Title
Effect of combined treatment methods on the crystallinity and surface morphology of kenaf bast fibers
Authors
HARINI SOSIATI and HARSOJO

Received February 24, 2013
Published Volume 48 Issue 1-2 January-February
Keywords kenaf bast, steam pre-treatment, crystallinity, morphology

Abstract
Kenaf bast fibers were treated by combined methods with steam (steam-chemical-ultrasonic treatment) and without it (chemical-ultrasonic treatment). The crystallinity and morphological properties of these treated fibers were compared with the untreated ones. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to appraise crystallinity. Morphological features were examined by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies. The fibers treated with steam had a higher degree of crystallinity than those without steam treatments and the untreated fibers. However, steam pre-treatment tended to reduce the fiber surface roughness. The fibers treated without steam showed surprising morphology, which is characterized by the formation of nanofibers on the surface of microfibers. Such morphology should enhance surface roughness and improve the performance of the corresponding composite.