Characterization on Surface Modification of Kenaf Biomass via Microbial Fermentation M.I. Ahmad Fitrie 1, a , H. Anuar 2, b , M.N. Nur Aisyah 3, c , M.N. Nur Aimi 4, d , S.M. Nurhafizah 5, e , M. Mel 6, f , R. Othman 7, g , and S.B. Abd. Razak 8, h 1,2,3,4,5 Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, 6 Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, 7 Department of Landscape and Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia, P.O Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 8 Crop Improvement and Protection Unit, Production Development Division, Rubber Research Institute Malaysia, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia a ahmadfitrie88@gmail.com, b hazleen@iium.edu.my, c nuraisyah1910@gmail.com, d aimi_nasir@ymail.com, e nurhafizah.seeni@gmail.com, f maizirwan@iium.edu.my, g rashidi@iium.edu.my, h shamsul@lgm.gov.my Keywords: Kenaf biomass, pretreatment, fermentation, and Rhizopus oryzae Abstract. Kenaf is categorized as one of the natural fibre which is used as replacement to man- made fibre due to its various advantages. It is a natural fibre of low density, low cost, recyclable and biodegradable. This paper presents the surface modification of kenaf biomass in terms of its morphology, chemical properties and crystallinity, as observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Peak at 1600 cm -1 to 1200 cm -1 FTIR shows the disappearance of lignin in the treated kenaf. On the other hand, crystallinity indexes (CI) for untreated and treated kenaf are determined by XRD that show 83.3 % and 67.7 % accordingly. Introduction Since few years back, polymeric biodegradable matrix has appeared as commercial products. However, their high prices represent the main restriction to wide usages. Currently, the most viable way towards eco-friendly composites is through the use of natural fibres as reinforcement. With attention to, increase pressure from environmental activists, preservation of natural resources, and attended stringency of laws passed by developing countries lead to the invention and development of natural materials with a focus on renewable raw materials [1]. Composite manufacturing industries have to look for plant based natural fibre reinforcements, such as flax, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, banana as an alternative material which is going to replace man made materials. The compatibility between natural fibres and hydrophobic thermoplastics is however often poor. Therefore, this paper focus on surface modification of kenaf biomass via microbial fermentation using Rhizopus oryzae FTCC 5215 with regards to surface morphology, chemical properties and crystallinity index (CI). Materials and Method Materials Preparation Kenaf core was acquired from Kenaf Natural Fibre Industries (KFI) Sdn Bhd., Kelantan, Malaysia. Rhizopus oryzae FTCC 5215 used in this study was grown manually by preparation of potato dextrose agar (PDA) and potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the medium that provided nutrient for their growth. Advanced Materials Research Vol. 576 (2012) pp 268-271 Online available since 2012/Oct/08 at www.scientific.net © (2012) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.576.268 All rights reserved. No part of contents of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of TTP, www.ttp.net. (ID: 161.139.220.63, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia-09/04/14,06:22:16)