Developing Of Water Hyacinth Fibre Extraction For Reasearching Sustainable Apparel Fibre

Dhouib Cheik^*
*Correspondence: Dhouib Cheik, Laboratory of Textile Engineering, University of Monastir, Tunisia, Email:

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These can then be blended with polyester to make clothing and domestic textiles. E. crassipes is almost 60 per cent cellulose — a complex carbohydrate. To turn the stems into usable fibres they must undergo a series of treatments, including boiling to soften them and reduce their moisture content. Water hyacinth can be transformed into a source of income for communities. Stems can be turned into furniture, paper and handicrafts or used to create fertilisers or biogas — gases derived from the decay of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Researchers are also studying the plant’s effective uses as a natural wastewater purifier and an indicator of the level of pollution in the water besides a natural source of fiber. Water hyacinth fibers as raw material for the manufacture of clothing and home fabrics. Processing the fibers with polyester staples initially produced blended yarns with 20–35 percent water hyacinth component. The stalks went through a series of chemical and mechanical treatment to achieve the crimp property of wool for better processing, reduce the plant’s glue-like or gum content, and soften the fibers to make them fine and fit for knitting and weaving into apparel and other home textiles. For a yarn count of 15 Ne suitable for apparels, blends of 80/20 and 65/35 of polyester/ water hyacinth fibers were used. The same blends of polyester/water hyacinth fibers were used to get a yarn count of 10–12 Ne ideal for home textiles such as curtains, upholstery, table runners, napkins, bed cover, pillow case, and other items found at home. Scientists and researchers are always looking for new fiber sources and improved methods of sustainable processing. The goal being to provide an all natural and preferably organic fiberous material that can be used in the textile industry for the use in garments, interior decorating and upholstered goods. Water hyacinth fabric is not available on the market yet, but keeps your eyes open for this innovative step in sustainable apparel technology.

The stem should be at least 50 cm long and mature, as young stems produce brittle or soft fiber.

The stem is then split lengthwise. Each slice should be at least 2.5 cm in cross-section. The pith, soft plant tissue that surrounds the hollow stem, is removed by rubbing after one day of sun drying. Do not dry the strands for more than three days or they will become brittle.The cut, split stems are air-dried for 4 to 6 more hours in the direct sun until stems are dry but pliable. Further drying is necessary if only colored ropes are required. Treat dried stems & Prepare 250 g of sodium meta-bisulphite in 10 liters of water. Soak 5 kg of stems by submerging for 1 hour. Rinse the stems in room-temperature water and air dry for 1 day. Sort stems by length and cross-section so that rope and braid is more uniform.