Extraction and Spinnabiity of Mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Fibre
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Date
2011
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Publisher
UAS, Dharwad
Abstract
The present investigation entitled “Extraction and Spinnaiblity of Mesta
(Hibiscus sabdariffa) Fibre” was carried out during 2009-2011. Mesta variety AS73
CP 560 grown in Institute of Organic Farming, University of Agricultural Sciences,
Dharwad was selected for the study. Fibres were extracted from stalks harvested at
two different stages of plant growth using urea treatment and different steeping
methods. Scoured, bleached and dyed mesta fibres were assessed for quality viz.,
length, fineness, strength and elongation, colour strength and colourfastness.
Spinnability of the fibres in different blend proportions with cotton was studied and
the yarn parameters were assessed. Results revealed that stalks harvested at
physiological maturity stage processed by urea treatment and vertical-horizontal
steeping produced higher fibre yields. Longitudinal structure of mesta fibres is
striated, with nodes that are more clear and developed at physiological maturity stage.
Cross section depicted the existence of a number of fibrils. Presence of lignin in the
physiological matured stalks was noticed. Fibres extracted by vertical-horizontal
steeping had less amount of waxes and gums as indicated by the cross sectional
structure. There was a successive reduction of fibre quality on wet processing
treatments. The physical characteristics of 80:20 cotton/mesta blended yarn were
better than the 100 per cent organic cotton and 60:40 cotton/mesta blended yarns.
Moreover, mesta fibres have added strength to cotton yarn and simultaneously
decreased the elongation making the blend suitable for knits, curtains & draperies and
other household textiles including table & kitchen linen. Addition of mesta fibres has
also reduced the cost of production of pure cotton yarns. Expediting the usage of such
minor fibres not only saves natural fibres for multiple applications but also ensures
the availability of eco-friendly goods at nominal prices.