Preliminary Study on the Pulp Blending Potentials of Kenaf and Pineapple Leaf Fibre for Papermaking

Natural fibres from non-wood materials are important resources being exploited to meet the increasing demand for pulp and paper products. Competition for paper products between industries around the world has prompted the need for paper makers to continuously develop and improve their products. In order to achieve this, pulp blending plays an important role. This study investigated the impact of pulp blending on the strength properties of papers obtained from the combination of pulp from Kenaf bark (Hibiscus cannabinus) and pineapple leaves (Anannus comosus). Pulp of Kenaf bark and pineapple leaves were obtained using soda pulping process at 18% and 7% alkali respectively. Handmade paper sheets were subsequently produced from bleached pulp samples combined in ratios (kenaf bark: pineapple leaves) 1:1, 3:1 and 1:3. Results showed that strength properties (modulus of elasticity, tensile stiffness, tear strength and elongation at peak) of paper samples produced from different ratios of pulp mixture vary significantly from the properties of paper from individual materials. Tear strength of paper from 100% pulp of pineapple leaves (2.34 N/mm) increased by 41% when combined with pulp of kenaf bark in ratio 1:1, while the highest modulus of elasticity (63.02 N/mm) was observed in paper produced from pulp mixture (1:3). Depending on targeted end use, papers of differing strength properties can be obtained from the combination of pulp from kenaf bark and pineapple leaves in varying ratios and this can serve as a veritable alternative for softwoods.