Strength Properties of Paper from Pulp Blend of Kenaf Bark and Corn Husk: A Preliminary Study

This study investigates the strength properties of paper samples obtained from pulp blend of corn husk and kenaf bark. Soda pulping of kenaf bark and corn husk was carried out using 18% and 7% alkali respectively. Handmade paper sheets were produced from bleached pulp samples combined in ratios 50% - 50%, 75% - 25% and 25% - 75%. Using a universal testometric machine, strength properties of the papers such as modulus of elasticity, tensile index and tear index were assessed. Results showed that, paper sample from 100% kenaf bark has the highest tear index (20.72 mN.m2/g) and tensile index (7.79 Nm/g), while paper sample from mixture of Kenaf bark and Corn husk (75% - 25%) possess highest modulus of elasticity (42.05 N/mm2). Lowest tensile index (2.77 Nm/g) and modulus of elasticity (12.42 N/mm2) values were observed for paper sample from 100% corn husk. Depending on targeted end use, papers of differing strength properties can be obtained from the combination of kenaf bark and corn husk.