The potential use of natural biopolymer composites in a variety of applications that requires biodegradability and better mechanical properties has renewed many researchers interest on the composites. This research involves the analysis of flexural properties for natural fibers specifically kenaffiber mat in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix (KMPLA). The polylactic acid has been chosen as a matrix...

Sandwich structure composites produced by epoxy core and aluminium skin were developed as potential building materials. Interface bonding between core and skin was controlled by varying kenaf content. Five different weight percentage of kenaf loading ranging from 10 wt% to 50 wt% were employed in the core manufacturing in order to study the mechanical properties of the sandwich composite. Prope...

This study investigates effects of six kenaf cultivars named Cubano, Niger, Cubano 2032, 9277, 7551, and 7566 and three harvesting time stages on the properties of pulp and handsheet paper made from kenaf. Six cultivars of an Iranian kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.), were planted on 19 May 2007, and harvested after 85, 105, and 135 days. It was understood that with the increase of plant age, fibe...

In order to investigate nocturnal uptake and assimilation of NO2 by C3 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants, they were fumigated with 4 microl l(-1) 15N-labeled nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for 8 h. The amount of NO2 and assimilation of NO2 by plants were determined by mass spectrometry and Kjeldahl-nitrogen based mass spectrometry, respectively. C3 plants such as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)...

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is cultivated worldwide for its fiber; however, the medicinal properties of this plant are currently attracting increasing attention. In this study, we investigated the expression levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of kaempferitrin, a compound with many biological functions, in different kenaf organs. We found that phenylalanine ammonia lyase (HcPAL) was mo...

3-Hydroxy-a-calacorene was identified in extracts from cold-shocked seedlings of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), both of which are members of the Malvaceae family. ( )-3-Hydroxy-a-calacorene was isolated from Heterotheca inuloides Cass. (Asteraceae). HPLC on a chiral stationary phase column showed that the 3-hydroxy-acalacorene from cotton and kenaf had the sa...

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the acetylation treated kenaf fiber, Phenol-formaldehyde resin content level, and three fungi species on the dimensional stability and decay resistance of high density non-wood composition boards. A standard ASTM method was used to evaluate weight loss and thickness change. The linear shrinkage and expansion of each species were al...

A Louisiana sugarcane field is typically replanted every four years due to declining yields, and, although, it is a costly process, it is both necessary and an opportunity to maximize the financial return during the next four year cropping cycle. Fallow planting systems (FPS) during the fallow period prior to replanting sugarcane have the potential to influence not only the following sugarcane ...

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L., Malvaceae) is a high-yielding tropical plant traditionally grown for the long, strong bast fibers that develop in the bark layer of the stem. Cultivation spread internationally in the early to mid-twentieth century, but interest waned, particularly in developed counties, as raw materials for cordage and related products shifted from biological to petrochemical sou...

The objective of this research was to evaluate the properties of the chemically retted kenaf bast fiber impregnated with the inorganic nanoparticles. High quality kenaf bast fibers were obtained from a chemical retting process. An in situ inorganic nanoparticle impregnation (INI) process was used to introduce the CaCO3 nanoparticles into the retted kenaf bast fibers. It was found that some of t...