A novel approach for pineapple leaf fiber processing as an ultimate fiber using existing machines

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is a sustainable natural fiber with potential industrial applications.
• Investigating the processability of PALF in existing textile machinery is crucial for its commercial viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the spinnability of pristine PALF and PALF-cotton blends on conventional spinning equipment.
• To fabricate and characterize fabrics made from PALF and blended yarns.
• To evaluate the potential of PALF as a versatile fiber for industrial and domestic uses.

Main Methods:

• Producing 100% PALF yarns (121 tex and 138 tex) using apron draft ring and flyer jute spinning frames.
• Spinning 30 tex cotton-PALF blended yarns (90:10 and 80:20 ratios) in a cotton spinning system.
• Weaving 1/1 plain and 3/1 twill fabrics using PALF and blended yarns with consistent density.
• Analyzing physio-mechanical properties and FTIR & XRD patterns of the fabricated samples.

Main Results:

• Successful production of 100% PALF yarns and cotton-PALF blended yarns with varying counts and twist factors.
• Fabrication of plain and twill fabrics demonstrating the blend's weavability.
• Characterization of yarn and fabric properties provides insights into their performance.

Conclusions:

• Pristine PALF and PALF-cotton blends can be effectively spun using existing textile machinery.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of producing diverse fabrics from PALF-based yarns.
• PALF shows promise as a sustainable alternative fiber for various applications.