Extraction and Textile Qualities of Fibers from Some Xerophytic Plants

摘要

The significant of natural fiber in artistic manipulations cannot be overestimated, hence there is need to resuscitate its extraction and production. A study was conducted on the extraction and the textile potentials of fibers from four xerophytic plants namely: Agave sisaliana, Agave americana, Pandanus sanderi and Sanservieria trifasciate. Six different solutions: A- 2 L of cold water and 10 g of caustic soda (NaOH); B-2 L of cold water and 20 g NaOH; C-2 L of hot water and 10 g NaOH; D-2 L of hot water and 20 g of NaOH; E-2 L of hot water (control 1) and F-2 L of cold water (control 2)} were assessed for there fiber extraction capacity and the quality of fiber using retting traditional method for three days. The results of this experiment showed highest level of retting in plants soaked in solution D followed by solution B and the lowest from solution A after the first three days. Agave americana fiber was more subtle, smooth and with fine strands. Fiber extraction process was firstly completed in solution D followed by solution C while solutions E and F plants were still undergoing fiber retting process after 14 days. All the plants had sized and unsized fibers of different qualities. The utilization of solution D is recommended in traditional retting of fibers since all plants fiber extracted in this solution had the best structure and Agave americana gave the best fiber. Natural fiber extraction is economical and harnessing these potentials will contribute immensely to the industrial artistic world development.