Investigation of Kenaf Paper in the Presence of PVA for Transformers Application

This paper presents an investigation on the physio-mechanical properties and AC breakdown voltage of the Kenaf paper in the presence of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for transformers application. Kenaf bast fibers were used in order to produce the paper through the soda pulping process. The pulps were subjected to beating up to 12,000 revolutions, whereby the PVA was added to the pulps at a different weight percentage concentration up to 12%. Morphological study was carried out on the Kenaf paper based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The apparent density, Tensile Index (TI), Burst Index (BI), Tear Index (TeI), and AC breakdown voltage of the Kenaf paper were measured. It is found that the TI and BI of Kenaf paper can be slightly improved through the introduction of PVA. On other hand, the TeI of the Kenaf paper decreases with the increment of the PVA. The AC breakdown voltage of the Kenaf paper slightly increases with the increment of PVA weight percentage concentration.