초록
This study was to measure the potential of nonwoody fibrous material, kenaf. Whole stalk of kenaf, Hibiscus cannabinus was separated by two parts of bast and core portion, and cooked separately by alkaline method. Morphological characteristic was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and fiber quality analyzer(FQA). The strength properties of handsheets, made by different mixing ration between kenaf base and core fibers, were measured. Cross-sectional area of bast fibers was smaller than that of core fibers, but the bast fibers had a thick cell wall and narrow lumen area. Bast fibers were longer in length than core fibers. Core fibers had thin cell walls, broad lumen areas, and short lengths, and they had collapsed shape even in water. These characteristics of core fibers affected strength properties of handsheet positively. When the amount of core fibers increased, the strength properties of handsheet were increased. When the amount of bast fibers increased, the handsheet had rougher surface and higher air permeability.