Refiner mechanical pulp from kenaf for newsprint manufacture

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is an annual, non-wood cellulosic plant fiber. Kenaf is being promoted as a potential fibrous raw material for the pulp and paper industry in the countries experiencing shortage of wood raw material. The objective of this study was to optimize the process of refiner mechanical pulping (RMP) from kenaf for newsprint production. RMP was produced from whole kenaf (mixture of separated core and bark in 65 and 35 ratio), and whole stems (cut into 25-38 mm length) using a Sprout-Bauer 300-mm refiner. Water-soaked raw materials were refined to atargeted CSF of 100-125 ml in several passes to simultate the refining actions experienced by a fiber in commercial refining. It was observed that spacing of refiner plates and numbers of passes were important parameters in determining the quality of pulp in in a 300 mm Sprout-Bauer refiner. Results in indicate that kenaf RMP is not only suitable for newsprint manufacture but it also improves various mechanical properties. Its usage in de-inked pulp from old newsprint for newsprint production will also improve pulp quality.