Structures of Bamboo Fiber for Textiles

Abstract

As a new textile fiber produced from Neosinocalamus affinis, the structures of the bamboo fiber were studied thoroughly in this research. Using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) (using a Micro-FTIR Spectrometer), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we investigate the chemical composition, crystalline structure, molecular and morphology structure, respectively. Results show that the chemical composition of bamboo fiber is the same as all bast fibers, that is, cellulose constitutes the majority and lignin needs to be reduced further for textile applications. The bamboo fiber belongs to cellulose I crystalline structure as flax, cotton and ramie, while has a small molecular mass and a low degree of polymerization. The cross section of the single bamboo fiber is round with small lumen. It can be predicted that bamboo fiber has high breaking strength, but low elongation and has good water absorption properties. The structural characteristics of the bamboo fiber are different from those of other textile plant fibers.

Prospect of bamboo as a renewable textile fiber, historical overview, labeling, controversies and regulation

“…Its chemical composition is similar to bast fiber (Li et al 2010) so, its structure and properties are often compared with other bast fibers such as flax and jute (Yueping et al 2010). Besides, it belongs cellulose I crystalline structure, like that of cotton and ramie.…”

“…However, the DP of bamboo fiber (species: Neosinocalamus affinis (at present known as Bambusa emeiensis 'Chrysotichus'), single fiber length: 2 mm) is close to jute fiber and lesser than flax and ramie and much lower than cotton fiber (Yueping et al 2010;Li et al 2010); the higher the lignin content the lower the degree of polymerization (Yueping et al 2010). Yueping et al (2010) also stated that the DP is strongly correlated to the length and width ratio of a single fiber. They deduced that bamboo fiber has lower DP than flax and ramie, consequently the single fiber length is very short i.e.…”

“…Bamboo is inherently antimicrobial due to a bio-agent called bamboo chinone that the Japanese named "kun, " which resists the growth of bacteria on the fiber, so it is hardly ever infected by pathogens or eaten by pests. Bamboo plant does not usually need the use of irrigation; pesticides and herbicides that often required to grow cotton and can grow in diverse climates; as a result, plantations can easily be maintained organic (Devi et al 2007;Nieder 2009;Yueping et al 2010;Kothari 2011;Rathod and Kolhatkar 2014).…”

“…2007; Rodie 2008;Nieder 2009;Hardin et al 2009) and most of it is grown organically (though very little is certified organic), and it has been claimed that growing bamboo usually requires no pesticides and fertilizers (Devi et al 2007;Rodie 2008;Nieder 2009;Hardin et al 2009;Yueping et al 2010) i.e. naturally organic.…”

Analysis of Physical Characteristics of Bamboo Fabrics

“…There are some advantages to the development of bamboo fibre for textiles. First, bamboo fibres are an environmental friendly fibre extracted from bamboo, which is renewable, fast growing, degradable and does not occupy cultivated land [4].…”