Design and development of simple machine for pineapple leaf fiber

extraction
Kazi Md. Hasanul Hoque,
Champion, TTH 2015,
National Institute of Textile Engineering & Research
August 17, 2016October 19, 2016
Share1

Abstract

The project outlines a new simple machine for extraction of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) which is economically viable and remunerative for the pineapple cultivators and
entrepreneurs. This simple extraction machine is based on a semi-automatic process by which the upper waxy layer of pineapple leaf is removed very easily and it is cheaper
than existing decorticator machine.

Introduction

Pineapple leaf fiber is a high textile grade commercial fiber. It is generally extracted by manual extraction and mechanical extraction by decorticator machine. The process of
extracting long vegetable fibers is of great importance since the quality as well as the quantity of extracted fibers is strongly influenced by the method of extraction employed.
Manual extraction process of pineapple leaf fiber is time consuming and laborious. On the other hand the automatic decorticator machine is costly and it need skilled operator.
So this paper aims to design and develop a new method in extraction of PALF by which the pineapple farmer can easily extract the PALF and the quality and quantity fiber is
ensured.

1.1 Manual extraction using ceramic

Fibers of the leaf are scraped by means of a ceramic plate or coconut shell. A fast and skilled scraper can extract fiber from over 500 leaves per day after which the fibers are
washed and dried in open air. In this process a lot of fiber is lost and the entire process is also very laborious. After drying, the fibers are waxed to remove the entanglement and
the fibers are knotted. During the knotting process, each fiber is extracted singly from the bunch and knotted end to end to form a long continuous strand. The fibe r is then sent
for warping and weaving.
 Figure 1: Pineapple leaf fiber extraction by scrapping

1.2 Mechanical Extraction

The conventional decorticator machine is shown in figure 2 such as the machine has three rollers-

 Feed roller
 Leaf scratching roller and
 Serrated roller

The leaves were fed through the feed roller and then passed through the scratching roller. The upper surface of the leaves is first scratched by scratching roller blades to
remove the waxy layer and then passed through the serrated roller where the closely fitted blades of the roller macerates the leaf and produces several breaks on the leaf
surface for easy entry of the retting microbes.
Figure 2: Mechanical extraction of pineapple leaf fiber by decorticator machine

2. Materials and methods:

2.1 Material

The materials which are used to produce simple proto-type extraction machine was collected from the mechanical lab of National Institute of Textile and Research (NITER) in
Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pineapple leaves are collected from Modhupur, Tangail, Bangladesh and then the fibers are extracted from leaves by simple proto-type extraction
machine.

2.2 Method:
 Manual extraction process of pineapple leaf fiber is time consuming and laborious. On the other hand the automatic decorticator machine is costly and it need skilled operator.
So a simple, cheap and easy method have been designed and developed to operate proto-type pineapple leaf extraction machine which is economically viable and
remunerative for the poverty stricken people of Bangladesh.

3. Description of new machine

3.1 Design

This simple proto-type extraction machine has six parts.

1. Rotating Gear.
2. Connecting Rod.
3. Scraping ceramic plate
4. Load
5. Handle
6. Base
Figure 3: Design of simple pineapple leaf fiber extracting machine
 Rotating gear is connected with the base. The diameter of rotating gear is 8 inch. A handle and a connecting rod are attached with the rotating gear. When the handle is rotated,
it also rotates the rotating gear and with the rotation of the rotating roller the connecting move forward and backward. A Ceramic plate scraper with 2kg load is attached with the
connecting rod. With the forward and backward movement of the connecting rod ceramic plate scraper scrape the upper waxy layer of the pineapple fiber.

3.2 Simple proto-type extraction machine

Figure 4: Simple proto-type of pineapple fibre extraction machine

The newly developed machine is very cheap to produce. It costs only 1000 BDT to develop.

It has following characteristics:

1. Portable
2. Low cost and affordable even to poor farmer.
3. A compact modular structure for easy operation.
4. Operated manually but adaptable to power by adding motor of 120-240 rpm instead of handle.

4. Future scopes:

1. Making the simple extraction machine more efficient and user friendly.
2. Cost analysis.
3. Develop Business plan to promote the simple extraction machine.
4. Training the pineapple farmer

5. Conclusion:

The newly developed machine can effectively be used to extract the pineapple fiber from the agro-waste of pineapple leaves. This machine will be very effective for our poverty
stricken people as it is cheap and easy to operate in Bangladesh as poverty stricken country should come forward to join the movement of promotion of pineapple fiber based
products since it has huge available raw materials as well unemployed population throughout the country.

References:

1. Shyamal Banika, Debasis Nag & Sanjoy Debnath Utilization of pineapple leaf agro-waste for extraction of fibre and the residual biomass for vermicomposting
2. S. K. Dey & Dr. K. K. Satapathy,A Combined Technology Package for Extraction of Pineapple Leaf Fibre-An Agrowaste, Utilization of biomass and for application in Textiles.

Champion
Design and development of simple machine for pineapple leaf fiber
extraction
Kazi Md. Hasanul Hoque,
Champion, TTH 2015,
National Institute of Textile Engineering & Research
August 17, 2016October 19, 2016

Share1

Abstract

The project outlines a new simple machine for extraction of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) which is
economically viable and remunerative for the pineapple cultivators and entrepreneurs. This
simple extraction machine is based on a semi-automatic process by which the upper waxy layer
of pineapple leaf is removed very easily and it is cheaper than existing decorticator machine.

Introduction

Pineapple leaf fiber is a high textile grade commercial fiber. It is generally extracted by manual
extraction and mechanical extraction by decorticator machine. The process of extracting long
vegetable fibers is of great importance since the quality as well as the quantity of extracted
fibers is strongly influenced by the method of extraction employed. Manual extraction process of
pineapple leaf fiber is time consuming and laborious. On the other hand the automatic
decorticator machine is costly and it need skilled operator. So this paper aims to design and
develop a new method in extraction of PALF by which the pineapple farmer can easily extract
the PALF and the quality and quantity fiber is ensured.

1.1 Manual extraction using ceramic

Fibers of the leaf are scraped by means of a ceramic plate or coconut shell. A fast and skilled
scraper can extract fiber from over 500 leaves per day after which the fibers are washed and
dried in open air. In this process a lot of fiber is lost and the entire process is also very
laborious. After drying, the fibers are waxed to remove the entanglement and the fibers are
knotted. During the knotting process, each fiber is extracted singly from the bunch and knotted
end to end to form a long continuous strand. The fiber is then sent for warping and weaving.
Figure 1: Pineapple leaf fiber extraction by scrapping

1.2 Mechanical Extraction

The conventional decorticator machine is shown in figure 2 such as the machine has three
rollers-

 Feed roller
 Leaf scratching roller and
 Serrated roller

The leaves were fed through the feed roller and then passed through the scratching roller. The
upper surface of the leaves is first scratched by scratching roller blades to remove the waxy
layer and then passed through the serrated roller where the closely fitted blades of the roller
macerates the leaf and produces several breaks on the leaf surface for easy entry of the retting
microbes.
Figure 2: Mechanical extraction of pineapple leaf fiber by decorticator machine

2. Materials and methods:

2.1 Material

The materials which are used to produce simple proto-type extraction machine was collected
from the mechanical lab of National Institute of Textile and Research (NITER) in Savar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh. Pineapple leaves are collected from Modhupur, Tangail, Bangladesh and then the
fibers are extracted from leaves by simple proto-type extraction machine.

2.2 Method:

Manual extraction process of pineapple leaf fiber is time consuming and laborious. On the other
hand the automatic decorticator machine is costly and it need skilled operator. So a simple,
cheap and easy method have been designed and developed to operate proto-type pineapple
leaf extraction machine which is economically viable and remunerative for the poverty stricken
people of Bangladesh.

3. Description of new machine

3.1 Design

This simple proto-type extraction machine has six parts.

1. Rotating Gear.
2. Connecting Rod.
3. Scraping ceramic plate
4. Load
5. Handle
6. Base
Figure 3: Design of simple pineapple leaf fiber extracting machine
Rotating gear is connected with the base. The diameter of rotating gear is 8 inch. A handle and
a connecting rod are attached with the rotating gear. When the handle is rotated, it also rotates
the rotating gear and with the rotation of the rotating roller the connecting move forward and
backward. A Ceramic plate scraper with 2kg load is attached with the connecting rod. With the
forward and backward movement of the connecting rod ceramic plate scraper scrape the upper
waxy layer of the pineapple fiber.

3.2 Simple proto-type extraction machine

Figure 4: Simple proto-type of pineapple fibre extraction machine

The newly developed machine is very cheap to produce. It costs only 1000 BDT to develop.

It has following characteristics:

1. Portable
2. Low cost and affordable even to poor farmer.
3. A compact modular structure for easy operation.
4. Operated manually but adaptable to power by adding motor of 120-240 rpm instead of
handle.

4. Future scopes:

1. Making the simple extraction machine more efficient and user friendly.
2. Cost analysis.
3. Develop Business plan to promote the simple extraction machine.
4. Training the pineapple farmer

5. Conclusion:

The newly developed machine can effectively be used to extract the pineapple fiber from the
agro-waste of pineapple leaves. This machine will be very effective for our poverty stricken
people as it is cheap and easy to operate in Bangladesh as poverty stricken country should
come forward to join the movement of promotion of pineapple fiber based products since it has
huge available raw materials as well unemployed population throughout the country.

References:

1. Shyamal Banika, Debasis Nag & Sanjoy Debnath Utilization of pineapple leaf agro-waste for
extraction of fibre and the residual biomass for vermicomposting
2. S. K. Dey & Dr. K. K. Satapathy,A Combined Technology Package for Extraction of
Pineapple Leaf Fibre-An Agrowaste, Utilization of biomass and for application in Textiles.

Champion

Research Article

Extraction and Textile Qualities of Fibers

from Some Xerophytic Plants
Udeani and Nkemdilim Angela

ABSTRACT

The significant of natural fiber in artistic manipulations cannot beServices

overestimated, hence there is need to resuscitate its extraction andRelated Articles in ASCI
production. A study was conducted on the extraction and the textile Similar Articles in this Journal
potentials of fibers from four xerophytic plants namely: Agave
Search in Google Scholar
sisaliana, Agave americana, Pandanus sanderi and Sanservieria
trifasciate. Six different solutions: A- 2L of cold water and 10 g ofView Citation
caustic soda (NaOH); B-2L of cold water and 20 g NaOH; C-2L ofReport Citation
hot water and 10 g NaOH; D-2L of hot water and 20 g of NaOH; E-
2L of hot water (control 1) and F-2L of cold water (control 2)} were
assessed for there fiber extraction capacity and the quality of fiber
using retting traditional method for three days. The results of this
experiment showed highest level of retting in plants soaked in
solution D followed by solution B and the lowest from solution A
after the first three days. Agave americana fiber was more subtle,
smooth and with fine strands. Fiber extraction process was firstly
completed in solution D followed by solution C while solutions E and
F plants were still undergoing fiber retting process after 14 days. All
the plants had sized and unsized fibers of different qualities. The
utilization of solution D is recommended in traditional retting of
fibers since all plants fiber extracted in this solution had the best
structure and Agave americana gave the best fiber. Natural fiber
extraction is economical and harnessing these potentials will
contribute immensely to the industrial artistic world development.

How to cite this article:

Udeani and Nkemdilim Angela, 2011. Extraction and Textile Qualities of Fibers from Some Xerophytic Plants. Asian Journal of Textile, 1: 35-41.

DOI: 10.3923/ajt.2011.35.41

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract

INTRODUCTION

Fibres are strands or filaments which are derived from vegetable, animal, or petroleum
products which discovery and subsequent use in different types or levels of production
marked a new epoch in textile science and technology ( Verloove, 2005). From investigations and
research, it can be noticed that fiber can be extracted from animals, plants and minerals.
Animal fibers are wool, hair, etc and secretions, such as silk. Plants fibers may be seed
hairs, such as cotton; bast (stem) fibre, such as linen; leaf fiber, such as sisal; and husk
fiber, such as coconut (International Year of Natural Fibres, 2009; McGovern, 1990). Uzoechi (1991) studied kenaf and
pineapple plants and the extraction of their fiber contents. But Wingate (1964) describes fiber as a
hair-like unit of raw material of which cloths are made, or a basic unit used in the
fabrication of textile yarns and fabrics. She gave a detailed study on the extraction of these
fibers. The fiber strength, the staple length, its pliability, elasticity and other fiber properties
were exhaustively discussed.

Presently, natural fibers are hardly seen around at the market or anywhere so to say. All
that is seen around us these days are mainly industrial twines or what are popularly known
as nylon twine. This was the situation of thing in Tanzania after 1994 when the synthetic
fibers outmarches the natural fiber production from sisal change the trend of production and
affecting their economy. Obviously one can say rightfully that the already investigated
natural fibers are out of use and also becoming absolute. Truely, the nylon or artificial fibers
in use now can serve the same purpose as the natural fibers but the two can never be
equated (especially in artistic manipulation). The soft and tough nature of the natural fibers
can never be equated to the hard and coarse nature of the man-made nylon fiber especially
when they are handled in tying or knotting of any type (Msahli et al., 2007). Cruse (2008) reported on the
utilization of xerophytic plants as a dependant factor upon complete utilization of the
extractive of a particular species and applause Agave species for natural fiber yield.

The extraction of natural fibers from plants and their uses for production of fabrics and
other woven or constructed textile materials has played major role in textile development.
Before this development, man had made fabrics or body covering with figs, animal skins
and tree barks. The failure of these improvised materials to fulfill its purpose compelled man
to further amplify their search for a suitable substance for clothing which are found in fibers.
The positive impart of natural fibre in developing textile, book production and brick making
industries cannot be underestimated.
The leaves of Agave plants have been reported to be rich in textile fibers that belong to the
class hard fibers (Lewin and Pearse, 1985; Verloove, 2005; Msahli et al., 2007; Cruse, 2008). There is an increase in
research interest on the availability of xenophytes and new and uncommon ones are been
discovered due to the role p layed by these plants in improving mans’ economy (Clement and Foster,
1994; Verloove, 2005), Hence, this research aimed at identifying, extracting and bringing out the

dwindling nature of some Nigerian xerophytic plants fiber and their utilization in the
development of new materials for textile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This experiment was conducted in the studio of the Department of Fine and Applied Art,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria between 17th January and 14th February, 2009.

Plants species used and their locations: Although, these plants are desert or semi
desert plants, they are being planted for formal and architectural effects. As a result they
can be seen at strategic points within the compounds of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
and in several other places and roads were they are used as ornamental plants. The plants
used are Agave sisaliana (AS) (Fig. 1), Pandanus sanderi (PS), (Fig. 2), Agave americana (AA)
(Fig. 3) and Sanservieria trifasciate (ST) (Fig. 4).

Fig. 1: Pandanus sanderi

Fig. 2: Agave americana

Fig. 3: Agave sisaliana

Fig. 4: Sanservieria
These are scattered at the Departments of Fine and Applied Arts, Education, Agriculture and
Mass Communication. Other places where these plants can be seen are

Works Department and residential areas with staff quarters. They were all planted as
decorative plants hence referred to as ornamental plants. Another vital place where these
plants can be located within the University is at the Botanical Garden of the Department of
Botany and Forestry.

After locating these plants, some samples were taken to a plant taxonomist for
identification. They were collected from the parent stock and labeled 1-4 based on their
plate numbers. Each of these was cut into six parts measuring six inches apart.

Experimental set-up for fiber extraction: Hollen and Saddler (1969) retting by tank method was
modified and adopted. In this study a catalyst, caustic soda was used to fasten the retting
period and a control set-up was introduced.

The plants used in this experiment were labeled 1-4. They were given five different
treatments with each having a control and labeled 1a-f; 2a-f; 3a-f; 4a-f. There were six
bowls containing 2 L of water, three were hot while the rest were cold; 10, 20 and 0 g of
caustic soda were added, respectively. The ones that do not contain caustic soda is the
control experiment. These were labeled serially from a-f.

The plant materials were cut from the parent stock. 6 sized of each plant was cut and
submerged into the different bowls already labeled A-F. Twenty-four bowls were used for
this experiment. The experiment lasted for two weeks and the specimens were observed for
the first three days and within the last week.

Qualitative analysis of the specimen: The observations made were recorded for the
retting rate, effect of the treatment and fiber quality of the plant specimen.

RESULTS

In this treatment A, Plant 1a was still very strong and green with a little sign of retting. In
plant 2a, large area showed signs of fermentation or retting, but is still with patches of
green coloration; therefore retting is yet to be completed. Plant 3a was still very green but
with a very little sign of fermentation. Plant 4a was still strong and green but with a very
little sign of fermentation. In this treatment all plant species showed low rate of retting and
therefore needed to be observed for more couple of days.

In this treatment B, it was noticed that plant 1b, though still green, has become soft, an
indication of retting taking place. Plant 2b was very soft showing high level of retting though
still green. Plant 3b showed high level of retting but still green; though patches of colour
changing were seen indicating rot. Plant 4b was still green with a little sign of fermentation.

Generally, in this treatment the catalyst added has hastened the retting rate

It was in treatment C that; plant 1c had softened a little but still very green. It had signs of
retting. Plant 2c had also softened and showed high rate of fermentation with the colour
turning grey in some areas; showing indications of retting while a little patches of green
were still seen. Plant 3c also had softened showing high level of fermentation and had
almost equal area of grey and green indicating uniform retting. Plant 4c had signs of
softening, but showing low rate of fermentation and still green. Finally, the above showed
that plants 2c and 3c showed high level of fermentation in hot water solution of caustic soda
even in low acidic level.

In this treatment D, plants 1d, 2d, 3d and 4d all have fermented and are ready for the
second stage which is washing.

In treatment E, plant 1e showed a colour change from green to brown indicating the effect
of heat but still very strong. Plant 2e showed signs of fermentation by softening a little. It
also changed to brown due to heat. Plant 3e also has the same colour as plant 2e but is still
strong. Plant 4e showed no sign of fermentation, still very strong and had little brownish
colouration.

Plants 1f, 2f, 3f and 4f are still green with a little sign of fermentation in water in treatment
F.

Conclusively, the four plants in treatment D showed high level of retting in hot but high
alkaline (20 g) solution. The second in retting is treatment B which has 20 g of caustic soda
in cold water. The third is treatment C which has 10 g of the catalyst in hot water. Lastly is
specimen A which has 10 g of the catalyst in cold water. Generally, it was observed that
retting was fast in high catalyst solution but very fast if the solution is formed with hot
water.

Within the first two weeks, treatment D was ready for washing out after a while of retting.
Plant 1d produced a creamy coloured fiber which was very easy to wash out. Plant 2d
produced a fine white fiber. Plant 3d produced a thin fiber most of which was lost in water
during washing due to long retting period. Plant 4d produced a semi white fiber. Of all the
fibers produced, plant 2d is more subtle, smooth and has fine strands.

On the eleventh day, in treatment C, three out of the four plant specimens were ready for
washing so another couple of days were accorded to the specimen. In completely two
weeks, the plants were washed out of the solution. It was observed that though with longer
period of retting, Plants yielded more fiber. The colours remained as they were in treatment
D, but plant 3d was lost completely during washing.

Also, plants in treatment B and A were washed out and plant 3 was completely lost during
washing. More fibers were also realized and the colours were a little darker than what was
obtained in C and D. Treatments E and F were still not ready for washing out.

DISCUSSION

The morphology and structure of xenophyte cannot be appreciated in textile without proper
extraction method which will improve the quality of the natural fiber produced. Proper
washing and rinsing of the fibers were necessary so as to remove the binding tissues that
bind the fibers together similar report was made by Cruse (2008).

The drying was followed up with seizing. This is a finishing process in the production of yarn
in which substances such as glue, wax, casein or clay is added to the yarn (cloth) to give it
additional strength, smoothness, or weight. In this experiment, wax was used for seizing.
Half of each specimen was seized while the remaining half was unseized.
During seizing with candle wax, it was observed that the wax helped in separating the fibers
into single filaments. In plant 1, the sized fiber was soft, smooth and finer, increasing the
bristle nature of the fiber because it has been separated into single filaments. But the
strength increased when more of the filaments are twisted together. The unseized is less
bristle and more durable because the filaments are clapped together, but when separated,
the fiber is more susceptible to breakage. In plant 2, the sized fiber is more coarse than the
unsized but it is smoother. This fiber is better used for making ropes. In plant 3, the sized
fiber is firm and more durable than the unsized which is easily broken (Wingate, 1964; Cowan and
Jungerman, 1969; Ickis, 1971; Udeani, 2008). In plant 4, the sized fiber is smooth and finer than the unsized

though a little coarse but durable.

At spinning, fibers exist in continuous fibrous form similar observations were made by Msahli et
al. (2007) and International Year of Natural Fibers (2009). These continuous filaments are not used in their state,

but are cut into short lengths called staple and spun in order to them more strength by
binding them together to produce a continuous yarn that is tough and durable (Nkenoye, 1993). In
the studies carried out by Msahli et al. (2005, 2006) and Chaabouni et al. (2004), the mechanical behavior of
technical fiber is related to its fine structure and this is the basis for its utilization. To spin,
some of these short length fibers are drawn out and twisted into yarn or thread. The twist
can be inserted in either clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction(s). Clockwise is referred to
as “Z” twist while anticlockwise is S twist.

The ever growing cost of foreign art materials recently is an encouraging factor for further
explorations into various aids that will ease off or reduce the cost of art production. It was
due to this reason coupled with the dwindling nature of our fiber art that the writer
embarked in this experiment. The glaring question now is whether this art and the resultant
art will be appreciated and what its prospects are in the art industries in particular and the
nation in general.

In the first instance, this fiber will be highly appreciated in art. Just like raffia fiber, these
fibers are used to produce products that can be used for decorative purposes which can be
used for gifts and souvenirs e.g., tapestries. Secondly, the exploration reflects the use of
material and cultural advancement as well as artistic and technological development.
Thirdly, the study of these fibers and their incorporation into art especially fiber art will
encourage the development of small scale industries in Nigeria. Fourthly, the development
of material resources will be enhanced and the advancement of indigenous creativity
because local material will be applied in diversified areas of art, science and technology.
Fifthly, this exploration will bring to bare the abundance of local materials for the
development of fiber art in Nigeria. Like raffia, pineapple and kanef fibers, these fibers-
Agave sisaliana, Agave americana, Sansevieria sp. and Pandanus sanderi can also be used
in our textile industries or used locally to produce items such as ropes, codes, macramé and
wall hanging. Natural fibers have been generally considered to be more environmentally
friendly than synthetics in production and disposal (International Year of Natural Fibers, 2009).

In summary, it can be claimed that the availability of these plants-Agave sisaliana, Agave
americana, Sanseveria and Pandanus sanderi in our climatic zone is enough to maximize the
use and adaptiveness of these fibers in our every day fiber usage. The fact that they are all
tropical plants makes it possible for each to be cultivated in plantations so as to produce
them in commercial quantity. If the natural law of making use of what we have is applied,
these fiber properties should be improved in any way they are lacking in workability. This is
to enhance the usefulness and as such their potentials will be fully utilized.

Also, this experiment has opened up avenues for more plants to be explored and most
importantly, it has encouraged greatly the search for knowledge of one’s environment.
Finally the application of chemistry into the effort of fiber extraction shows that art and
other disciplines are interwoven and none can exist in isolation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the following: Dr. G.O. Diogu, reviewer of the study
proposal and who also served as scientific advisor; Dr. A.O. Sogbesan who critically went
through the manuscript; Dr. Mba who identified and supplied the botanical names of the
plants. My thanks to you all.
REFERENCES
Chaabouni, Y., J.Y. Drean and F. Sakli, 2004. Fine structure of industrial fiber of Agave americana L. Proceeding of CIRAT -1, Dec. 03-05, Monastr, pp:
30-34.

Clement, E.J. and M.C. Foster, 1994. Alien Plants of British Isles. Botanical Society of the British Isles, UK., ISBN-10: 0901158232, pp: 603.

Cowan, M.L. and M. Jugerman, 1969. Introduction to Textiles. Appleton-century-crofts, USA, ISBN: 390-21326-8. pp: 325.

Cruse, A., 2008. Study of water sorption on modified Agave fibres. Carbohydrate Polymers, 76: 74-85.

Hollen, N. and J. Saddler, 1969. Textiles. 3rd Edn., Macmillian Co., New York.

Ickis, M., 1971. Weaving as a Hobby. Sterling Publishing Co., New York, ISBN: 0-8069-5010-9, pp: 72.

International Year of Natural Fibers, 2009. Discover natural fibers 2009. http://www.naturalfibres2009.org/en/index.html.

Lewin, M. and E.M. Pearse, 1985. Handbooks of Fiber Sciences and Technology. Vol. IV, Marcel-Deckel-Inc., New York.

McGovern, J.N., 1990. Fibers Vegetables, Polymers Fibers and Textiles A Compendium. John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp: 412-430.

Msahli, S., Drean, J.Y. and F. Sakhi, 2005. Evaluation and fitness of Agave americana fibers. Textile Res. J., 75: 540-543.

Msahli, S., F. Sakhi and J.Y. Drean, 2006. Study of textile potential of fibers extracted from Tunisian agave americana L. AUTEX Res. J., 6: 9-13.
Direct Link |

Msahli, S., Y. Chaaboumi, F Sakhi and J.Y. Dream, 2007. Mechanical behavior of Agave americana L. fibers. Correlation between fine structures and
mechanical properties. J. Applied Sci., 7: 3951-3957.
Direct Link |

Nkenoye, P.O., 1993. Introductory Textiles for Home Economists, Students of Arts and Beginners Generally. S. Asekome and Co. Publishers, Samaru,
Zaria, Nigeria, ISBN: 978-2528-11-0, pp: 153.

Udeani, N.A., 2008. Forms and functions of Igbo textile sculpture. J. Arts Ideas, 12: 51-65.

Uzoechi, L.C., 1991. Local material for textiles: The potentials of kenaf and pineapple fibers. B.A. Project Dissertation in Fine and Applied Art Department,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, pp: 67.

Verloove, F., 2005. New records of interesting xenophytes in spain. Lazaroa, 26: 141-148.
Direct Link |

Wingate, I.B., 1964. Textile Fabrics and their Selections. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs N.J., ISBN 10: 0139128247, Pages: 656.
APPLICATION OF
EXISTING YARN
MANUFACTURING
METHODS TO
PRODUCE
BANANA YARNS
Level 4 Project Proposal
Submitted to the

Department of Textile and

Clothing Technology
University of Moratuwa
Bachelor of Science in
Engineering By
MUWANWELLA R. M. H.
W. NALINDA G. M.
MARASINGHE M. A. K. R.
Department of Textile &
Clothing Technology
University of Moratuwa Sri
Lanka July 2016

1.
INTRODUCTION
Sustainability is a common
word nowadays due to many
environmental factors such as
global warming,
environmental pollution, and
extinction of wild life etc.
because of these reasons
concepts like green products,
carbon foot print, recycled
products, eco products were
introduced and they were
readily accepted. Also these
concepts are considered by
both customers and
manufacturers on their
perspectives on the market.
When considering the
sustainability textile industry
is in the higher ranks because
it is an unavoidable industry
and relates to environment in
many different ways such as
sources of raw material,
processing of textiles and the
disposal of textile products.
Textile industry plays major
role in clothing as well as in
the technical applications
therefore making eco-friendly
products is vital and also this
is a major fact which is
considered in the market when
making decisions about a
product. Even though there
are so many applications of
natural fibres in the textile
industry processing of those
fibres is expensive and time
consuming. Also most of the
fibre sources are not grown in
Sri Lanka like cotton which is
the most common natural
fibre. Banana is a plant which
is grown domestically and
also in the industrial level in
Sri Lanka for the production
of banana fruit. After banana
fruit is reaped tree is cut down
and not used for any purpose
other than for fertilizers. But
banana stem is a good source
of strong and finer fibres
which poses many other
qualities beneficial for textile
industry. And in most other
countries banana fibre is used
for production of fabrics. The
objective of this project is to
investigating

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APPLICATION OF EXISTING YARN MANUFACTURING METHODS TO PRODUCE BANANA YARNS

Manoj Nalinda

Kosala Ridmal

Himal Muwanwella

Manoj Nalinda

Kosala Ridmal

Himal Muwanwella

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APPLICATION OF EXISTING YARN MANUFACTURING METHODS TO PRODUCE BANANA YARNS

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APPLICATION OF EXISTING YARN MANUFACTURING METHODS TO PRODUCE BANANA YARNS

Manoj Nalinda

Kosala Ridmal

Himal Muwanwella

Manoj Nalinda

Kosala Ridmal

Himal Muwanwella
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APPLICATION OF EXISTING YARN MANUFACTURING METHODS TO PRODUCE BANANA YARNS

Level 4 Project Proposal

Submitted to the

Department of Textile and Clothing Technology University of Moratuwa

Bachelor of Science in Engineering By

MUWANWELLA R. M. H. W. NALINDA G. M. MARASINGHE M. A. K. R.

Department of Textile & Clothing Technology University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka July 2016

1.

INTRODUCTION

Sustainability is a common word nowadays due to many environmental factors such as global warming,
environmental pollution, and extinction of wild life etc. because of these reasons concepts like green
products, carbon foot print, recycled products, eco products were introduced and they were readily
accepted. Also these concepts are considered by both customers and manufacturers on their
perspectives on the market. When considering the sustainability textile industry is in the higher ranks
because it is an unavoidable industry and relates to environment in many different ways such as sources
of raw material, processing of textiles and the disposal of textile products. Textile industry plays major
role in clothing as well as in the technical applications therefore making eco-friendly products is vital and
also this is a major fact which is considered in the market when making decisions about a product. Even
though there are so many applications of natural fibres in the textile industry processing of those fibres
is expensive and time consuming. Also most of the fibre sources are not grown in Sri Lanka like cotton
which is the most common natural fibre. Banana is a plant which is grown domestically and also in the
industrial level in Sri Lanka for the production of banana fruit. After banana fruit is reaped tree is cut
down and not used for any purpose other than for fertilizers. But banana stem is a good source of strong
and finer fibres which poses many other qualities beneficial for textile industry. And in most other
countries banana fibre is used for production of fabrics. The objective of this project is to investigating
the suitability of existing spinning methods to process banana fibres and properties of the fabrics.
Project has been split into 3 major areas extraction of fibres, spinning and the fabric production. But
main focus is to investigate the fabric properties as extraction and spinning from some methods has
already been done.

2.

BACKGROUND

Banana is a well-known delicious fruit and the stem of banana consists of fibres which can be used for
textile applications. (Avneet Kaur (date not mentioned). Banana Fibre: A revolution in textiles. Retrieved
from http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/printarticle/7654). It is grown easily as it sets out
young shoots and is most commonly found in hot tropical climates. Fibre can be extracted from the
pseudo stem of Banana (Samrat, M. (2008). Banana Fibres

Variability and Fracture Behavior.

Journal of Engineered Fibres and Fabrics, 3(2),

39). All varieties of banana plants have fibres in abundance but the stems are discarded in tons after
harvesting the fruit. This fibre has been utilized by cultures in Japan and Southeast Asia since the 13

th

century but the applications were not complex. But eventually banana fibres are used to manufacture a
wide range of traditional and novel products like, ropes and nets, brushes, carpets and mats, mattresses
to paper and board materials (Banana Fibre. Retrieved from http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-
centre/banana-fibre.html). Now some researches have been initiated

but still world haven’t

recognized the real value of this fibre. Recently India have paid their attention to this fibre as it has
started some pilot projects for spinning with banana fibres. (Ferdus, A. What is Banana Fibre?

Retrieved from http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2014/01/properties-of-banana-fibre.html) As textile

engineers we are taught various methods of yarn spinning. But still banana fibres are not unveiled to
every method that today textile industry practices. Through this project we are to investigate
application of existing yarn manufacturing methods to produce banana yarns. Already some researchers
have made banana yarn by hand and conventional spinning. Few manufacturers in India have been able
to produce sarees and t-shirts by woven methods through making yarns conventionally. (PRABU, M. J.
(2014, June 4), banana fibre has good market potential, Retrieved from http://www.thehindu.com/sci-
tech/agriculture/banana-fibre-has-good-market-potential/article6082539.ece). But effect of banana
fibre yarn upon yarn making technique specially Air texturizing and Conventional Spinning has not been
investigated.

3.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES Goal

Application of existing yarn manufacturing methods to produce banana yarns

Objectives

Extract banana stem fibres from suitable Sri Lankan banana verities.

Primary investigation to study the feasibility of making banana yarn using existing yarn manufacturing
technologies.

Investigate the effect of yarn manufacturing process parameters on banana yarn properties.
Investigate the effect of yarn manufacturing process parameters on fabric properties.

4. PROJECT DESIGN 4.1

Architecture and Environment

Project Environment Extraction of banana fibres from banana stem and separate filaments individually
requires an extracting machine which is not available in University laboratory for that a mechanical fibre
extraction machine which is in Embilipiya need to be used. After separating the filaments, it will be
further treated with chemicals to increase the fineness of fibes (Ebiskek, K. & Attah Daniel, B.E &
Babatope, B & Olusunle, S.O.O. (2013), Studies on The Extraction of Naturally-Occurring Banana Fibers,

The International Journal of Engineering and Science (IJES), 2(9)

, 95-99) Technical and process feasibility of the existing spinning methods will be evaluated. Air-jet
texturing process and/or conventional spinning method will be given priority to make the banana fibre
yarn since that technology available and could be modified. Air-jet texturing method will be conducted
at Stretchline Covered elastomeric yarn plant and the conventional ring spinning will be conducted at
SLITA. Depend on the feasibility, best method will be investigated further to improve yarn properties.

Methodology

Experimental 1.

The initial step of this project is to extract fibres from banana stem. Using a separator machine or similar
machine which has same functionality we can gathered bunch of filaments together. Length of filaments
depend on the length of the stem segment used for extraction of fibres. 2.

Then the fineness will be increased by dissolving some of Hemi-cellulose and Pectin present in the fibre.
(Ebiskek, K. & Attah Daniel, B.E & Babatope, B & Olusunle, S.O.O. (2013), Studies on The Extraction of
Naturally-Occurring Banana Fibers,
The International Journal of Engineering and Science (IJES), 2(9)

, 95-99) 3.

Banana fibres will be converted to yarn using Conventional ring spinning and Air Jet Texturizing to find
the Technical and process feasibility 4.

Yarn properties will be investigated and further developing yarn properties using the chosen method.

4.2

Implementation Issues and Challenges

Initially stem have to be separated into individual fibres and this is a challenge because unavailability of
extraction machine and chemicals, this will be done with the help of SLITA Next challenge is achieving
the required fineness, even though it is mentioned in research papers as the pectin and hemi cellulose
can be dissolved, compatibility of the chemicals on domestic fibres have to be analyzed. Finally, the
most critical challenge will be fibre feeding in to spinning machine for the production of yarn. At the
moment there is no mechanism to feed banana fibres in to modern air jet texturing machine to produce
yarn. This mechanism will have to be developed in the beginning and it is critical for proceeding the
project. Next issue will be obtaining yarn with the required count to be used on knitting or weaving
machines. As banana fibres have comparatively high decitex counts, achieving the required count and
the required strength will be a problem.

4.3

Deliverables

1.
Prototypes A modification will be done on Air Texturizing machine to feed banana fibres. 2.

Fibre, Yarn & fabrics / Materials suitable for textile applications Fibre, Yarn & Fabrics will be produced
and their properties will be tested and compared 3.

Research paper 4.

Comprehensive Report

4 .4 T i m e l i n e

6 - M a r 2 7 - F e b 2 0 - F e b 1 3 - F e b 6 - F e b 3 0 - J a n2 3 - J a n1 6 - J a n 9 -
J a n2 - J a n2 6 -D e c 1 9 -D e c 1 2 -D e c 5 -D e c 2 8 - N o v 2 1 - N o v 1 4 - N o v 7 - N o v 3 1 -
O c t 2 4 - O c t 1 7 - O c t 1 0 - O c t 3 - O c t 2 6 - S e p1 9 - S e p1 2 - S e p 5 - S e p2 9 -
A u g2 2 - A u g1 5 - A u g 8 - A u g1 - A u g2 5 - J u l 1 8 - J u l 1 1 - J u l 4 - J u l 2 7 -
J u n2 0 - J u n1 3 - J u n

8.producing fabrics using suitable method9. Testing fabric propeties and make conclusion10.Finala
presentation and submission20172016

Activity

1.Literature survey on the project2.Preperation of the project proposal10.Finalize the

project11.Preparation of research paper12.Preparation of project report3. examining the banana fibers
from various kind of stems4. investigate ier propeties from each stem and find most fiber to make a
arn5.investigate the suitability of conventional process to produce a arn6.investigate the suitability of
noval spinning methods to roduce a arn7.testing the eah yarn propeties and will come to a conclusion
4.5

Estimated Budget

Materials Estimated Price (LKR)

Chemical Cost / NaOH Crystals (500g) 15,000.00 Machine Rent /Purchasing banana fibre/Transport
35,000.00 Prototype Development (Material & Labour) 50,000.00

Total Budget 100,000.00

5.

CONCLUSION

With the study of novel banana fibre research we will be able to add a sustainable natural fibre material
to the natural fibre directory. We will be able to open a new path for textile end uses with this
breakthrough. A Sri Lankan entrepreneur can start fibre to end product business in Sri Lankan soil. This is
the motivation to develop sustainable textile industry where fibre mill to clothing factory can be found
in Sri Lanka. Our research will reveal exclusive data regarding the banana fibre and its properties for
making yarn. In the recent past, banana fibre had a very limited application and was primarily used for
making items like ropes, mats, and some other composite materials. With the increasing environmental
awareness and growing importance of eco-friendly fabrics, banana fibre has also been recognized for all
its good qualities.

REFERENCES

1.

Avneet Kaur (date not mentioned). Banana Fibre: A revolution in textiles. Retrieved
from http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/printarticle/7654

2.
Samrat, M. (2008). Banana Fibres

Variability and Fracture Behavior.

Journal of Engineered Fibres and Fabrics, 3(2),

39

3.

Banana Fibre. Retrieved from http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-centre/banana-fibre.html

4.

Ferdus, A. What is Banana Fibre?

Retrieved from http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2014/01/properties-of-banana-fibre.html

5.

(PRABU, M. J. (2014, June 4), banana fibre has good market potential, Retrieved from
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/agriculture/banana-fibre-has-good-market-
potential/article6082539.ece

6.
Ebiskek, K. & Attah Daniel, B.E & Babatope, B & Olusunle, S.O.O. (2013), Studies on The Extraction of
Naturally-Occurring Banana Fibers,

The International Journal of Engineering and Science (IJES), 2(9)

, 95-99

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