ISSN 2456-0235

INDEXED IN 

International Journal of Modern Science and Technology

​​​​​Vol. 2, No. 12, 2017, pp. 377-382. 

​

​Characterization of new natural Cellulosic Fiber from Urera hypselodendron Plant for Technical Textile Application 

Aklilu Azanaw, Adane Haile, Rotich K. Gideon, G. Nalankilli*
Textile Chemistry Research and Innovation Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
​​​*Corresponding author’s e-mail: gnalankilli@yahoo.com

​Abstract

​Natural fibers are receiving a lot of consideration from researchers for their utilization in manufacture of technical textiles. This is due to their eco-friendly nature, sustainability and adequate physical properties. Most of the natural reinforced composites depend on jute and flax fibers which are not enough for world markets and not fully applicable for industrial application. This study aims at fiber extraction and characterization from Urera hypselodendron tree trunks. The fibers were successfully extracted by both water retting and chemically using sodium hydroxide. The extracted fibers were characterized for their breaking strength, breaking elongation, moisture regain, fineness and the diameter. The results indicated that the fibers had properties resembling those of traditional natural cellulose fibers (Flax and Jute); therefore can be viewed as a promising alternative source for natural cellulose bundle fibers that can be used for technical textile application.

Keywords: Natural cellulosic fibers; Retting; Chemical extraction; Reinforcement; Composites; Technical Textiles. 

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