Surface topography of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) sized papers

Bleached kenaf handsheets sized with different polymers such as chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol and cationic starch, were used for the determination of surface topography. A non-contact profilometer, the AltiSur®500, was used to characterize the topography of structural details in the paper surface. Numerical and visual characterization of surface roughness indicated that the surface of chitosan-sized paper was less rough than other surfaces, and all the sized papers were commonly smoother than the unsized paper. One property of bio-polymer of chitosan is its ability to form films that improve the surface properties of paper when it is applied to the surface of the sheet.