Non Conventional Fibres Association

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Plant

Bagasse (Sugarcane) fibre

Bagasse (Sugarcane) fibre

Botanical Information

  • Generic name of sugarcane is Saccharum officinarum and is a member of the Poaceae family . 
  • It is an herbaceous plant within the grass family.
  • It is a perennial monocot.
  • It grows mainly in tropical and sub-tropical zones.

Agricultural conditions

  • Sugarcane cultivation can thrive in various soil types, encompassing sandy soils, clay loams, and heavy clays.
  • However, the optimal conditions for sugarcane growth are found in well-drained, deep, loamy soils with a pH of pH5 to pH8.5.
  • Annually, 75-100cm of rainfall is necessary for sugarcane to thrive.
  • The optimal conditions for sugarcane cultivation include an extended, warm growing period characterized by abundant sunlight, a temperature of 21°C to 27°C and sufficient soil moisture.
  • The total sugar crop area worldwide is around 31.3 million hectares, with sugar cane comprising about 70%.
  • In 2016, the leading sugar-producing nations were Brazil, India, and China, contributing 20.57%, 16.91%, and 6.31% to the global production, respectively.
  • In the recent period, China’s sugar cane cultivation spanned around 1.23 million hectares, with a corresponding production of about 100 million tons in the 2017- 18 period.

Bagasse

  • Bagasse is the fibrous remainder of cane stalk that remains after the sugar cane has been crushed and its juice extracted .
  • Mountains of bagasse make up the heaps, and a single mill can generate up to 3500 tons per day.
  • Bagasse consists of a combination of long and fine fibres found in the outer rind of the stalk, while the inner part, referred to as the pith, contains short fibres .
  • Each year in Egypt, the annual production of crop residues exceeds 33 million tons, with sugarcane bagasse accounting for 3 million tons of this waste.
  • Derived from sugarcane, it is a versatile by-product that can serve as a renewable source for manufacturing or reconstructing products with recyclable foundations.

Table1.Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of bagasse fibres

Physical & Mechanical properties of bagasse

Length

200- 250mm

Fineness

6.5-14 tex

Tensile strength

4.1 cN/tex

Breaking elongation

1.80±1.12%

Chemical composition

Cellulose

45%

Hemicellulose

33%

Lignin

20%

Typical uses

  • In a sugar cane factory, bagasse is typically incinerated as a source of fuel to generate steam and sustainable electricity.
  • As sugarcane is a cellulose-based plant, the bagasse is used as a resource for paper production.
  • Additionally, it serves as cattle feed due to its protein enrichment.
  • It can also be utilized in the manufacturing of industrially significant enzymes such as cellulase, xylanase, amylase, etc. and biofuel.
  • If sugarcane bagasse is pretreated in a mild acid solution under moderately rigorous conditions, the process releases sugars and various hydrolysates, such as volatile organic acids, furfurals, and acid-soluble lignin. These hydrolysates can be utilized by the aerobic bacterium Ralstonia eutropha to biosynthesize valuable bioplastics known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) .
  • Bagasse can be used as reinforcement materials to create composites which can be used for construction, automobiles, etc.
Categories
Plant

Sunn hemp

Sunn hemp

Botanical Information

  • Sunn hemp, scientifically known as Crotalaria juncea, holds significance as a lignocellulosic crop and is India’s oldest native fibre-producing plant.
  • This natural fibre belongs to the legume family Fabaceae.
  • It is an herbaceous, shrubby annual dicot crop.
  • It is a warm season plant with relatively shorter growth cycle as compared to the other plants.

Habitat and fibre production

  • Sunn hemp is a tropical or sup-tropical plant grown below 1000 feet.
  • It can thrive in a broad range of soil types, but it performs particularly well on poor sandy soils compared to many other plants.
  • It flourishes in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.0 pH to 7.5 pH.
  • It is a rapid, vigorous growing plant which can achieve a height of 4ft within 60 days under optimum conditions and grows further as time receeds.
  • The height of the plant ranges from 3-9ft .
  • If heavy rains occur shortly after planting, it does not grow well.
  • With a typical yearly yield averaging 409 kg/ha(2023), India leads as the world’s primary Sunn hemp fibre producer, contributing to 23% of the global production.
  • Sunn hemp is primarily grown as a biomass to add nutrition to the soil and harvesting seeds for further propagation in India and is highest producer of sunn hemp, with China and Bangladesh being the next leading cultivators.

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Physical and Mechanical properties [1]

Length

38-42 cm

Diameter

20 μm

Moisture content

10.6%

Moisture regain

11.5%

Crystallinity index

91%

Chemical composition [1]

Cellulose

66.3%

Hemicellulose

18.6%

Lignin

14.9%

Pectin

4.6%

Ash

4.2%

Wax

0.9%

Features of fibre

  • Sunn hemp possesses robust, coarse, shiny, and rigid fibres that are as sturdy as hemp fibres and more durable than jute fibres.
  • The fibres are lighter in colour, ranging from whitish to grey to yellow.
  • It doesn’t serve as a habitat for diverse pathogens and pests.
  • It effectively fixes nitrogen in the company of Rhizobacteria .
  • They are resistant to mildew, microorganisms, and moisture .
  • When grown as a summer annual crop, it has the ability to produce a biomass of 2268 kg and 46 kg of nitrogen per acre.
  • While in winters, it is mainly used as a cover crop or green manure to improve the properties of the soil.

Uses

  • It generates substantial biomass, reaching approximately 2268 kilograms of dry biomass per acre in just 9-12 weeks, contributing to a global production of 130,000 metric tons per year.
  • It is a weed suppressor that reduces root-knot nematodes (microscopic roundworms that live in soil and on plant roots).
  • It helps increase the soil’s organic matter and prevent soil erosion.
  • Ropes are generally made through the superior quality of Sunn hemp fibres, whereas the inferior quality fibres are used in the making of cigarette and cheap cordages.
  • It is primarily employed as a source of green manure, animal fodder, and a non-wood fibre crop.
  • Fibre applications include fishing nets, sacking fabrics, canvas, tissue papers, rug yarns, etc.
Categories
Plant

Sisal Fibres

Sisal Fibres

Botanical Information

  • Agave sisalana is a species of flowering plant which is native to southern Mexico but is widely cultivated in different parts of the world.  
  • It belongs to Asparagaceae and the species Sisalana.
  • It is a xerophytic, monocarp, and semi-perennial leaf fibre-producing plant.

Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation

  • It is a tough plant that grows well throughout the year in hot climates and arid regions.
  • At an altitude of about 900-1500m above sea level, it grows well as it obtains favourable atmospheric conditions.
  • Annual rainfall of about 650mm during the planting season is necessary and tolerates drought conditions.
  • It requires moderately fertile sandy-loamy soils for growing the crop. Planting this plant can be bothersome as it requires much manpower during the planting and harvesting season.
  • As each plant requires space to thrive, a flat landscape is preferable.
  • Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of the sisal fibres throughout the globe.
  • A single sisal plant can produce about 200-250 leaves before flowering. Each leaf contains 1000-1200 fibre bundles.

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Physical & Mechanical properties [2]

Length

150mm

Thickness

3mm

Density

151 den

Tensile strength

126-180 MPa

Elongation at break

1.54-3.85%

Chemical Composition [2]

Cellulose

67-78%

Hemicellulose

10-14 %

Lignin

9.9%

Moisture content

10%

Pectin

10%

Wax

2%

Ash content

0.6-1%

Name of the State / Area in hectare

Andhra Pradesh

1550 (22.7)

Bihar

280(4.1)

Madhya Pradesh

147(2.2)

Maharashtra

6500(9.5)

Orissa

3180(46.6)

Tamil Nadu

610(8.9)

West Bengal

350(5.1)

Production in quintal / Productivity in kg/ha

2325(23.5)

150

420(4.2)

150

270(2.7)

184

400(4)

62

5247(53)

165

980(9.9)

161

210(2.1)

60

Table 2: Availability of Sisal Fiber in Different States of India [2018]
Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage share of the total.

Features of fibre

  • The sword-shaped leaves are arranged in a rosette fashion from which the fibres are extracted. 
  • The length of each leaf is around 1-1.5m. 
  • The sisal fibres are smooth, straight, and yellow. 
  • They are coarse and inflexible. 
  • It possesses high strength and durability, has the affinity for certain dyes, can stretch and is resistant to saltwater in terms of quality.
  • These fibres are exceptionally durable with minimal maintenance and minimal wear and tear. 
  • Sisal is an anti-static fibre; hence, it does not attract or trap dust particles and is not water or moisture-absorbent. 
  • It can also be used for acoustics for its high sound and impact-absorbing properties.

Uses

  • This cellulosic fibre is used commonly for making ropes, cordages, and twines. 
  • It is used in the shipping industry for securing small crafts, lashing, and managing cargo.
  • Plant-based engineering products such as composites, automobile parts, etc. are experimenting with sisal and other non-conventional plant sources for a sustainable approach. 
  • Various products like spa storage baskets, rugs, slippers, carpets, disc buffers, coasters, etc. can be made from sisal fibres.
  • Sisal fabrics exhibit a softer feel.
  • Sisal fibres are blended with wool and acrylic fibres. 
  • These fibres can be used for non-woven matting, brushing as well as roving.
Categories
Plant

Bamboo Fibres

Bamboo Fibres

Botanical information

  • Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) belongs to the true grass family of Poaceae.
  • It is characterized as woody perennial plants that can be evergreen or deciduous.
  • Bamboo predominantly thrives in Africa, America, and Asia but can also readily flourish in Europe.
  • The cylindrical stems, called culms, usually have hollow spaces between their rings, forming branching clusters from a sturdy rhizome (underground stem).

Habitat and fibre production

  • India owns the largest area and is the second-largest reserve of bamboo in the world.
  • It is a tropical plant which grows mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions and is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world.
  • Most bamboo species can grow and thrive in a wide range of soil types, except for rocky soils, and they tend to prefer well-drained soils, specifically sandy loamy, to clay loamy soils.
  • The minimum annual rainfall required for bamboo is 775 mm and a rainfall of maximum of eight consecutive months with less than 40 mm.
  • The most suitable pH range for healthy growth of plants is 5.0pH-6.5pH, but some species can also grow in highly acidic soils(3.5pH).
  • Every bamboo plant can achieve a daily growth of up to 120cm, and this speedy development characterises it as a readily available, renewable resource in nature.
  • Currently, the bamboo production around the world is about 3,00,000 tons.

 

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Physical and Mechanical properties

Length

1-5mm

Diameter

14-27 μm

Tensile strength

1.43-1.69GPa

Elongation

4.3-9.7%

Chemical composition

Cellulose

74%

Hemicellulose

13%

Lignin

10%

Minor Components

3%

Features of the fibre

  • It possesses biodegradable qualities, is cost-effective and eco-friendly, and exhibits natural antibacterial properties.
  • It gives a soft, smooth feel and is easy to wash.
  • It can take in diverse odours, dust, and other harmful substances, effectively purify the air, and regulate humidity.
  • These natural fibres closely resemble ramie but are more delicate and have shorter lengths.
  • Due to its hollow cross-section, it imparts breathability to bamboo fibre-based fabrics.
  • The fabrics are easy to dye and apply finishes due to the fibre’s hygroscopicity and are also cool and comfortable to wear.
  • Natural bamboo fibres possesses a significant moisture-absorbing capacity and prone to corrosion thus limiting the engineering applications.
  • These fibres possess thermo-regulating properties and show less shrinkage, better wrinkle resistance, and higher dye affinity and lustre.
  • It depicts better abrasion and pilling resistance in both wet and dry conditions.

Uses

  • In textile applications, bamboo fibres are primarily sourced from the tallest bamboo species, which is commonly referred to as “Moso” and scientifically known as Phyllostachys edulis.
  • Earlier, Chinese medicine used bamboo due to its antibacterial properties.
  • Presently, bamboo finds extensive use among local artisans for crafting handicrafts, furniture, and kitchen utensils, as a material in the food and paper industries, in the production of laminated wood, and in various composite applications.
  • Bamboo-based construction of houses and industrial buildings follows a path of sustainability.
Categories
Plant

Arreca Nut fibres

Arreca Nut fibres

Botanical Information

  • Areca catechu is a palm species that belongs to the family Arecaceae and is commonly known as the betel nut.
  • It is an extremely high potential, perennial, monocotyledonous species having properties of an angiosperm.
  • It is native to the Philippines but is mainly grown in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Asia, and some parts of East Africa.
  • Countries like Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and other tropical countries are the main cultivators of the palm tree

Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation

  • To ensure a well deep root system, the soil for cultivation should be deep with high organic carbon content.
  • Laterite, red loamy, and alluvial soils are most suited for the cultivation of areca nut.
  • The pH range of soil should lie between acidic to neutral.
  • It requires evenly distributed rainfall with mean annual rainfall of 750-4500mm.
  • It proliferates in the tropical regions with temperatures around 150C – 390C.
  • The lifespan of the palm tree continues for 100 years, and fruiting for around 30-60 years.
  • Statistics shows that the annual world production of areca nuts is 1,073,000, and approximately 2.5 g of areca husk could be extracted from every areca betel nut.
  • In India, 90% of cultivation is contributed by Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam states.

Name in different regional languages

English: Betelnut palm, Areca nut, Betel palm

Spanish: Palma catechou

Betel-nut, Supari palm, Pinang palm.

Hindi: Supari

Filipino: Bunga

Sanskrit: Poogiphalam

French: Arec cachou, Arequier

Tamil: Kamugu

German: Areca palme, Betelnut palme

Telugu: Tamalapaku

Italian: Avellana d’India

Kannada: Adike

Thai: Maak mia

Marathi: Supari

Sinhala: Puwak

Malay: Adakka-maram, Kavugu

Trade name: Areca nut, Betel nut

Vietnamese: Cao

Chart 1 Name of areca nut plant in different regional languages

Features

  • It is an eco-friendly fibre as it is biodegradable, renewable and can be recycled.
  • It shows good tensile and elongation properties and is water absorbent.
  • The coarse betel nut fibres holds good specific mechanical strength and has excellent toughness. 
  • The raw betel nut fibre has the highest fibre length.
  • Fibres are rough, brittle, and stiffer due to the presence of lignin.
  • The strength and fineness of the fibre is similar to cotton .
  • It is lightweight, stringy and has high strength to width ratio.

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Physical & Mechanical properties

Length Short

18-29mm

Medium

30-38mm

Long

39-46mm

Diameter

0.28-0.89 mm

Elongation at break

15±3%

Elongation

1.6%

Chemical composition

Alpha cellulose

53.20%

Hemi cellulose

30-64%

Lignin

7-24.8%

Ash

4.4 – 4.8%

Pectin and wax

A negligible percentage

Uses

  • It is used to make thick boards, pressed boards, fluffy cushions, and nonwoven fabrics.
  • It is also used to make paper by blending areca nut and bamboo/banana pseudo stem pulp.
  • It can be used to make composites with different materials to enhance the usage of this fibre.
  • The composites made up of areca nut fibre and epoxy can be used for marine applications, electrical, insulating components, lightweight components, automobile industry and chemical industry.
  • It is used as a building material in villages and throughout southeast Asia it is used for different construction purpose. 
Categories
Plant

Banana Fibre

Banana Fibre

Botanical information

  • Abaca(Musa Textillis)is a non-fruit orienting species originating from the Philippines and is highly favoured for its fibre cultivation[1].
  • It belongs to the Musaceae family, popularly known as Manila Hemp.
  • It is a perennial herb which holds the properties of angiosperms and monocots.
  • Musa balbisiana, Musa acuminata, and Ensete ventricosum are other species of banana plants used to gain large amounts of fibre. These varieties can also provide edible fruits.

Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation

  • The banana plant thrives in deep, loamy soil, exhibiting excellent fertility, moisture retention, and adequate drainage.
  • The plant’s ideal growing conditions are found in tropical regions.
  • Depending on the soil type, the plant requires a regular water supply, which is achieved with the drip irrigation system and 1500-2000 mm of rainfall. 
  • The maturity rate of the plant determines the harvesting of fibres. 
  • Typically, the outer fibres can be separated after the plant has matured for 18 to 24 months.
  • On a global scale, India is one of the largest producers of the banana fruit as well as fibre with an annual output of 24.8 million tonnes, followed by countries like China, Ecuador, Brazil, and the Philippines whereas Japan and the Philippines are the largest consumers of the banana fibre .

 

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Length

100-500 cm

Diameter

80-250 μm

Moisture content

60%

Tensile strength

529-914 MPa

Linear density

88-105 den

Elongation

10.35%

Chemical Composition

Cellulose

60-65%

Hemicellulose

6-19%

Lignin

5-10%

Pectin

3-5%

Extractives

3-6%

Ash

1-3%

Banana varieties grown in different parts of india

  • Nendran: Grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Ney Poovan: Cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  • Red Banana: Found in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  • Robusta: Grown in Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  • Karupuravalli: Grown in Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Virupakshi: Found in Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Rasthali: Cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, and West Bengal.

Vernacular names of banana known in the states of india.

  • HindiKela
  • BengaliKollaa
  • GujaratiKela, Keda
  • MalayalamPazham, Vazha Pazham
  • MarathiKela, Kel
  • OriyaChampa Kadali, Kadali
  • KannadaBale Hannu
  • KonkaniKellin
  • PunjabiKella, Kela
  • TamilVazhaikkai, Vazha Pazham
  • TeluguArati Pandu

Chart 2. Names of banana in vernacular languages of India.

Features of fibres

  • Banana fibres are durable, light in weight, have smaller elongation and possess high strength qualities.
  • It has fire resistance quality and also has moisture absorption ability.
  • It is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
  • The sheerness and spinnability is superior to bamboo and ramie filament.

Typical uses

  • In Japan’s Edo duration, the kimonos and kaishimos were made out of banana fibres.
  • Also, the Yen currency note of Japan is made of these fibres.
  • In Africa, many people have used banana fibres to make carpets, mats, hair extensions, etc. 
  • Products like sanitary pads, baskets, paper, ropes, mats, and other textile and home furnishing materials are made from fibres. 
  • Fishing nets, varieties of cordages, and packaging sheets are also produced using these fibres.
  • It works as an organic absorbent; thus, it is used in oil refineries to soak the spilling oil.
  • The stem holds a large quantity of cellulose and starch and is used as cattle feed.
  • Since these fibres are seawater-resistant, they are used to make shipping cables.
  • In Costa Rica, the banana pseudo stem is going through an industrial process that manufactures notepads, cardboard, envelopes, packaging material, notebooks, etc.
Categories
Plant

Coir

Coir

Botanical information

  • The fibres obtained from the coconut husk are known as Coconut fibre or Coir fibres.
  • It is also called Golden fibre due to its appearance after cleaning the coconut husk.
  • The scientific name of this seed is Cocos Nucifera, which belongs to the Arecaceae.
  • India and Sri Lanka are the major producers and exporters of this fibre, followed by Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation

  • The natural habitat soil for coir is on the coastal belt of the tropical regions where sandy and red sandy loamy soils are predominant. Besides, it can grow well in all types of soils including sandy, laterite, swampy, alluvial, black, and saline soils.
  • The ideal soil conditions for better growth and yield irrespective of the type of soil it should possess proper drainage, good water holding capacity, unrestricted root development, aeration, and absence of rock or hard layer within 2 meters of the surface.
  • The coconut palm tree proliferates well up to an elevation of 600m above mean sea level. Although, near the equator, productive plantations of coconut can be achieved at 1000m above mean sea level.
  • A well-distributed rainfall of around 2000 mm/year is ideal for proper growth and maximum yield.
  • It requires a spacious area and adequate sunlight of about 2000 hrs/year is necessary for healthy growth.
  • For the growth and yield of coconut palm tree, the relative humidity should be more than 60% and the ideal mean temperature is 27±5OC.
  • All over the world, the total coir production is around 2,50,000 tonnes of which 60% is produced in Kerala, India. 
  • Out of the total production India tends to consume over 50% of the coir fibre produced annually .

Table 1. Proceedings Geosynthetics Asia 2000-GA2000 (May 2000), Vol 2, Pg. 207-212)

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Length(mm)

150-200

Density (g/cc)

1.40

Tenacity (g/tex)

10

Rigidity of Modulus (dyne/cm2)

1.89

Diameter in μm

100-500

Breaking Elongation

30%

Swelling in H2O(diameter)

5%

Moisture at 65%RH

10.5%

Chemical Properties

Lignin

45.84%

Cellulose

45.44%

Hemi-Cellulose

00.25%

Pectin’s and related compound

03.00%

Water soluble matter

05.25%

Ash

02.22%

Features of fibres

  • Coir fibres are naturally water-resistant and resistant to seawater.
  • It is unaffected by moisture and dampness.
  • They are elastic, possess good twisting capacity, and can retain their shape easily.
  • Coir is resistant to pests, fungi, and rot and provides insulation against temperature and sound.
  • It is tough, durable, and easy to clean.
  • It is entirely static-free.
  • It is a highly flammable fibre due to its cellulose content.
  • There are two main types of coir fibres: brown coir fibres and white coir fibres.
  • Brown fibres are extracted from mature coconuts and are thicker, stronger, and more abrasion resistant. On the other hand, white fibres are extracted from immature coconuts and are smoother and finer, but weaker.

Typical uses

  • These golden fibres are mostly used for flooring and outdoor mats, aquarium filters, garden manure, ropes, and cordages[1].
  • The white coir is used to spun into yarn and used in the manufacturing of ropes.
  • Whereas brown coir is used to make doormats, carpets, and mattresses.
  • Coir bricks are used for different construction purposes. 
  • It is also used as a reinforcement material in composites. 
  • Home décor, idols, sofas, toys, brushes, etc., use Coir fibres for the making.
Categories
Plant

Hemp Fibres

Hemp Fibres

Botanical information

  • Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa) and marijuana both belong to the Cannabis sativa family. However, industrial hemp contains low levels of the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) around 0.3% or less, which is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use.
  • This low THC content allows hemp usage for various purposes without causing intoxication.
  • Industrial hemp is a perennial dioecious plant.

Agroclimatic conditions

  • Hemp plants can thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0pH and 7.0pH.
  • Hemp prefers a mild climate with a humid atmosphere and a rainfall of at least 25 to 30 inches/year.
  • It has a short cropping period and needs less pesticide and water to grow than cotton.
  • Applications support the efficient use of all plant parts, including the roots and seeds.
  • Bast fibres hold almost 20-30% of the stalk. The superior quality of fibres is obtained from the densely planted hemp fields.
  • Though hemp is native to India and Persia, almost all the temperate and tropical zones cultivate it.
  • Russia is the largest hemp fibre producer, accounting for 33% of annual worldwide production(2019).
  • Countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Yugoslavia, Chile, Japan, China, and Peru produce a considerable quantity of hemp fibres annually.

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Length

5-55mm

Diameter

22-25 μm

Fineness

0.25-0.52 tex

Linear density[2]

3.0-2.2 tex

Moisture content

8%

Breaking elongation

3-4%

Chemical Composition

Cellulose

70-74%

Hemicellulose

15-20%

Lignin

3.7-5.7%

Pectin

0.8%

Wax

1.2-6.2%

Ash

0.8%

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Features

  • The hemp plant is ideal for organic farming as it does not require herbicides or chemical fertilizers. It nourishes the soil to retain nutrients and helps in retaining moisture.
  • It also acts as a weed suppressor in the land and leaves the soil in excellent condition for any succeeding crop.
  • It consists of a deep taproot system, allowing soil penetration, raising nutrients towards the surface and aerating the soil.
  • Additionally, it does not drain the soil out of nutrients as the fallen leaves from this plant function as a rich organic matter for the soil.
  • It is flammable and sensitive to UV, and microbial (fungus and bacteria) attack .

Uses

  • Industrial hemp is a versatile resource for making rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and paper.
  • It is also used as acoustics for sound insulation or absorption .
  • Also, it is used to create hemp-based bioplastics, insulation material, biofuel, composites, etc.
  • The blends of hemp with other textile materials, such as cotton, nettle, etc., are introduced in the market, which is proving itself to be equally beneficial as other products.
  • The users of hemp-based products include industries such as composites, textiles, automotive, fireboard, heat-insulating materials, and construction with fibre-reinforced concrete.
  • It is also used in applications related to the reinforcements of these fibres in brake pad applications in the automotive industry.
  • Research is underway for hemp fibre applications in sporting goods and musical instruments.
Categories
Plant

Kapok Fibers

Kapok Fibers

Botanical information

  • The scientific name of kapok is Ceiba Pentandra, belonging to the Malvaceae family.
  • In different regions, kapok is also called “cotton silk,” “samauma,” “java cotton,” or “java kapok.”
  • The fibre which appears like cotton when in raw form and has a soft feel like silk should be the kapok fibre.
  • Kapok is a natural textile fibre obtained from the kapok tree’s seeds, which appear on the branches.
  • Indonesia and Thailand are some of the top kapok exporters around the world.

Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation

  • Regions with tropical or sub-tropical climates are the preferred places to grow the kapok tree.
  • These trees particularly grow at an altitude which is less than 1000 feet from the sea level.
  • The kapok tree requires porous volcanic soil, which has good drainage.
  • These are the tallest type of tropical trees, which can grow up to 230 feet (70m).
  • Due to its fast growth, it is used for reforestation.
  • The fruits of the tree which carry the kapok fibres are oblong egg-shaped pouches.
  • This raw material present inside the pods is light, fluffy, lustrous, and light yellow to light brown.
  • Under favourable conditions, a tree may produce 330-400 fruits per year, thus gaining 15-18 kg of fibre and 30kg of seeds per year.

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres 

Physical & Mechanical Characteristics

Fibre Length

8-32 mm

Fineness

0.4-0.7 d

Tenacity

1.4-1.74 g/d

Elongation at Break

1.8-4.2%.

Chemical composition

Cellulose

70.2-74.4%

Hemicellulose

17.9-22.4%

Lignin

3.7-5.7%

Ash

Features of the fibres

  • The kapok fibres depict a hydrophobic nature as it consists of a waxy surface and dries quickly if they get wet.
  • It has excellent buoyancy; 1 kg of kapok fibres can keep a 35 kg load afloat.
  • These fibres are environmentally friendly as they are anti-bacterial, non-toxic, non-allergic, odourless, and rot resistant.
  • They can also function as a good insulator for heat, sound, and air due to the air trapped inside the fibre structure.
  • It can be a viable alternative to cotton as it is abundantly available in nature, cost-effective, and renewable.
  • It is an organic and biodegradable seed fibre which is naturally buoyant.

Typical uses

  • Kapok fibres are mainly used as a filler in mattresses and as stuffings in pillows and toys.
  • Industries like paper, textile, aviation, and upholstery use these fibres on a large scale.
  • The fruit, leaves, oil, and young shoots of kapok are used as food and medicines.
  • Also, it is often considered a sacred or symbolic tree in Indigenous cultures; its various parts are used in traditional medicine.
  • These fibres are natural reinforcing and filling materials in polymer composites.
Categories
Plant

Kenaf Fibres

Kenaf Fibres

Botanical information

  • Its botanical name is Hibiscus Cannabinus L. and is also known as Mesta, Ambari, Gambo, etc.
  • It belongs to the family Malvaceae and the species Hibiscus.
  • It is a bast fibre.
  • Kenaf, a dicotyledonous, herbaceous annual plant, has a high fibre yield.

Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation

  • The kenaf plant is known for its economic and horticultural importance and use.
  • It is adaptable to temperate and tropical climates and can flourish with abundant solar radiation and high rainfall.
  • It requires well-drained, neutral, sandy loams rich in humus.
  • It has moderate drought tolerance but is sensitive to frost. The optimum plant growth temperature should be above 10oC throughout the growing season to obtain maximum yield.

Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres

Physical & Mechanical properties

Length

2.32±0.21mm

Diameter

21.9±4.6  µm

Tensile strength

930 MPa

Elongation at break

1.7±0.2%

Moisture content

8%

Chemical Composition

Cellulose

45-57%

Hemi-cellulose

8-13 %

Lignin

22 %

Pectin

0.6%

Wax

0.8%

Ash

2-5%

Features

  • Kenaf fibres are relatively short, but they can reach up to 5mm under favourable climatic conditions within 6-8 months.
  • The colour of the fibres ranges from light yellow to grey, and they exhibit moderate to high lustre.
  • Despite being coarser and less pliable than jute, kenaf fibres have a high breaking strength.
  • They also possess flame-retardant properties, excellent sound insulation, and antimicrobial properties due to lignin coating between fibre layers.
  • The average yield of kenaf fibres ranges from 0.846-3.758 tons per ha.

Uses

  • Kenaf is widely used in industrial applications such as paper and pulp, textiles, insulating mats.
  • Its applications include the creation of absorption material, animal bedding, bio composites, biomass, etc.
  • Kenaf Fibres are used as reinforcement material in thermoplastic compounds in Mediterranean countries.
  • It is used as a raw material for the substitution of wood in pulp production and paper industries.
  • In the past and still, it can produce high-quality cordages, ropes, sacs, canvases, carpets.