Extraction, processing and evaluation of physico-chemical properties of Grewia asiatica (Phalsa) fibers and construction of woven and non-woven fabric
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Date
2017-08
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
The world is witnessing undesirable phenomenon in terms of changing global temperature, increasing population and shrinking natural resources. Textile being, one of the basic needs of human being is not untouched with the consequences of these changes. The need and awareness of using eco-friendly textiles have increased rapidly amongst the masses. Keeping all these points in mind, present research was conducted to screen various plants for extraction of bast fibers and selection of fiber giving plant based on the physical properties of fibers, to process the selected fiber and testing of physico-chemical properties of unprocessed and processed fibers, to prepare yarn from processed fiber and testing of its properties and to prepare woven and non-woven fabrics and assessment of their properties.
A trail for extraction of fiber was conducted on three different plant species i.e. Grewia asiatica, Hibiscus syriacus and Malvaviscus penduliflorus by traditional water retting method. On the basis of best physical properties and high fiber yield, Grewia asiatica fiber was selected for the study. To improve the physical properties of Grewia asiatica fibers, best scouring method and softening method was selected. The treatment time and concentration of chemical were optimized for both scouring and softening process. Grewia asiatica fibers was scoured with optimum scouring conditions (20g/l NaOH and 5g/l ammonium oxalate at 100°C temperature for 30 minutes) and after that it was softened with optimum (0.5%) concentration of cationic softener at room temperature for 30 minutes. Physical and chemical properties and SEM analysis of the unprocessed and processed fibers was done. Results indicated that due to the removal of non-cellulosic substances from the surface of the fiber, processed fibers exhibited better physical and chemical properties. The SEM image of processed fibers also showed smooth and clear surface than unprocessed fiber.
The processed Grewia asiatica fibers were cut, opened and carded for preparation of yarn. Yarn was prepared by using Bhageshwari Charkha. Cotton machine made yarn was procured from local market. The physical properties of both yarns were tested. Cotton yarn exhibited better strength, evenness and fineness whereas hand spun Grewia asiatica yarn was coarser and had hairiness. Therefore, cotton yarn selected as warp and Grewia asiatica yarn as weft for construction of woven union fabric.
Union fabric was prepared on handloom by using herringbone weave and their properties were tested. It was found that fabric was heavy in weight, and exhibited good strength and elongation. The fabric had good abrasion resistance property and fair drapability. Therefore, the prepared woven fabric can be recommended for preparation of handicraft items as well as fashion fabric.
Non-woven fabric was also prepared from processed Grewia asiatica fibers by needle punching method. The properties of non-woven fabric were tested and it was found that fabric was thick, light-weighted, had good thermal insulation property and good moisture regain property. Thus, the prepared non-woven fabrics can be used in agro-textiles for mulching, biocomposites, floor covering, carpets, handicrafts items and numerous home furnishing materials.
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