The objective of this research was to evaluate an all-chemical process to prepare nano-scale to macro-scale cellulosic fibers from kenaf bast fibers, for polymer composite reinforcement. The procedure used in this all-chemical process included alkaline retting to obtain single cellulosic retted fiber, bleaching treatment to obtain delignified bleached fiber, and acidic hydrolysis to obtain both...

Aligning multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with the direction of load is desirable for maximizing tensile reinforcement in composites. This has been accomplished by spinning composite fibers containing MWNTs[1]. The shear and elongational flow fields inherent to fiber processing cause the MWNTs to align with the fiber axis. Efficient stress transfer from the matrix to the MWNTs is also a cruci...