Extraction of Fibres for Development of Yarns from Plant-Waste Material: Ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia)

Abstract

The present study was focused on the development of blended yarns using ashoka bast fibres extracted from pruned ashoka plant-waste material, the usefulness of which was hardly explored for the purpose. Unethical and un-thoughtful disposal of huge amount of  a plant waste is causing multiple hazards through deterioration of the environment and consequently, the public health. Development of textile textures from plant-waste may help in addressing to this problem, in addition to providing self-employment through entrepreneurship development in related products. The study was focused on chemical extraction of ashoka (P. longifolia) fibres and properties of blended yarns. Ashoka barks were treated in 3% alkali solution (1:20 MLR) at a high temperature (100–120ºC) for 2.5 hours. Softening of fibres was done with silicone emulsion (0.5% by weight of fibres) at room temperature. High denier value for ashoka fibres (76.45) and bundle strength (24.75 g/tex) were observed. Length of ashoka fibres (59.64 mm) was more than the wool fibres with moisture content 9.70%. The extracted ashoka fibres were hand spun in two types of yarns-ashoka (100%) and the blend of ashoka/wool (50:50). Higher tenacity (1.09 gf/tex) and breaking force (892.0 gf/denier) of 100% ashoka yarn were found in comparison to 50A:50W blended yarn. Furthermore, higher yarn count 1.77s was observed in case of 50A:50W. Both the yarns were considered suitable for developing fabrics for home textiles and apparel.