Enzymatic-degumming process of kenaf bast fiber and its physical characterization

Physical degumming was traditionally employed in the production of kenaf bast fibers, prior to the introduction of chemical and enzymatic degumming. Physical degumming techniques include decortication, fiber cleansing, and fiber opening with the use of machines like decorticators to reduce adhesion between fiber bundles and shives. Because acid, alkali, or oxidation treatment are used during the chemical degumming process, very low quality fibers may be created, thereby compromising the fiber's quality. On the other hand, it was discovered that enzymatic degumming can provide high-quality fiber faster. In this investigation, pectinase-only enzyme solutions and 50:50 combinations of pectinase and cellulase enzyme were used to enzymatically degum kenaf bast fibers. Substantial changes in the green kenaf ribbon's degumming duration (24, 48, and 72 hours) and solid-to-water ratio (50 and 100 ml) were seen after treatment. Additionally, there was an interaction between the two factors. A 48-hour retting period was required for the degumming process, using enzyme combinations of pectinase and cellulase with a 1:100 solid to water ratio, to create high-quality, pure, and white bast fiber from kenaf. In characterization, the difference in fiber quality was experienced through qualitative observation. Utilising Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the functional groups contained inside the fiber were examined. Additionally, it was utilised to look at how the degumming procedure affected the reduction of lignin and hemicellulose.The results of this research's investigation demonstrate that fiber from the degumming process achieved by combining the enzymes pectinase and cellulase is successful. Therefore, enzymatic degumming is a faster way to create high-quality fiber than chemical treatment, which can degrade fiber quality.