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The kapok (Ceibapentandra (L.) Gaertn) seed fibre is unicellular with length up to 35 mm, however, it is covered by a hydrophobic waxy layer that limits its application in paper production. In this study, the effect of various pulping methods namely mechanical, chemi-mechanical, semichemical and chemical pulping on kapok fibre properties was investigated. Each kapok pulp was then blended with the secondary fibre recovered from kraftliner board for handsheet making to examine their reinforcing ability on strength properties. The results showed that kapok mechanical pulps (with and without dewaxing (5% (v/v) diluted detergent) and chemimechanical pulp were unable to improve the strength properties of the handsheet. Kapok pulps chemically treated with 18–25% of sodium hydroxide gave a better effect on handsheet strength properties whilst fibre treated with 20% sodium hydroxide showing the highest increment. Although the reinforcing effect of the 4% native cooked starch was slightly higher than that of the 10% kapok pulp blended in recycled paper, the recycling potential of the latter was better as all strength properties retained unchanged after recycling. The findings indicated that kapok chemical pulp is a promising reinforcing fibre source with superior recycling potential.

Studies of bio-nanocomposites using sustainable green materials from biomass waste are presently gain the attention worldwide. This study investigated the properties of bio-nanocomposite films from polyvinyl alcohol incorporated with 1%, 3%, and 5% via solvent casting method using various types of oil palm trunk cellulose nanocrystals isolated using various types of treatment. The produced bio-nanocomposite films were characterized for their mechanical behavior, morphological properties, thermal properties, and functionality groups and the effect of adding the oil palm trunk cellulose nanocrystals into the bio-nanocomposites films were then evaluated. The results showed that the mechanical properties and thermal stabilities of the bio-nanocomposite films increased with the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals. The bio-nanocomposite films added with 3% cellulose nanocrystals with pre-hydrolysis treatment showed better mechanical and thermal properties and hence have a great potential to be utilized as a raw material or reinforcement in the packaging industries.