Evaluation of Kenaf Fibre for the Development of Kenaf/Polyester Hybrid Yarn

Abstract

The hybridisation of natural fibres from kenaf and man-made fibres have gained considerable attention in recent years to lessen the environmental effects generated by synthetic fibres. Kenaf/polyester hybrid yarn was developed in this research where the most suitable kenaf fibre processing’s condition and the optimum hybrid ratio between kenaf and polyester was determined. Seven types of kenaf fibres with different conditions (willowed fibre, opened fibre, normal combed degummed fibre, normal combed undegummed fibre, degummed fibre, enzyme-treated fibre, and alkaline treated kenaf fibre) were supplied by Kenaf Adsorbent Sdn. Bhd. Each type of the kenaf fibre bundles underwent opening, carding, roving, and ring spinning processes for yarn production. The physical characteristics and diameter of the processed kenaf fibre were analyzed using a microscopic analyser (Olympus Advanced Microscopic-BX53M). The kenaf fibre and yarn strength were assessed using a computer controlled TensoLab Strength Tester. Two different blending ratios were attempted for sliver preparation in the carding process (60:40 and 50:50 of kenaf/polyester by weight percentage). The findings demonstrated that the degummed, alkaline treated, and enzyme-treated fibres exhibited low diameters with good physical and tensile properties in the production of fibre, sliver, and yarn than the untreated kenaf fibre. The 50% weight composition of kenaf exhibited larger sliver size and lower waste percentage than the 60% kenaf composition.