Characterization and Evaluation of Cotton Rose-Blended Fabrics for Sustainable Applications

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on sustainability in textile manufacturing has inevitably led to the exploration of eco-friendly fiber alternatives. This study explores the potential of Hibiscus mutabilis (cotton rose) fiber, an underutilized lignocellulosic resource, for woven and non-woven fabric production through an eco-friendly approach. Cotton rose fibers were extracted using an optimized water retting process, followed by degumming and bleaching, to enhance their mechanical and physical properties. The fibers were then blended with jute (50:50 and 30:70 ratios) and processed into woven and needle-punched non-woven fabrics. The developed woven fabrics were evaluated for thickness, tearing strength, fabric count, GSM, and bending length, while non-woven fabrics were assessed for mass per unit area, tensile strength, elongation, shrinkage, and thermal insulation value (TIV). Results indicate that the 50:50 cotton rose/jute blend exhibited superior mechanical and structural properties, with the highest tearing strength (39.35 kgf), fabric thickness (1.84 mm), GSM (5.04 g), and TIV (2.31 tog) compared to the 30:70 blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic impurities, improving fiber surface morphology. The findings highlight the suitability of cotton rose fiber for textile applications, particularly in thermal insulation and protective textiles. The successful development of woven products (shopping bags, foil covers, tablemats) and non-woven products (oven gloves, thermo-tiffin bags) demonstrates its practical applications in sustainable textiles. By utilizing underexplored plant fibers, this study promotes waste valorization, supports the circular economy, and advances cleaner production practices in the textile sector.