Pulp and paper from kenaf bast fibers

Samples of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) grown in Malaysia were examined to determine the kraft pulp and paper-making properties of their bast (or bark) fibers. Using kraft pulping process showed that bast fibers were relatively easy to cook resulting good pulp yields in the range of 45-51%. The bast pulp produced sheets with great density, tear index and dry zero-span breaking length. Kenaf bast fiber is considered promising for production of high-grade printing, writing and specialty papers.