An investigation into the potential of water retted fiber from agricultural waste of Curcuma longa plant for textile application


Purpose
The purpose of this study was to characterize the fiber from Curcuma longa (turmeric) stems. The fiber’s properties were used to assess its potential for textile yarn production.


Design/methodology/approach
The natural fiber used in this investigation was extracted from agricultural waste through a cold water-retting process.


Findings
The Curcuma longa fiber had a crystallinity of 50%. Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were detected in the fibers’ Fourier transform infrared spectra. A Curcuma longa fiber bundle contains several constituent fibers. The fibers exhibited an irregular cross-section, with a variable oval shape for the lumen. The fibers of Curcuma longa averaged 30.22 cm in length. The fineness of the fibers was 6.58 Tex. In this study, Curcuma longa fibers had an 11.30% moisture regain. The tensile strength of the fibers was 19.18 g/Tex. Curcuma longa fibers showed a break elongation of 9.79%. The fiber coefficient of friction was 0.3.


Originality/value
Curcuma longa has characteristics that make it appropriate for industrial uses like spinning. Thus, it is possible to use Curcuma longa fiber as a raw material for textiles.
