Effect of partial delignification of kenaf bast fibers for radiation graft copolymerization

Mohamed, N. H.*; Tamada, Masao; Ueki, Yuji; Seko, Noriaki

Changes in residual lignin of kenaf bast fiber with acidic chlorite using various parameters were conducted to produce partial delignified fiber for radiation graft copolymerization. The effect of delignification temperature, operating time as well as chlorite doses on the residual lignin of the fibers has been reported. Results obtained indicated that the optimal delignification was achieved at 80C for 6h with 0.5% chlorite. The reduction in density, size and tensile strength were attributed to the increase of removal of lignin from the fiber. Radiation induced emulsion graft copolymerization of 4-chloromethyl styrene (CMS) on partial delignified kenaf with residual lignin 2% resulted in higher degree of grafting of about 143% as compared to the undelignified fiber, which showed the absence of grafting degree.