Kapok Fiber: Applications

Abstract

Kapok fiber is obtained from the seed hairs of kapok trees (Ceiba pentandra) and belongs to a natural cellulosic fiber. Kapok fiber is consisted of abundant hollow microtubes with the unique structure of void content as high as 80–90 %. Conventionally, kapok fiber is used as the stuffing for pillows, bedding, and some soft toys. Owing to excellent buoyancy and air-filled lumen, kapok fiber is also utilized as the buoyant material (such as life preservers) and insulation materials against sound and heat. Due to better warm retention property, kapok fiber can blend with other fibers to achieve the required apparel textiles. Kapok fiber contains wax layer on its surface, which affords this fiber to show excellent hydrophobic–oleophilic characteristics, and accordingly, this fiber has received much attention in recent years as the oil-absorbing material. Featured with natural microtubes structure, kapok fiber can also be used as a desirable template material or supported candidate such as for catalyst carriers. This chapter provides a summary of recent applications of kapok fiber, with special attention to some fields being developed.