Assessment of coconut fibers for textile applications

ABSTRACT Brazil is the fourth larger producer in coconut fruit in the world. However, the industry processes only a small portion of coconut byproducts, which have caused serious environmental problems. The purpose of this article is to test an alternative for the recovery of coconut byproduct. In a series of experiments, recovered coconut fibers (coir) were treated to be employ in textile application. After initial classification and sampling, the fine coconut fibers were subjected to a simultaneous scouring and pre-bleaching process in a mild alkali solution together with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The fibers were first subjected to this treatment for 10 minutes at 80°C and then again for 20 minutes at the boiling point. The samples were then treated with a cationic softener for 10 minutes at 60°C. After this process, the physical and mechanical properties were measured and values proved not to be statistically significant. The article indicates some of the main obstacles when handling coconut fiber for textile applications and reveals that besides elongation, softness and homogeneity are essential for coconut fibers spinning. Findings in this investigation showed some improved results in relation to the previous literature in two aspects: Firstly, because the treatment did not harm the fibers quality; secondly, because due to the treatment the coconut fibers could be arranged in fibrous strands, which facilitated spinning and weaving for use in textile applications.