Extraction of cellulosic fibres from Helicteres isora L. plant for sustainable development

摘要

Bast fibers are receiving renewed attention in the quest to increase the use of sustainable fibers in all kinds of textile products. Among the plant species, Helicteres isora L. (Marorphali) shrub has a great potential for the extraction of the fibres. The fibres can be extracted from stem of Marorphali shrub. This plant has good potential for commercial exploitation as they are multipurpose plants. They are used as medicines for curing various diseases and this plants can also be used for the extraction of the fibres. The fruits, barks, leaves and the roots of these plants are used for medicine since long back and when the plants are cut for the medicines the stems of Helicteres isora L. plants are not completely utilized for the medicine and they remain as a waste or they are used as a fuel. Therefore, the resources which were going as waste can be harvested profitably for the extraction of the fibres from the plants. Therefore, keeping in view the importance, utility and availability of the Marorphali plants, the study was undertaken to extract Marorphali fibres by water retting for its various textile application. The utilization of these natural fibres can replace synthetic products used by the people. It will also create employment which will prove to be cost effective and ecologically sustainable.