas, it is much less than those of hardwood like Eucalyptus tereticornis. The slenderness ratio of H. cannabinus is much closer to P. abies in comparison to H. sabdariffa whereas, it is 7.7 and 13% less than E. tereticornis. The flexibility coefficient of H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa are slightly lower than that of P. abies but it is 59.6 and 57.0% are more than that of E. tereticornis. It indicates that morphological characteristics of core fibers of H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa closely resemble to that of softwood except fiber length which can be compensated by long bast fibers. Due to identical pulping conditions, H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa can be delignified together by kraft pulping process. The optimum cooking conditions for H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa were found to be as, active alkali 16%, sulfidity 20%, temperature 160 °C, time (at temperature) 120 min and wood to liquor ratio of 1:4.5. An anthraquinone (AQ) dose of 0.05% at an active alkali dose of 13% (as Na₂O) produces the screening rejects and kappa number similar to that obtained by using 15% active alkali (as Na₂O). The reaction kinetics study indicates that delignification is of first order. Low sulfidity AQ additive kraft pulping at constant H-factor produces better strength properties compared to non-additive kraft cooks.     

The role of absorbed hemicelluloses on final paper properties and printability

Hemicelluloses isolated from eucalyptus wood were adsorbed onto both bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp and pine kraft pulp as part of a general strategy to investigate their role on final sheet mechanics and physical properties. The tensile indices increased upon hemicelluloses addition and respectively reached a maximum at 9 mg/g and 10 mg/g hemicelluloses adsorption for bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp and pine kraft pulp, whereas the tear index increased depending on the pulp type. The air permeability and surface roughness of the bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp slightly decreased, however, brightness and opacity did not changed. SEM analysis shows that hemicelluloses adsorption increases bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp fibers interaction, whereas the effect of hemicelluloses addition on the beaten pine kraft pulp is unclear. The hemicelluloses adsorption also affected printability. It was found that print through for the bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp hand sheet slightly decreased, but for the bleached pine kraft pulp hand sheet it was unaffected. Print densities were not influenced.     

Studies on Ipomea carnea and Cannabis sativa as an alternative pulp blend for softwood: An optimization of kraft delignification process

Ipomea carnea Jacq, a common weed known as ‘Beshram’ was introduced in India, as an ornamental plant. Surprisingly, except fiber length, other morphological characteristics like, cell wall thickness, lumen diameter, flexibility coefficient and wall fraction of I. carnea resemble with softwoods like, Pinus kesiya, and Picca abies. Cannabis sativa L., a common weed known as soft hemp consists of both bast fiber as well as core fiber. The unique morphological characteristics of I. carnea like, cell wall thickness and flexibility coefficient, which resembles with softwoods along with long fibers of C. sativa, in which I. carnea deficits in a proper blend ratio, can be used in a better way for the development of high quality value added paper. The optimum kraft cooking conditions for I. carnea and C. sativa were: active alkali 16%, sulfidity 20%, temperature 165 °C, time (at temperature) 120 min and wood to liquor ratio of 1:4 for I. carnea and 1:3.5 for C. sativa. The screened pulp yield of I. carnea and C. sativa were found to be 49.3 and 54.3% at Kappa number of 29, respectively. An anthraquinone (AQ) dose of 0.1% increases the pulp yield to the tune of around 0.6% as well reduce the Kappa number to the tune of 22%. CEHH bleaching of C. sativa produces pulp brightness of 82% (Elrepho) at total chlorine demand of 5.07%. On contrary to this the I. carnea kraft pulp at same chlorine demand produce a pulp with improved brightness of 85.4% (Elrepho).     

Oil Red as a histochemical stain for natural fibers and plant cuticle

Properties of natural fibers are influenced by the nature of their surface. Oil Red was evaluated as a histochemical stain for the waxy components on the surface of cotton and flax fibers and of plant cuticles. A positive reaction for arachidyl stearate and differential staining of fibers after sequential extraction of fatty acids and alcohols indicated that Oil Red stained wax components in plant materials. For cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers, Oil Red stained to a greater extent the regions closest to the seed coat, especially at points where fibers attached to the seed coat. Fiber regions at a distance from the seed coats stained irregularly, suggesting that the wax was unevenly distributed. Flax (Linum usitatissimum) bast fibers, in contrast, did not stain with Oil Red, but the protective stem cuticle was intensely stained. The positive histochemical reaction for cuticle identified non-fiber fragments in processed and cleaned flax fibers, thus providing a quick method to detect visually trash components in fiber and products. Likewise, bast fibers from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) did not stain well with Oil Red, whereas the stem cuticle gave a positive reaction. The general usefulness of Oil Red as a histochemical stain for the plant cuticle was demonstrated in leaves and stems of mature corn (Zea mays) and fresh bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) leaves. Oil Red provides a quick, qualitative histochemical method to demonstrate the wax-containing cuticle in plants.     

Preparation,composition, structure and properties of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kosteletzkya virginica</Emphasis> bast fiber

In this paper, the bast of the Kosteletzkya virginica are degummed and separated into fine fibers, the chemical composition, morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties of the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers are characterized by means of SEM, ART-FTIR, DSC-TGA, XRD and Instron tensile tester. The results show that the surface of the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers is smooth, and there are many visible grooves along the vertical section. Typical cellulose I in the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers is confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The crystallinity of the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers is higher than that of the cotton fibers and lower than that of the castor-oil plant bast fibers. The beginning and maximum decomposition temperature of the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers are 252 and 347 °C respectively, which indicate that the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers have an appropriate thermal stability. The Kosteletzkya virginica bast fibers have a better mechanical properties and excellent hygroscopicity. All the results show that the Kosteletzkya virginica bast fiber is one of an ideal candidate for the new textile material.     

Characteristics of lignocellulosic fibers from hardwood pulp by laccase-catalyzed TEMPO oxidation

There is a challenge to find an effective and eco-friendly method to achieve the modification of fibers. The effect of laccase-TEMPO system on the properties of the bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp was investigated in this work. The results were demonstrated by the decreases in curl values and kink index. In addition, carboxyl and aldehyde groups were introduced in this reaction system. Compared with initial pulp, the contents of aldehyde and carboxyl groups of the treated pulp were increased from 42.6 μmol/g, 8.4 μmol/g to 125.4 μmol/g, 26.3 μmol/g respectively. However, the treatment had a detrimental effect on the thermal stability of pulp fibers. Moreover, the crystallinity index was slightly increased (from 82.1 % to 83.8 %) after the TEMPO-mediated oxidation, but the native crystalline structure was nearly unchanged. Furthermore, after the oxidation treatment, the relatively smooth film surface became textured, the carbon and oxygen bonds were changed, which were investigated by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.     

Surface morphologies and internal fine structures of bast fibers

Fiber surface morphologies and associated internal structures are closely related to its properties. Unlike other fibers including cotton, bast fibers possess transverse nodes and fissures in cross-sectional and longitudinal directions. Their morphologies and associated internal structures were anatomically examined under the scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the morphologies of the nodes and the fissures of bast fibers varied depending on the construction of the inner fibril cellular layers. The transverse nodes and fissures were formed by the folding and spiralling of the cellular layers during plant growth. The dimensions of nodes and fissures were determined by the dislocations of the cellular layers. There were also many longitudinal fissures in bast fibers. Some deep longitudinal fissures even opened the fiber lumen for a short way along the fiber. In addition, the lumen channel of the bast fibers could be disturbed or disrupted by the nodes and the spirals of the internal cellular layers. The existence of the transverse nodes and fissures in the bast fibers could degrade the fiber mechanical properties, whereas the longitudinal fissures may contribute to the very rapid moisture absorption and desorption.     

厌氧细菌发酵红麻皮制浆造纸的研究

利用亨氏厌氧技术从沤麻塘底泥等厌氧生境中分离筛选到N2,Y4,Z2-6三株厌氧细菌,研究结果表明,其产酶最适pH为7．0－7．4,最适温度为30℃,最佳碳源为淀粉,最佳氮源为豆饼粉。N2、Y4、Z2-6的果胶酶活分别为：913u,973u,927U,半纤维素酶活分别为：137u、140u、170u,纤维素酶活分别为0、3u、0,对数生长期均为5－9小时,产酶高峰时间均在72小时左右。三个菌株混合发酵红麻皮,5天可成浆,粗浆得率为74．4％,半纤维素脱除率为28．79％,果胶脱除率为72．41％,脂蜡质脱除率为23．23％,打浆后做手抄片,白度为40．5,裂断长为3529m。对N2,Y4,Z2-6进行了初步鉴定,经查《伯杰细菌鉴定手册》第八版,三个菌株均属梭菌属的群Ⅲ。     

Evaluation of harvesting time effects on kenaf bast lignin by pyrolysis-gas chromatography

A Chinese kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), variety Sekko-ichi, was planted in May 1996, and harvested at 76, 116, 152, 185, and 226 days after planting. The hand-separated bast fibers were analyzed for lignin content and in situ lignin composition to clarify their variations with maturity. Bast fibers increased in lignin until 152 days after planting, and did not increase thereafter. Variations in in situ lignin compositions with maturity were monitored using pyrolysis-gas chromatography. The volatile pyrolysis products released at 500 °C for 4 s were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pyrolysis products derived from guaiacyl and syringyl lignin units were revealed. The yield of guaiacyl lignin-derived pyrolysis products decreased with maturity, while the yield of the syringyl analogous increased with maturity. The ratio of yield of syringyl lignin-derived products to that of guaiacyl ones (S/G) increased from 1.86 to 3.16 with maturity, but remained constant at 152 days after planting. High S/G ratio showed that mature bast lignin is of syringyl type. Quantitative pyrolysis results suggested that harvesting of kenaf at age of 5-months growth period provides a raw material with an ease of delignification.     

麻类纤维细度数据分析测试软件的开发

本文根据优化出的麻类纤维细度与直径的相关回归模型，设计制作了通用型麻类纤维细度及细度分布的数据分析测试软件(Uitra—0FDA)，将该软件装入0FDAl00纤维直径分析仪，使0FDAl00纤维直径分析仪用于麻类纤维细度及细度分布的自动测定。U1tra—0FDA通用软件亦可应用于其它类似纤维直径分析仪。     

对我国麻类生产质量安全的探讨

我国是世界上庥类生产、贸易大国。目前我国庥类生产加工中存在的主要问题：质量监控检测体系不健全，原料市场较乱，良种区域化程度低，初加工技术落后，庥纺织加工水平低。所以加强麻类质量监督检测体系建设，提高类庥检测手段，规范市场行为，加强优质育种，实行良种区域化，采用先进的加工技术，加强横向联合等是提高我国麻类生产质量水平和市场竞争力的主要对策。     

Xylanase pre-treatment of giant reed organosolv pulps: Direct bleaching effect and bleach boosting

The effect of enzymatic pre-treatment with xylanase preparation (endo-1,4-β-xylanase activity; EC 3.2.1.8) on properties and bleachability of organic solvent-based Ethanol-Alkali, Organocell (alkali-anthraquinone-methanol) and ASAM (alkali-sulfite-anthraquinone-methanol) pulps produced from agro-fibre crop giant reed (Arundo donax L.) has been examined and compared with traditional kraft pulp. The enzyme-assisted removal of xylan-associated lignin fragments and hexenuronic acids caused direct brightening and delignification during the enzymatic stage, while somewhat affecting the pulp strength properties. The xylanase bleach boosting substantially improved subsequent chemical bleaching of organosolv pulps by hydrogen peroxide. The savings in bleaching chemicals with simultaneous increase in brightness and degree of delignification were observed. The enzymatic pre-treatment improved the intrinsic viscosity of bleached organosolv pulps.     

Optimization for enzyme-retting of flax with pectate lyase

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important commercial crop that supplies both linseed and bast fibers for multiple applications. Retting, which is a microbial process, separates industrially useful bast fibers from non-fiber stem tissues. While several methods (i.e., water- and dew-retting) are used to ret flax, more recently enzymes have been evaluated to replace methods used currently. Alkaline pectate lyase (PL) from the commercial product BioPrep 3000 and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) from Mayoquest 200 as a calcium chelator were used in various formulations to ret flax stems. Retted stems were then mechanically cleaned through the USDA Flax Fiber Pilot Plant and passed through the Shirley Analyzer. The PL and chelator effectively retted flax from both fiber flax and linseed stems, and the use of enzyme plus chelator retted flax stems better than either component alone. Fiber yield and strength were greater than retting with a mixed-enzyme product that contained cellulases. Retting with PL and chelator was optimized based on fine-fiber yield, remaining shive content, and fiber properties. PL at levels of about 2% of the commercial product for 1 h at 55 °C followed by treatment with 18 mM EDTA for 23–24 h at 55 °C provided the best fibers based on these criteria. Yield and fiber properties determined by these tests were not improved with PL levels of 5% of the commercial product.     

Macro-micro structure,antibacterial activity,and physico-mechanical properties of the mulberry bast fibers

In this paper, the mulberry fibers were successfully obtained by a new pretreatment named alkali-assisted microwave plus biological enzymatic technique (AMBET). The morphology, microstructure, physico-mechanical and antibacterial properties of the mulberry bast fibers were investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), instron tensile tester and antibacterial testing. The results showed that impurities of the bast fibers could be removed by AMBET treatment. AMBET treated mulberry fiber was even, smooth and fine, and typical cellulose I in the mulberry fibers was confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The crystallinity of the AMBET treated fibers was higher than that of the raw mulberry and chemical treated mulberry fibers. Thermal analysis indicated that the mulberry fibers had a good thermal stability. Moreover, the AMBET treated mulberry fibers showed excellent antimicrobial activities against S.aureus. The physical properties of the mulberry fibers indicated the AMBET treated mulberry fibers were ideal candidates for new textile materials.     

加拿大麻类研究概况

由于气候、历史和主要作物的竞争等原因,加拿大目前种植的麻类作物仅限于亚麻和大麻,作者介绍了加拿大麻类作物育种、种植、利用、科研方面的概况,并指出随着消费者对环保的日益重视和麻产品日益增长的需求,加拿大的麻类研究迎来了一个转折时期,加拿大麻类产业将会得到更大的发展.     

Pulp from oil palm fronds by chemical processes

To enhance the use of the abundant biomass generated by the palm oil industry in Malaysia a study was conducted in view of exploring the papermaking potential of this industrial byproduct. Fiber strands from the frond of oil palm trees were examined relative to their physical and chemical characteristics and their response to chemical pulping such as sulfite, soda-sulfite and soda processes. Morphologically, the frond fibers are comparable to those of hardwood. They contain high content of holocellulose but low in lignin. Chemical pulps of 45–50% yield produced either by soda-sulfite or soda process exhibit acceptable papermaking properties comparable to those of hardwood kraft pulps. The study showed that frond pulp might be used as a reinforcement component in newsprint production using softwood thermomechanical fibers.     

做大云南麻类产业打造云南绿色纺织

麻类纤维的绿色环保生态功能日益受到重视，麻类产品的市场需求不断扩大。为麻类产业的发展带来广阔前景。本文就发展云南麻类产业、打造云南绿色纺织的必要性、必然性和可行性进行论述，分析了在云南发展麻类产业的战略意义。     

Characterization of three non-product materials from a bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp mill, in view of valorising them as a source of cellulose fibres

This paper is a contribution of scientific knowledge on the characteristics of several by-product materials from a bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp mill. In fact, three industrial wastes arising from bleached hardwood kraft pulps, namely: unbleached screen rejects (USR), effluent treatment (ETW), and eucalyptus bark (EB) were analyzed with the aim of their possible valorization as an alternative source of cellulose. Pure powder cellulose, CEAL, from Aldrich was also analyzed, as a reference. The structural, thermal, and morphological study of these raw materials were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their morphological properties were determined using MorFi apparatus. For this study the sample bleached kraft pulp, BKP, was analyzed as a reference. Lignin and carbohydrate contents were also quantified. These by-products were studied as such (i.e. without careful purification) because we intended to find rational and low-cost way of valorization. In fact any additional operation will induce an over cost. The results obtained indicate that these industrial wastes can be potential raw material in fibre-based applications (paper, composites, …), since they contain a high proportion of cellulose with preserved fibrillar morphology and good thermal stability. Some of these materials have low lignin and inorganic residue contents.     

Variations in the morphological characteristics of Stipa tenacissima fiber: The case of Tunisia

Esparto fibers are cellulose-based fibers extracted from esparto (Stipa tenacissima) leaves. Morphological characteristics (length, width, and coarseness) of esparto fibers are analyzed in relation to growing conditions and plant biology. Seven localized sites in Kasserine in central western Tunisia are examined. The analysis of variance showed that all investigated characteristics vary significantly with site, season, and leaf level. Leaves reach minimum level in winter and maximum level in fall. Fiber differentiation is closely related to the vegetative cycle. Fibers are short and wide at the leaf base (basal level) and grow longer and thinner above the leaf. Results on the raw material (esparto leaves) were confirmed by results on esparto pulp.