Comparison of the performance of kenaf fiber using different reagents presoak combined with steam explosion treatment

To enhance the degumming effect of steam explosion on kenaf fiber, different chemical reagents including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) presoak combined with steam explosion were used and compared in this article. Distilled water coupled with steam explosion treatment and kenaf raw samples were used as control. The fiber morphology, chemical composition, crystalline structure, degree of fineness, and breaking tenacity of kenaf fibers after treatment were studied. The results showed that hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) performs better on removing lignin. It not only splits fibers, but also keeps the fiber’s tenacity during steam explosion treatment. Dilute sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) performs better on hemicellulose removal, but it damages the fiber cellulose during steam explosion treatment and cause the fiber strength decrease a lot. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) performs the best on removing hemicellulose and lignin, and splits fiber well. However, the breaking tenacity of the fiber is lower than the fiber pretreated by H₂O₂. Besides, NaOH is a pollutant to the environment. In conclusion, H₂O₂ could be considered as the most promising reagent to be used in combined presoak-steam explosion system.