Influence of fibre morphology and chemical composition on the papermaking potential of kenaf fibres - A look at what attributes affect tensile strength

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is an alternative, non-wood fibre source for pu lping and papermaking. In this paper the beating curve for the bast and the core fractions of kenaf is discussed. The interactions between the tensile strength, the morphological factors, and the chemical factors for only the bast fibres are presented in the form. of a regression model. The relative rate of change or elasticity for tensile strength with respect to the inde pendent variables in the equation is reported. This would help in creating a better understanding of the papermaking potential of bast fibres in kenaf chemical pulps.