BAMBOO FIBRE
INTRODUCTION
Bamboo fibre is produced from bamboo plant. As a fibre, bamboo is a natural cellulosic regenerated bio-degradable environment friendly textile material. It is not only a green fibre but it has also inherent property of antibacterial and UV-protective property. It is pro-duced through some process. Firstly, Starchy pulp is produced from bamboo stems and leaves through a process of alkaline hydrolysis and multi-phase bleaching. Further chemical process produces bamboo fibre finally. It is very useful due to high tensile strength, stability and durability.
MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF BAMBOO
Bamboo is a bast fibre just like
jute, flax, ramie etc. The main components of bamboo are -
> Rhizomes
> Roots
> culms
> Branchers
> Leaves
> Flowers
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
It is a lingo-cellulosic bast
fibre. The chemical Composition of bamboo fibre is just like other bast fibre
such as jute, flax and others. It contains cellulose(70-74%) ,
hemicellulose(12-!4%), lignin(10-12%), extractives like protein, wax, pectin.
PROCESSING: -
Bamboo fibres are generally
manufactured by two process. They are as follows-
>Chemical Process
>Mechanical Process
The Bamboo fibres can be produced
by two different chemical methods depending upon type of fabric. Majority , the
Bamboo fibres are produced by Viscose Rayon processing method. This method is
regenerated fibre processing method.
RAYON PROCESSING METHOD: -
(i)
At first bamboos are extracted and crushed.
(ii)
Then in the presence of a solution of 20% NaOH
at a temperature of 20 deg C for 3 hours. The crushed bamboo is soaked. It
forms an alkali solution.
(iii)
Soda cellulose has to be crushed and left to dry
for 24 hours.
(iv)
To sulphurize the compounds CS2 is
added to soda cellulose. It becomes jelly.
(v)
Remaining CS2 is removed by
evaporation and sodium cellulose xanthate is formed
(vi)
To create viscose solution NaOH is added. It is
consisted of 5% NaOH and 7%-15% bamboo fibre cellulose.
(vii)
Bamboo solution is forced through the spinneret
into container of dilute H2SO4
(viii)
It solidifies into fibre which is then spun.
CLOSE LOOP SOLVENT SPINNING PROCESS: -
It is an eco-friendly process. It
is also known as lyocell type spinning process. While solvent use to make
traditional viscose processing is wasted and end up in a biosphere, the solvent
used in closed-loop rayon production can be reused again and again.
MECHANICAL PROCESS: -
Here is no need to extract
cellulose. In this process natural enzyme is used on crushed bamboo wood
fibres. Then they are washed and spun into yarn. The yarn which are made from
it usually has a silky texture. It is the natural processing of Bamboo Fibre.
The Resulting textile is very
strong and long lasting also.
WHY USED?
(I)
Green and Eco-friendly: - It is 100% cellulose.
So, it is biodegradable in nature. Bamboo fibres decomposes without causing any
pollution. Bamboo can be grown without the use of pesticides. Fast rate of
growing and low water consumption makes it sustainable raw material for
textiles.
(II)
Anti-Bacterial Property: - Bamboo fibre has a
unique anti-bacterial quality, due to an antimicrobial bio agent called “Bamboo
Kun”. It is found naturally in living
bamboo fibre. Due to “Kun”, Bamboo fibre is antimicrobial.
(III)
Softness: - Bamboo fibre is finer and softer
than cotton. It has better moisture absorption and ventilation.
(IV)
UV- protection property: - Bamboo made fabric
has UV absorption property. Ith can protect human body from UV ray.
USES: -
(i)
As it has UV resistance property, it can be used
for garments.
(ii)
It can be used in socks and bath suits due to
its fineness.
(iii)
Itcan be used to produce medical product such as
bandage etc
CONCLUSION: -
Bamboo fibre is very much
essential fibre. It has very much popularity in textile market. It is biodegradable
in nature, the antibacterial properties and UV protection properties are the
cause for its high requirements. Moreover, it is a green Textile Material.