What is Vegetable Fibres?
Vegetable fiber, also known as cellulosic fiber or plant fiber. Vegetable fibres are obtained from plants and are used in various industries such as textiles, papermaking, and construction. Examples of vegetable fibres include cotton, flax, hemp, jute, and sisal. They are renewable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly compared to synthetic fibres. Vegetable fibres also have different physical and mechanical properties that make them suitable for different applications. Some are soft and smooth like cotton, while others are rough and strong like jute. The production of vegetable fibers requires less energy and chemicals compared to synthetic fibres, making them a more sustainable option.
Properties of Vegetable Fibres:
a) High Moisture Absorption: Vegetable fibres are known to absorb moisture well, making them a good choice for products that need to be absorbent, such as towels and cloth napkins.
b) Biodegradable: These fibres naturally break down over time, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibres.
c) Low Thermal Conductivity: Vegetable fibres have low thermal conductivity, meaning they do not transfer heat easily. This property makes them a good choice for insulating products, such as mats and curtains.
d) Poor Electrical Conductivity: These fibres are poor electrical conductors, meaning they do not conduct electricity well. This property makes them a safe choice for use in electrical products.
e) High Tensile Strength: Vegetable fibres have high tensile strength, meaning they can withstand significant tension or stress without breaking. This property makes them a good choice for products that need to be durable, such as ropes and twine.
f) Rough Texture: They have a rough texture, making them an ideal choice for products that require a certain level of scrubbing or exfoliation, such as scrubbing pads and loofahs.
g) Renewable Source: Vegetable fibres are made from plants that can be replanted and harvested again, making them a renewable source of raw materials.
h) Compostable: Vegetable fibres can be composted, breaking down into natural materials that enrich the soil.
i) Environmentally Friendly: Smaller environmental footprint than synthetic fibres and do not release harmful chemicals into the environment.
j) Usually Inexpensive: Compared to synthetic fibres, vegetable fibres are often less expensive, making them a cost-effective choice for many products.
Classification of Vegetables Fibres:
Vegetable fibres are classified based on their origin and the type of plant they come from:
- Bast fibres: These fibres are obtained from the stem of plants like flax, hemp, and jute. They are known for their strength and durability.
- Leaf fibres: Leaf fibres are obtained from the leaves of plants, such as sisal and henequen. They are stiff and have a rough texture.
- Seed fibres: These fibres are obtained from the seeds of plants, such as cotton. They are soft and have a smooth texture.
- Fruit fibres: Fruit fibres are obtained from the fruits of plants, such as coconut. They are used for making ropes and brushes.
- Mushroom fibres: These fibres are obtained from mushrooms, such as mushroom silk, and are used for insulation and soil erosion control.
Types / Examples of Vegetable Fibres:
There are various types of vegetables fiber. Most popular vegetables fibers are include:
1. Cotton fibre: Cotton is one of the most widely used vegetable fibres in textiles. It is obtained from the cotton plant and is known for its softness, absorbency, and durability. Cotton is often used to make a variety of clothing items, such as t-shirts, jeans, towels, and sheets.
2. Linen fibre: Linen is a fibre derived from the flax plant and is known for its strength, coolness, and natural luster. It is often used to make high-end clothing items, such as suits, dresses, and tablecloths, due to its durability and luxurious feel.
3. Hemp fibre: Hemp fibre is made from the stem of the hemp plant and is known for its durability, softness, and natural resistance to pests and mold. It is often used to make clothing, bags, and accessories, and is favored for its eco-friendliness and sustainability.
4. Jute fibre: Jute is a fibre made from the jute plant and is known for its strength and natural shine. It is often used to make burlap, which is used in packaging and decoration.
5. Bamboo fiber: Bamboo fibre is derived from the bamboo plant and is known for its softness, absorbency, and sustainability. Bamboo textiles are often used to make clothing, bedding, and towels, and are favored for their eco-friendliness and sustainability.
6. Ramie fibre: Ramie is a fibre made from the ramie plant and is known for its strength, durability, and natural shine. It is often used to make clothing and upholstery, and is favored for its natural sheen and durability.
7. Sisal fibre: Sisal is a fibre made from the sisal plant and is known for its strength and natural roughness. It is often used to make rugs, twine, and brushes, and is favored for its natural texture and durability.
8. Kenaf fibre: Kenaf is a fibre made from the kenaf plant and is known for its strength and softness. It is often used to make paper and textiles, and is favored for its eco-friendliness and sustainability.
9. Abaca (Manila hemp): Abaca is a fibre made from the abaca plant and is known for its strength and natural roughness. It is often used to make paper, twine, and rope, and is favored for its natural texture and durability.
10. Coir (coconut fiber): Coir is a fibre made from coconut shells and is known for its strength and natural roughness. It is often used to make mats, brushes, and rope, and is favored for its natural texture and durability.
Application / Uses of Vegetable Fibres:
There are variety uses of vegetable fibers. Common uses of vegetable fibers are described below.
Textile production: Cotton, linen, and hemp are some of the most commonly used vegetable fibres for the production of clothing, bedding, and towels.
Paper production: Hemp and abaca are used in the production of paper products, such as paper towels, books, and magazines.
Packaging and insulation: Jute and burlap are used as natural alternatives to synthetic packaging materials and as insulation in construction.
Ropes and twine: Hemp, sisal, and jute are commonly used for the production of ropes, twine, and other products requiring strong, durable fibres.
Home textile: Bamboo and abaca are used for the production of furniture, flooring, and other home decor items.
Agriculture: Jute is used for the production of sacks and bags for the storage and transport of agricultural products.
Personal care: Bamboo fibres are used in the production of personal care products, such as facial tissues, baby wipes, and washcloths.
Automotive: Kenaf is used as a natural alternative to synthetic fibres for the production of car parts, such as door panels and insulation.
Medical: Flax fibres are used in the production of medical products, such as surgical sutures and dressings.
Biodegradable plastics: Soybean fibres are used in the production of biodegradable plastics, which are a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
References:
- Textile Engineering – An Introduction Edited by Yasir Nawab
- Forensic Examination of Fibres, Third Edition Edited by James Robertson, Claude Roux and Kenneth G Wiggins
- A Novel Green Treatment for Textiles: Plasma Treatment as a Sustainable Technology By Chi-wai Kan
- Industrial Applications of Natural Fibres: Structure, Properties and Technical Applications Edited by Jürg Müssig
- Principles of Spinning: Fibres and Blow Room Cotton Processing in Spinning by Ashok R. Khare
You may also like:
- Classification of Textile Fibres
- Cotton Fibre: Types, Properties and Uses
- Animal Fibres: Properties, Types and Uses
- Properties and Uses of Jute Fibre
