Development of Yarns from Plant-Waste Material China-Rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to address the issues of plant-waste utilization to the benefit of mankind. The ultimate aim of plant-waste management is to make its best utilization through useful product development. The study focused on the chemical extraction of china-rose                           (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) fibres and studying the properties of its pure and blended yarns. China-rose bark was treated in 2.5% alkali solution (1:20 MLR) at a high temperature (100–120°C) for 2.5 hours. Softening of fibres was done with silicone emulsion (0.5% by weight of fibres) at room temperature. Higher denier values (69.12) and bundle strength (22.50 g/tex) were observed for china-rose fibres. Length of china-rose fibres (54.40 mm) was longer than cotton fibres with a moisture content 12.17%. The extracted china-rose fibres were hand spun in two types of yarns, i.e., 100% china-rose (100%) and blending with cotton at a ratio of 50H: 50C. Higher tenacity (2.49 gf/tex) and lower breaking force (512.2 g) of cotton blended yarn were found in comparison to 100% china-rose yarn. Besides, higher yarn count 2.89s was observed in case of 50H: 50C blended yarn. It can be concluded from the study that the blending of cotton with pure china-rose fibres increased the yarn’s strength and elongation at break, making the yarn less stiff.  Study of the physical and mechanical properties of yarn showed that it can be used for making heavy weight fabrics for home textiles and apparel.