Exploring eco-friendly pseudo stem fiber from the agricultural byproducts of the Alpinia purpurata plant

Abstract

This study explored the potential of Alpinia purpurata pseudostems, an agricultural waste product, as a sustainable and eco-friendly source of natural fibers for the textile industry. The aim was to characterize the properties of natural cellulose fibers from the pseudostems of the Alpinia purpurata plant. The research employed water retting to extract the fibers, and the intrinsic fiber properties obtained were evaluated for their suitability in textile applications. The average length of an Alpinia purpurata fiber was 67.80 cm with a fineness value of 7.61 Tex. A bundle of Alpinia purpurata fibers was comprised of many elementary fibers. Alpinia purpurata had an irregular cross-section, with the lumen having a varied oval shape. The fibers exhibited tenacity and elongation values of 2.49 g/denier and 5.72 %, respectively, and a coefficient of friction value of 0.49. Additionally, Alpinia purpurata fibers were hygroscopic, with a moisture regain value of 11.97 %. The findings revealed that the fibers possessed notable tensile strength, moderate elongation, and high moisture regain, making them suitable for non-apparel textile products requiring durability and moisture management. While not the strongest among natural fibers, their sufficient strength and other advantageous properties demonstrated their viability for various applications. This work addressed a significant gap in the literature on the utilization of agricultural by-products, proposing Alpinia purpurata pseudostems as a sustainable alternative that aligned with environmentally responsible manufacturing practices and supported the circular economy. Future research was recommended to optimize processing techniques and explore broader applications.