New Fibres for Home Textile

BambooBy

Vasant R Kothari

Assistant Professor, NIFT, Bangalore

&

Pallavi Jain, MFTech(Student), NIFT Bangalore

(Author can be contacted @ www.vasantkothari.com)

INTRODUCTION

Bamboo fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber, high technologically produced from natural bamboo

through several procedures: extracting the fiber from the bamboo, then gelling and later spinning. It

is free of chemical additives when being manufactured, and it also performs well in moisture

absorption, air permeability, abrasive resistance and dye-ability.

It has been acclaimed Breathing Bio-Textile and Queen of Fiber. Bamboo is a totally renewable,

sustainable resource and is intrinsically organic. Bamboo grows quickly without the need for

pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers. It has a low carbon impact in production. Bamboo absorbs five

times more carbon dioxide and gives off 35% more oxygen than other plants and trees. Bamboo

regenerates itself and some species grow up to one metre a day. It is 100% biodegradable so there

is no need for landfill.

Bamboo has a lot of uses. Some uses include furniture, flooring, musical instruments, particularly

flutes, fencing, and in several places, food. Because of its durability, strength, and low cost, it is

thought of as an ideal substance for a lot of purposes. There are even manufacturers of bamboo

bicycles. Bamboo scaffolding is used in Hong Kong and in China, though China now limits their use to

buildings of less than 6 stories. In China the giant panda bears eat bamboo leaves, shoots, and

stems. The mountain gorillas of Africa eat bamboo as well.

They are very advantageous in the decorating industry. Wallpapers and curtains made from bamboo

fibers can absorb ultraviolet radiation in various wavelengths. Thus, they lessen the harm to the

human body. Most important, bamboo fabrics will not go moldy due to damp conditions. Curtains,

television covers, wallpapers and sofa slipcovers can all be made from bamboo fibers .

HISTORY OF BAMBOO FIBRE

Historically, the most flexible item that could be made from bamboo was paper, which was invented

in China centuries ago. Bamboo, among other materials, was used in the construction of some types

of this early paper. Bamboo was used for many other things besides paper during this time, including

houses, weapons, needles and most products we use wood to make today.

Bamboo fiber started being used for clothing in the 20th century. In Chinaand Japan, thin strips of

bamboo were woven together into hats and shoes. One particular design of bamboo hats was

stereotypically connected with rural life, being worn almost universally by farmers and fishermen in

order to protect their heads from the sun.

Qin and Han dynasties appeared with a bamboo cloth, take bamboo crown, made of bamboo

products bamboo rain shoes, bamboo hats, bamboo umbrella, still in use.

.

Fig 1 Protecting clothing made from bamboo

Fig 2 Bamboo Hat and Overcoat

DEFINITION

Bamboo fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber, which is produced from bamboo pulp, processed from

bamboo culms. The bamboo fiber is then made by pulping the bamboo grass until it separates into

thin threads of fiber, which is then spun and dyed for weaving into cloth.

EXTRACTION PROCESS OF BAMBOO FIBER

Two types of processing are done to obtain bamboo fibers- Mechanical Processing and Chemical

Processing.

Chemical Processing :As shown in fig 3; It is basically hydrolysis alkalization. The crushed bamboo is

"cooked" with the help of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which is also known as caustic soda or lye into a

form of regenerated cellulose fiber. Hydrolysis alkalization is then done through carbon disulfide

combined with multi phase bleaching. Although chemical processing is not environmental friendly

but it is preferred by many manufacturers as it is a less time consuming process.

Fig 3 Chemical Processing of Bamboo Fibre

Mechanical Processing : In this method, the crushed bamboo is treated with biological enzymes as

shown in fig 4. This breaks the bamboo into a mushy mass and individual fibers are then combed

out. Although expensive, this process is eco friendly.

Fig 4 Mechanical Processing of Bamboo Fibre

DYEING AND FINISHING OF BAMBOO TEXTILE

Light sergeing, enzyme de -sizing, moderate bleaching and semi -mercerizing should be

applied to the bamboo fabric during its dyeing and finishing process. Avoid drastic

conditions and use small mechanical tension.

Dyeing and Finishing

Light singeing, enzyme desizing, moderate bleaching and semi-mercerizing should be applied to the

bamboo textile substrate prior to its dyeing and finishing process. It is better to avoid drastic

conditions and use low mechanical tension.

Singeing: Bamboo fabric can be singed in moderate condition.

Desizing: Desizing rate should be over 80%.

Scouring: Pure bamboo normally needs no scouring; sometimes washing with a little alkaline soap

may serve the purpose. The scouring process should be made in terms iffiber blend contains cotton.

When pure bamboo fabrics are scoured, the alkali should not be over 10 g/liter but can be applied in

accordance with the thickness of fabrics

Bleaching: The processing should be made in terms of the specification and thickness of fabrics.

Mercerizing: Fabrics of bamboo fibers normally should not need mercerizing due to their sound

luster and poor anti-alkaline properties. However, in some cases, to increase their absorbance

capacity to dyestuff, it can be mercerized.

Dyeing: Reactive dyestuffs are used during dyeing process - alkali should not be over 20 g/liter;

temperature should not be over 100 C. During drying process, low temperature and light tension

are applied.

Yarn dyeing: Alkali should not be over 8 g/l in yarn dyeing.

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO THAT CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER

Ten ways that bamboo can make you healthier include:

1. No allergic reaction - Many people are allergic to natural fibers, such as wool. Bamboo has

had the smallest number of allergic reactions with people, barely having any.

2. Wicks away moisture - By wicking away moisture from skin, the wet skin doesn't have time

to build up any bacterial colonies and also keeps from developing the rashes that wet skin

can develop when irritated.

3. Anti-bacterial - Bamboo is aggressively anti-bacterial. It has a natural property called

bamboo kun that kills up to 70% of any bacteria attempting to incubate on the bamboo, be it

in its natural form or fabric.

4. Deodorizing - In today's world, people use more and more chemicals to ensure that they will

smell pleasant to others. A way to overcome this is to take advantage of the deodorizing

properties of bamboo in your clothing.

5. Breathable - Healthy skin can't be confined inside tight clothing all the time. This can lead to

rashes and other skin problems. Bamboo fabric is breathable; it doesn't cling to the skin

even when the wearer is sweating profusely.

6. Sustains temperature - Bamboo fabric is amazing in that it sustains a temperature fairly

well. It keeps people cool when it's warm, and warm when it's colder out, and a normal body

temperature is important for good health.

7. Circulation - According to Salts Organic Clothing, bamboo fabric can actually be good for

your circulation. Bamboo molecules absorb energy from the atmosphere, and then transfer

them into energy for your body, promoting cell activation and good circulation.

8. Blocks ultraviolet rays - The reason many beach cover ups are being made with bamboo is

because bamboo naturally blocks the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is important

for healthy skin, especially for children and women who are pregnant.

9. Low in fat - According to the Washington State Extension Service Brochure, bamboo shoots

have been found to be low in fat and calories, which people are always concerned with

when trying to eat healthy.

10. High in nutrients - Bamboo shoots are also good for you because they are an excellent

source of two nutrients that human bodies really need, fiber, and potassium. One serving of

bamboo shoots can provide 10% of the fiber a human needs a day.

11. Cost – Bamboo is 20 – 40 % more expensive than cotton.

PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF BAMBOO FIBER

Testing condition: Temperature : 20C Relative humidity: 65%

Fibre length: 8-12mm Fiber diameter:0.03-0.18mm

Table 1:

ITEMS UNITS REFERENCE UNIT

Dry Tensile Strength cN/dtex 2.33

Wet tensile strength cN/dtex 1.37

Dry elongation at break % 23.8

Linear density %age of deviation % -1.8

%age of length deviation % -1.8

Over length staple fibres % 0.2

Over cut fibres mg/100g 6.2

Defects mg/100g 6.4

Oil stained fibres mg/100gm 0

Coefficient of dry tenacity variation % 13.45

Whiteness % 69.6

Moisture regain % 13.03

COMPARISON BETWEEN BAMBOO AND COTTON

Table 2:

QUALITY COTTON BAMBOO COMMENTSAbrasion Resistant Both are very abrasion resistantAbsorbency Bamboo is 3 times more absorbentStrength Both are strongMachine dryable X Not recommended for bambooResiliency X Bamboo is very resilientLustre X Bamboo is naturally lustrousElasticity X Bamboo is more elasticPesticide free crop X Bamboo grows without the need of

pesticides and fertilizersU V Protected X Bamboo naturally blocks U V raysAnti-bacterial X Cotton is not anti-bacterialInsulation X Cotton fabrics when wet looses its insulating

powerMoisture wicking X Cotton fabrics cant wickSoft X Bamboo feels like cashmere. Cotton is

abrasive against the skinBiodegradable X Bamboo is more bio degradableEnriches the soil X Bamboo enriches

PHYSICAL PARAMETERS COMPARED WITH OTHER FIBRES

Table 3

PROPERTIES BAMBOO VISCOSE COTTONLinear density(dtex) 1.67 1.67 1.5-1.7Single dry tensile strength(cN/dtex) 2.2-2.5 2.5-3.1 2.5-3.1Single wet tensile strength(cN/dtex) 1.3-1.7 1.4-2.0 1.5-2.1Dry tensile elongation % 14-18 18-22 8-10Moisture regain% 13 13 8.5Absorbency rates% 90-120 90-110 45-60Specific density 1.32 1.32 1.5-1.6Double length(mg/100g) 1.2 1.2 -Mass specific resistance 1.09x106 2.29x107 105

ADVANTAGES

Apart from above characteristics, Bamboo also have the below benefits

The fabric is light and strong

Has the ability to take colours well

Anti-fungal and hypoallergenic - even after fifty washes

Dries quickly - about twice as fast as most other fabrics

Perfect travelling clothes - the wrinkles fall right out so there's no need to iron

Bamboo is less than half the price as compare to cashmere

DISADVANTAGES

Bamboo loses 60% of its strength when wet, so it may not be suitable for industrial uniforms

and washings

It is not ideal for screen printing

Expensive as compare to cotton

APPLICATIONS OF BAMBOO IN HOME TEXTILES

Home Furnishings Fabrics

Sheets Comforters Duvet covers Pillow shams Pillows Bed skirts Table cloth Drapes Blinds Sofa slipcovers

MAIN REASON OF USING BAMBOO AS HOME TEXTILES

Eco Friendly – Bamboo is an environment friendly product. It is a part of the grass family, and has a

strong association with the Chinese culture. Bamboo plant grows at a rapid pace and is 100%

renewable. The stalk of the bamboo plant is used to manufacture the fibers which are weaved into a

bamboo bed sheet.

Antimicrobial And Antibacterial And Odour Resistant – Pure bamboo fabric has a 99.8 percent

bacterial kill rate. Most of the varieties of bed sheet do not possess these qualities but bamboo bed

sheets possess specific antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making them more odor and

bacteria resistant. This is because bamboo itself is highly resistant to the growth of microorganisms

and bacteria. With sweat, dead skin cells, oil and many other things coming in contact with our bed

sheets every day, this reasoning makes the bamboo bed sheets with antimicrobial properties all the

more appealing.

Long Lasting And Easy Care – Bamboo bed sheets are highly long lasting and do not demand any

extra care. They can easily be machine washed and dried. The threads of the bamboo bed sheets are

extremely soft and actually become softer the more they are washed and the more they are used.

This makes bamboo bed sheets an ideal choice for those individuals that prefer bed sheets that have

a longer life.

Cost Effective – Bamboo bed sheets are slightly expensive than the other typical varieties of bed

sheets but their ability to last for a longer duration makes it highly cost effective in the long run. The

cotton bed sheets begin to feel rougher as they are used but for the bamboo bed sheets, it is

completely opposite. Therefore, spending around $75 for a bamboo bed sheet for a queen size bed

that can last long and improve as it ages is definitely not a bad deal.

U V Resistant - Bamboo drape fabric are resistant to uv radiations and also has insulting

properties that help keep your rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. So it can

be used in the whole, year in all seasons.

- bamboo is durable and long wearing fabric. It is very sturdy and does not spoil easily, even in

the most severe conditions or environments. It is the best choice for people having allergy or

skin problems.

Bathroom Textiles

Hand towels

Wash cloths

Body towels

Tub mats

Bath rugs

Decorative lid covers

Shower curtains

Bamboo fabric is increasingly being used in making bathroom furnishings. Bamboo bathroom series

enjoy good moisture absorption, soft feel and splendid colors as well as anti bacteria property which

are very popular in home textiles. Bamboo towels and bath robes have a soft and comfortable hand

feeling and excellent moisture absorption function. Its natural antibiosis function keeps bacterium

away so that it will not produce bad odour. The natural antibiotic property provides hygienic

conditions. They are also suitable for making bath mats due to good absorbency.

WASH CARE INSTRUCTIONS

When cleaning bamboo fabrics, one should avoid soap or detergents that might harm the bamboo

fabrics. The best detergent types are those that are made specifically for natural materials. These

have neutral pH and will not be harmful to your bamboo fabrics. Bleach should not be to used at all.

The chemicals within a bleaching solution is much too strong and will damage the bamboo fabrics.

For whitening the bamboo fabrics, opt for a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Just add the

mixture during your washing and it will help to brighten your bamboo fabrics.

For washing of bamboo fabrics, leave all other types of cleaning solutions behind. There is no need

to use the odour removal since bamboo fabrics doesn't pick up odour. The fabric softener also need

not be used. As stated earlier, bamboo fabrics are already much softer than cotton. Using the

softener will cause more harm to bamboo fabrics.

Once the washing is done, it is recommended to dry the fabrics naturally. Simply hand them out on a

laundry liner and dry them in the sun.

CONCLUSION

Bamboo fabric has come to occupy important place in manufacturing of home furnishings due its

many qualities including, softness, strength, durability, antibiosis, bacteriostasis and ultraviolet-

proof. They are very advantageous for utilization in the home decorating industry.

Along with the badly deterioration of atmosphere pollution and the destruction to the ozonosphere

ultraviolet radiation rays are more and more becoming a problem for human beings. Long time

exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer. Wallpapers and curtains made from bamboo

fiber can absorb ultraviolet radiation in various wavelengths thus they lessen the harm to the human

body. More important, bamboo decorating products will not go moldy due to damp. Curtains,

television covers, wallpapers and sofa slipcovers can all be made from bamboo fibers.

Linens derived of bamboo are increasingly becoming the new preferred selection among bed linen

shoppers. The main reason of popularity of bamboo fabric is a climate regulator that may make user

warm throughout the cold months and cool during the warmer months along with its antibacterial

characteristics. Its' softness doesn't disappear after a relatively few number of washings. Bamboo

sheets are usually compared to a mix of cashmere and silk fabrics