Extraction and processing of Ficus glomerata fibres for production of nonwoven
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Date
2015-06
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Uttarakhand is endowed with a unique and diverse range of biodiversity. There are several plants which are available in abundance and have not received commercial importance. Therefore this study is planned to identify locally available fiber giving plants and to extract fiber from these plants by using tank retting method. To improve commercial value of the fiber, standardized methods need to be developed for its processing and to enhance the aesthetic appeal, value addition of products may be helpful. It is assumed that the plant fibers have enough potential to meet the growing demands of environment conscious consumers and can prove to be viable in the upcoming years. Hence, this research aimed at identifying, extracting and bringing out the plant fiber and their utilization in development of material for textiles. Keeping in mind the above mentioned points the study is designed with the objectives to explore and select potential fibre yielding plants for extraction of fibres, to process extracted fibres and testing of its physico-chemical properties, to prepare non-woven fabric and testing of its physical properties. To check the utility of nonwoven various products were developed through value addition. The fibres from three different plants i.e. Ficus glomerata, Sterculia alata and Sterculia villosa were extracted by tank retting method and were scoured using sodium hydroxide. The extracted fibres were termed as untreated fibres and scoured fibres were termed as treated fibres. Visual examination of treated fibres was done and physical properties of untreated and treated fibres were tested. It was found that Ficus glomerata fibres had better visual and physical properties as compared to other plant fibres and therefore it was selected for further study. The Ficus glomerata fibres were extracted and scoured using sodium hydroxide. The variables of sodium hydroxide i.e. time and concentrations were optimized. It was found that suitable concentration and time duration for scouring with sodium hydroxide was 3 percent and 60 minutes. Physical and chemical properties of both untreated and treated Ficus glomerata fibres were tested and it was found that treated fibres had better physical and chemical properties due to removal of non cellulosic components from the untreated fibres. Nonwoven fabric was prepared from treated Ficus glomerata fibres by needle punching method. The properties of the nonwoven fabric was tested and it was found that the nonwoven was thick, stiff and light in weight they had low air permeability. The nonwoven made from these fibres can be used in agrotextiles for mulching. Biocomposites, floor coverings, handicrafts item and numerous home furnishing items can also be prepared by using Ficus glomerata nonwoven. Thus it can be concluded that Ficus glomerata fibres had potential to be used for the preparation of nonwoven fabric which can have numerous applications.
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