New applications of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as microfiltration membranes

An attempt to explore the possibility of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as microfiltration membrane has been carried out in this work. The pulp was acetylated by anhydride acetic acid to produce cellulose acetate with an acetyl content of 40.40%. Membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using polymer concentrations varied between 14% and 18% (w/w). It was found that membrane composed of 14% (w/w) cellulose acetate, 27% (w/w) formamide and 59% (w/w) acetone showed a water flux of 122.29 L/m2 h under an applied pressure of 1 kgf/cm2, while the rejection towards dextran T-2000 solution was 96.17%. Due to its lower crystallinity index and molecular weight, the acetylated kenaf membrane shows a more porous structure than the one prepared from a commercial cellulose acetate. On the other hand, the Young modulus of acetylated kenaf membrane is higher than the one of commercial cellulose acetate. It is concluded that kenaf as a non-wood plant can be used as alternative raw materials for preparing cellulose acetate microfiltration membranes.