Natural Fibres in Technical Applications

Increasing concern of the world over for ecological preservation has led to the search for resources that are safe, biodegradable and recyclable. The twin virtues of vegetable fibers originating from plants as an annual renewable resource and as a bio-digestible material have prompted researchers to discover them.Thanks to improved fiber and yarn production technologies developed over the years, radical changes have taken place in the extent of utilization of the natural cellulosic fibers. Natural fibers are increasingly being put to diverse applications in the area of textiles, building and automobile industry, paper manufacture and geo-textiles. At the same time, these natural fibers allow to tap new technology raw materials contained within the plants and down to create plastics with performance that is equal to those made from nonrenewable sources. However, to achieve this, production of good quality natural fibers through improved extraction technology is required. Further, there is need for development of appropriate processes for production of eco-friendly fabrics for diversified end-users. Intense competition from synthetic fibers has affected the production of natural fibers all over the world. Of the total global production of 37.88 million tonnes as per 1986 statistics, natural fibers contributed about 54%. This share came down further to 52% in 1989, when the total man made fiber production reached a record peak of 19 million tonnes. About 905 of the natural fibers produced are of vegetable origin, among the vegetable fibers cotton constitutes nearly 80% and the long vegetable fibers like jute, flax, hemp, sisal, ramie, hemp which form the conventional ones and wool, silk (of animal origin). The non conventional natural fibers are now being explored for various end uses which account for the remaining 20%.