Extraction Of Cornhusk Fibres For Textile Usages

Abstract

Cornhusk fibres were extracted with step-wise treatment using alkali, enzyme and bleach. The extracted fibres were analysed for various physico-chemical parameters. The alkali treatment was optimized with respect to concentration of sodium hydroxide, temperature and time of treatment. The extracted fibres as the fibres obtained in optimum conditions had strength and fineness as 1.59 g/denier and 130 denier respectively. The fibres after final bleaching treatment had bundle strength of 1.33 g/denier and fineness of 86 denier. Bleached cornhusk fibres were composed of 76% cellulose, 11.43% hemicelluloses, 7.5% lignin, 0.25% and 0.34% ash content. Finally, fibres were assessed for their physio-chemical properties and it was found that the extracted fibres could be used for various textile applications other than apparel purposes.