bamboo home textiles
TRANSCRIPT
New Fibres for Home Textile
BambooBy
Vasant R Kothari
Assistant Professor, NIFT, Bangalore
&
Pallavi Jain, MFTech(Student), NIFT Bangalore
(Author can be contacted @ www.vasantkothari.com)
INTRODUCTION
Bamboo fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber, high technologically produced from natural bamboo
through several procedures: extracting the fiber from the bamboo, then gelling and later spinning. It
is free of chemical additives when being manufactured, and it also performs well in moisture
absorption, air permeability, abrasive resistance and dye-ability.
It has been acclaimed Breathing Bio-Textile and Queen of Fiber. Bamboo is a totally renewable,
sustainable resource and is intrinsically organic. Bamboo grows quickly without the need for
pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers. It has a low carbon impact in production. Bamboo absorbs five
times more carbon dioxide and gives off 35% more oxygen than other plants and trees. Bamboo
regenerates itself and some species grow up to one metre a day. It is 100% biodegradable so there
is no need for landfill.
Bamboo has a lot of uses. Some uses include furniture, flooring, musical instruments, particularly
flutes, fencing, and in several places, food. Because of its durability, strength, and low cost, it is
thought of as an ideal substance for a lot of purposes. There are even manufacturers of bamboo
bicycles. Bamboo scaffolding is used in Hong Kong and in China, though China now limits their use to
buildings of less than 6 stories. In China the giant panda bears eat bamboo leaves, shoots, and
stems. The mountain gorillas of Africa eat bamboo as well.
They are very advantageous in the decorating industry. Wallpapers and curtains made from bamboo
fibers can absorb ultraviolet radiation in various wavelengths. Thus, they lessen the harm to the
human body. Most important, bamboo fabrics will not go moldy due to damp conditions. Curtains,
television covers, wallpapers and sofa slipcovers can all be made from bamboo fibers .
HISTORY OF BAMBOO FIBRE
Historically, the most flexible item that could be made from bamboo was paper, which was invented
in China centuries ago. Bamboo, among other materials, was used in the construction of some types
of this early paper. Bamboo was used for many other things besides paper during this time, including
houses, weapons, needles and most products we use wood to make today.
Bamboo fiber started being used for clothing in the 20th century. In Chinaand Japan, thin strips of
bamboo were woven together into hats and shoes. One particular design of bamboo hats was
stereotypically connected with rural life, being worn almost universally by farmers and fishermen in
order to protect their heads from the sun.
Qin and Han dynasties appeared with a bamboo cloth, take bamboo crown, made of bamboo
products bamboo rain shoes, bamboo hats, bamboo umbrella, still in use.
.
Fig 1 Protecting clothing made from bamboo
Fig 2 Bamboo Hat and Overcoat
DEFINITION
Bamboo fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber, which is produced from bamboo pulp, processed from
bamboo culms. The bamboo fiber is then made by pulping the bamboo grass until it separates into
thin threads of fiber, which is then spun and dyed for weaving into cloth.
EXTRACTION PROCESS OF BAMBOO FIBER
Two types of processing are done to obtain bamboo fibers- Mechanical Processing and Chemical
Processing.
Chemical Processing :As shown in fig 3; It is basically hydrolysis alkalization. The crushed bamboo is
"cooked" with the help of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which is also known as caustic soda or lye into a
form of regenerated cellulose fiber. Hydrolysis alkalization is then done through carbon disulfide
combined with multi phase bleaching. Although chemical processing is not environmental friendly
but it is preferred by many manufacturers as it is a less time consuming process.
Fig 3 Chemical Processing of Bamboo Fibre
Mechanical Processing : In this method, the crushed bamboo is treated with biological enzymes as
shown in fig 4. This breaks the bamboo into a mushy mass and individual fibers are then combed
out. Although expensive, this process is eco friendly.
Fig 4 Mechanical Processing of Bamboo Fibre
DYEING AND FINISHING OF BAMBOO TEXTILE
Light sergeing, enzyme de -sizing, moderate bleaching and semi -mercerizing should be
applied to the bamboo fabric during its dyeing and finishing process. Avoid drastic
conditions and use small mechanical tension.
Dyeing and Finishing
Light singeing, enzyme desizing, moderate bleaching and semi-mercerizing should be applied to the
bamboo textile substrate prior to its dyeing and finishing process. It is better to avoid drastic
conditions and use low mechanical tension.
Singeing: Bamboo fabric can be singed in moderate condition.
Desizing: Desizing rate should be over 80%.
Scouring: Pure bamboo normally needs no scouring; sometimes washing with a little alkaline soap
may serve the purpose. The scouring process should be made in terms iffiber blend contains cotton.
When pure bamboo fabrics are scoured, the alkali should not be over 10 g/liter but can be applied in
accordance with the thickness of fabrics
Bleaching: The processing should be made in terms of the specification and thickness of fabrics.
Mercerizing: Fabrics of bamboo fibers normally should not need mercerizing due to their sound
luster and poor anti-alkaline properties. However, in some cases, to increase their absorbance
capacity to dyestuff, it can be mercerized.
Dyeing: Reactive dyestuffs are used during dyeing process - alkali should not be over 20 g/liter;
temperature should not be over 100 C. During drying process, low temperature and light tension
are applied.
Yarn dyeing: Alkali should not be over 8 g/l in yarn dyeing.
TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO THAT CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER
Ten ways that bamboo can make you healthier include:
1. No allergic reaction - Many people are allergic to natural fibers, such as wool. Bamboo has
had the smallest number of allergic reactions with people, barely having any.
2. Wicks away moisture - By wicking away moisture from skin, the wet skin doesn't have time
to build up any bacterial colonies and also keeps from developing the rashes that wet skin
can develop when irritated.
3. Anti-bacterial - Bamboo is aggressively anti-bacterial. It has a natural property called
bamboo kun that kills up to 70% of any bacteria attempting to incubate on the bamboo, be it
in its natural form or fabric.
4. Deodorizing - In today's world, people use more and more chemicals to ensure that they will
smell pleasant to others. A way to overcome this is to take advantage of the deodorizing
properties of bamboo in your clothing.
5. Breathable - Healthy skin can't be confined inside tight clothing all the time. This can lead to
rashes and other skin problems. Bamboo fabric is breathable; it doesn't cling to the skin
even when the wearer is sweating profusely.
6. Sustains temperature - Bamboo fabric is amazing in that it sustains a temperature fairly
well. It keeps people cool when it's warm, and warm when it's colder out, and a normal body
temperature is important for good health.
7. Circulation - According to Salts Organic Clothing, bamboo fabric can actually be good for
your circulation. Bamboo molecules absorb energy from the atmosphere, and then transfer
them into energy for your body, promoting cell activation and good circulation.
8. Blocks ultraviolet rays - The reason many beach cover ups are being made with bamboo is
because bamboo naturally blocks the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is important
for healthy skin, especially for children and women who are pregnant.
9. Low in fat - According to the Washington State Extension Service Brochure, bamboo shoots
have been found to be low in fat and calories, which people are always concerned with
when trying to eat healthy.
10. High in nutrients - Bamboo shoots are also good for you because they are an excellent
source of two nutrients that human bodies really need, fiber, and potassium. One serving of
bamboo shoots can provide 10% of the fiber a human needs a day.
11. Cost – Bamboo is 20 – 40 % more expensive than cotton.
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF BAMBOO FIBER
Testing condition: Temperature : 20C Relative humidity: 65%
Fibre length: 8-12mm Fiber diameter:0.03-0.18mm
Table 1:
ITEMS UNITS REFERENCE UNIT
Dry Tensile Strength cN/dtex 2.33
Wet tensile strength cN/dtex 1.37
Dry elongation at break % 23.8
Linear density %age of deviation % -1.8
%age of length deviation % -1.8
Over length staple fibres % 0.2
Over cut fibres mg/100g 6.2
Defects mg/100g 6.4
Oil stained fibres mg/100gm 0
Coefficient of dry tenacity variation % 13.45
Whiteness % 69.6
Moisture regain % 13.03
COMPARISON BETWEEN BAMBOO AND COTTON
Table 2:
QUALITY COTTON BAMBOO COMMENTSAbrasion Resistant Both are very abrasion resistantAbsorbency Bamboo is 3 times more absorbentStrength Both are strongMachine dryable X Not recommended for bambooResiliency X Bamboo is very resilientLustre X Bamboo is naturally lustrousElasticity X Bamboo is more elasticPesticide free crop X Bamboo grows without the need of
pesticides and fertilizersU V Protected X Bamboo naturally blocks U V raysAnti-bacterial X Cotton is not anti-bacterialInsulation X Cotton fabrics when wet looses its insulating
powerMoisture wicking X Cotton fabrics cant wickSoft X Bamboo feels like cashmere. Cotton is
abrasive against the skinBiodegradable X Bamboo is more bio degradableEnriches the soil X Bamboo enriches
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS COMPARED WITH OTHER FIBRES
Table 3
PROPERTIES BAMBOO VISCOSE COTTONLinear density(dtex) 1.67 1.67 1.5-1.7Single dry tensile strength(cN/dtex) 2.2-2.5 2.5-3.1 2.5-3.1Single wet tensile strength(cN/dtex) 1.3-1.7 1.4-2.0 1.5-2.1Dry tensile elongation % 14-18 18-22 8-10Moisture regain% 13 13 8.5Absorbency rates% 90-120 90-110 45-60Specific density 1.32 1.32 1.5-1.6Double length(mg/100g) 1.2 1.2 -Mass specific resistance 1.09x106 2.29x107 105
ADVANTAGES
Apart from above characteristics, Bamboo also have the below benefits
The fabric is light and strong
Has the ability to take colours well
Anti-fungal and hypoallergenic - even after fifty washes
Dries quickly - about twice as fast as most other fabrics
Perfect travelling clothes - the wrinkles fall right out so there's no need to iron
Bamboo is less than half the price as compare to cashmere
DISADVANTAGES
Bamboo loses 60% of its strength when wet, so it may not be suitable for industrial uniforms
and washings
It is not ideal for screen printing
Expensive as compare to cotton
APPLICATIONS OF BAMBOO IN HOME TEXTILES
Home Furnishings Fabrics
Sheets Comforters Duvet covers Pillow shams Pillows Bed skirts Table cloth Drapes Blinds Sofa slipcovers
MAIN REASON OF USING BAMBOO AS HOME TEXTILES
Eco Friendly – Bamboo is an environment friendly product. It is a part of the grass family, and has a
strong association with the Chinese culture. Bamboo plant grows at a rapid pace and is 100%
renewable. The stalk of the bamboo plant is used to manufacture the fibers which are weaved into a
bamboo bed sheet.
Antimicrobial And Antibacterial And Odour Resistant – Pure bamboo fabric has a 99.8 percent
bacterial kill rate. Most of the varieties of bed sheet do not possess these qualities but bamboo bed
sheets possess specific antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making them more odor and
bacteria resistant. This is because bamboo itself is highly resistant to the growth of microorganisms
and bacteria. With sweat, dead skin cells, oil and many other things coming in contact with our bed
sheets every day, this reasoning makes the bamboo bed sheets with antimicrobial properties all the
more appealing.
Long Lasting And Easy Care – Bamboo bed sheets are highly long lasting and do not demand any
extra care. They can easily be machine washed and dried. The threads of the bamboo bed sheets are
extremely soft and actually become softer the more they are washed and the more they are used.
This makes bamboo bed sheets an ideal choice for those individuals that prefer bed sheets that have
a longer life.
Cost Effective – Bamboo bed sheets are slightly expensive than the other typical varieties of bed
sheets but their ability to last for a longer duration makes it highly cost effective in the long run. The
cotton bed sheets begin to feel rougher as they are used but for the bamboo bed sheets, it is
completely opposite. Therefore, spending around $75 for a bamboo bed sheet for a queen size bed
that can last long and improve as it ages is definitely not a bad deal.
U V Resistant - Bamboo drape fabric are resistant to uv radiations and also has insulting
properties that help keep your rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. So it can
be used in the whole, year in all seasons.
- bamboo is durable and long wearing fabric. It is very sturdy and does not spoil easily, even in
the most severe conditions or environments. It is the best choice for people having allergy or
skin problems.
Bathroom Textiles
Hand towels
Wash cloths
Body towels
Tub mats
Bath rugs
Decorative lid covers
Shower curtains
Bamboo fabric is increasingly being used in making bathroom furnishings. Bamboo bathroom series
enjoy good moisture absorption, soft feel and splendid colors as well as anti bacteria property which
are very popular in home textiles. Bamboo towels and bath robes have a soft and comfortable hand
feeling and excellent moisture absorption function. Its natural antibiosis function keeps bacterium
away so that it will not produce bad odour. The natural antibiotic property provides hygienic
conditions. They are also suitable for making bath mats due to good absorbency.
WASH CARE INSTRUCTIONS
When cleaning bamboo fabrics, one should avoid soap or detergents that might harm the bamboo
fabrics. The best detergent types are those that are made specifically for natural materials. These
have neutral pH and will not be harmful to your bamboo fabrics. Bleach should not be to used at all.
The chemicals within a bleaching solution is much too strong and will damage the bamboo fabrics.
For whitening the bamboo fabrics, opt for a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Just add the
mixture during your washing and it will help to brighten your bamboo fabrics.
For washing of bamboo fabrics, leave all other types of cleaning solutions behind. There is no need
to use the odour removal since bamboo fabrics doesn't pick up odour. The fabric softener also need
not be used. As stated earlier, bamboo fabrics are already much softer than cotton. Using the
softener will cause more harm to bamboo fabrics.
Once the washing is done, it is recommended to dry the fabrics naturally. Simply hand them out on a
laundry liner and dry them in the sun.
CONCLUSION
Bamboo fabric has come to occupy important place in manufacturing of home furnishings due its
many qualities including, softness, strength, durability, antibiosis, bacteriostasis and ultraviolet-
proof. They are very advantageous for utilization in the home decorating industry.
Along with the badly deterioration of atmosphere pollution and the destruction to the ozonosphere
ultraviolet radiation rays are more and more becoming a problem for human beings. Long time
exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer. Wallpapers and curtains made from bamboo
fiber can absorb ultraviolet radiation in various wavelengths thus they lessen the harm to the human
body. More important, bamboo decorating products will not go moldy due to damp. Curtains,
television covers, wallpapers and sofa slipcovers can all be made from bamboo fibers.
Linens derived of bamboo are increasingly becoming the new preferred selection among bed linen
shoppers. The main reason of popularity of bamboo fabric is a climate regulator that may make user
warm throughout the cold months and cool during the warmer months along with its antibacterial
characteristics. Its' softness doesn't disappear after a relatively few number of washings. Bamboo
sheets are usually compared to a mix of cashmere and silk fabrics