Extraction and processing of Bast fibres from Ficus glomerata- A new source for non- conventional fibres

Abstract

The increasing global preference towards the natural products rather than synthetic products has increased the attraction of tourists to the local markets. Ficus glomerata fibres is one of the suitable source as raw material for making natural products like carrier bags, baskets, belts and some handicraft items. Fibres from F. glomerata stems were extracted by using water retting method. After retting, the fibres were scoured using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for making them suitable to form the different produucts from the processed fibres such as yarn, nonwoven, woven and knitted fabrics. Scouring conditions such as chemical concentration and processing time were evaluated on the basis of physical properties of fibres such as tenacity, elongation and fineness. The optimization results obtained from testing of physical properties of fibres shows that, the 3% concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 60 minutes processing time was found promising for the treatment of fibres. The improvement in F. glomerata fibres through proper processing can yield value added fibres and thus can enhance the potential utility of these fibres in diversified sectors. So, the F. glomaerata fibres has a potential to provide an important role in making space for natural fibre products in the outside market.