Assessment of coconut fibers for textile applications

Abstract

Brazil is the fourth larger producer in coconut fruit in the world. However, the industry processes only a
small portion of coconut byproducts, which have caused serious environmental problems. The purpose of this
article is to test an alternative for the recovery of coconut byproduct. In a series of experiments, recovered
coconut fibers (coir) were treated to be employ in textile application. After initial classification and sampling,
the fine coconut fibers were subjected to a simultaneous scouring and pre-bleaching process in a mild alkali
solution together with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The fibers were first subjected to this treatment for 10
minutes at 80°C and then again for 20 minutes at the boiling point. The samples were then treated with a cationic
softener for 10 minutes at 60°C. After this process, the physical and mechanical properties were measured
and values proved not to be statistically significant. The article indicates some of the main obstacles
when handling coconut fiber for textile applications and reveals that besides elongation, softness and homogeneity
are essential for coconut fibers spinning. Findings in this investigation showed some improved results
in relation to the previous literature in two aspects: Firstly, because the treatment did not harm the fibers
quality; secondly, because due to the treatment the coconut fibers could be arranged in fibrous strands, which
facilitated spinning and weaving for use in textile applications.
Keywords: coconut fiber, coir, scouring, softening, textile.