Preparation and properties of cotton stalk bark fibers and their cotton blended yarns and fabrics

Abstract

Cotton stalk bark fibers (CSBF) with low lignin content were prepared from combined treatments with bacteria and alkali, processed into blended yarns and knitted fabrics, and dyed with reactive dyes. CSBF previously extracted using alkali and peroxide at atmospheric pressure were coarse (>45 dtex) or contained high lignin content (>11.8%), which limited their industrial applications in textiles. We found that alkali removed lignin more thoroughly at 130℃, especially with the assistance of bacteria pretreatment. Fibers after bacteria and alkali treatments had fineness reduced to 24.0 dtex and lignin content decreased to 3%. CSBF/cotton blended yarns from our CSBF had better evenness and breaking strength than jute/cotton blends. Fabrics from CSBF/cotton blended yarns had higher bursting strength, softer and smoother handle compared to the fabrics of jute/cotton blends. Dye sorption of Reactive Red 120 on CSBF was 15.7% higher than that on cotton. Dyed fabric of CSBF/cotton blends had the same laundering and light colorfastness, but slightly lower staining and wet crocking colorfastness than 100% cotton fabric. Overall, CSBF in our study could be used as a good alternative to traditional bast fibers for highly valuable textile applications. The research results will not only enhance the sustainability of fiber industry but also alleviate the environmental pressure.

Preparation and properties of cotton stalk bark fibers using combined steam explosion and laccase treatment

“…Bark of cotton stalks is an abundant lignocellulosic byproduct from cotton production and has a cellulose content of about 30–40 wt % . Natural cellulose fibers from bark of cotton stalks, i.e., cotton stalk bark fibers (CSBF), have been extracted by alkaline treatment, 4 steam explosion, 3 successive explosion‐KOH‐H 2 O 2 , and combined bacteria and alkali treatments …”

“…2,3 Natural cellulose fibers from bark of cotton stalks, i.e., cotton stalk bark fibers (CSBF), have been extracted by alkaline treatment, 4 steam explosion, 3 successive explosion-KOH-H 2 O 2 , 5 and combined bacteria and alkali treatments. 6 Steam explosion is a green method of separating biomass with high efficiency, and it can be performed on a large scale. 7 It has received substantial attention in the production of bioethanol, biogas, and cellulose fibers from lignocellulose resources.…”

High-Quality Natural Fibers from Cotton Stalk Bark via Limited Alkali Penetration and Simultaneous Accelerated Temperature Rise

“…When combined with steam explosion and peroxide treatments, alkali treatment might improve the fineness to 27.0 dtex but reduce the fiber strength to 2.2 cN/dtex [3]. In our previous studies [12], the fibers treated at 130 • C in 8 wt % alkaline aqueous solution had the best fineness of 24 dtex but the strength was reduced to only 2.0 cN/dex. To the best of our knowledge, no reports have been available in solving the problem of strength loss during the fiber extraction process.…”

“…It is generally believed that removing these gum substances may improve the fiber fineness but easily causes a reduction in the fiber strength. Reddy and Yang found that the cotton stalk fibers that were treated in an 8 wt % alkaline aqueous solution at 90 • C had a fineness of 51 dtex [11], too coarse for high valuable applications [12]. When combined with steam explosion and peroxide treatments, alkali treatment might improve the fineness to 27.0 dtex but reduce the fiber strength to 2.2 cN/dtex [3].…”

Chemical treatment of cotton stalk and its effects on mechanical, rheological and morphological properties of Polypropylene/cotton stalk bio‐composites

“…Agriculture cultivation generates tons of bio waste every year. This agri‐waste is very rich in lingo cellulosic content has great potential to be consumed in polymeric composite goods . This natural agri‐waste can be used in different forms like powder form, short or chopped fibers and long fibers.…”