| Abstract
| - The chemical composition of lignin and lipids of bast fibers from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) usedfor high-quality paper pulp production was studied. Pyrolysis−gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS) of fibers showed a lignin with a high syringyl/guaiacyl ratio (5.4) and minor amounts ofp-hydroxyphenyl units. Simultaneously, sinapyl and coniferyl acetates were also identified, indicatingthat this lignin is partially acetylated. p-Hydroxycinnamic acids were found in only trace amounts.The main lipids identified by GC/MS of extracts from kenaf fibers were series of long-chain n-fattyacids, waxes, n-alkanes, and n-fatty alcohols. Free and esterified sterols and triterpenols, steroidhydrocarbons, and steroid and triterpenoid ketones, as well as steryl glycosides, were also found.Finally, the fate of the main constituents of kenaf fibers in alkaline pulping was also investigated. Keywords: Kenaf; Hibiscus cannabinus; bast fibers; lipids; lignin; acetylated lignin, steroids
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