Abaca Fiber

Abaca Fiber

Abaca is the Spanish name for Manila hemp. It is a member of banana family of plants. There is a growing concern for environmental protection and conservation everywhere. Abaca production treads lightly on the environment as processed by hand and is biodegradable. Abaca also prevents erosion and suppresses weeds and also a excellent crop rotator because it leaves the soil richer in nitrogen deposits. More people are getting curious and interested to know more about the expanded applications of natural fibers in our life. Contemporary and wearable collection can be fashioned from abaca fiber, which is acceptable to both young and old generation.

Harvesting of stalk usually take place between 18-24 months from the first shoots. Each of the stalks is about 12-20 feet high and fiber is stripped from the stem rather than leaf. Fibers recovery varies from 1.5% - 2 %by weight of the freshly cut stalks. The Abaca fibers are then left out to dry naturally in the sun. The outer leaves of the plant are wider and contain more but coarser fiber than the inner leaves.

The best grade of abaca is fine, lustrous, light beige in color and is very strong. The official standard grades of abaca fiber are divided into three classes depending on the manner of extraction. Hand stripping, spindle stripping or decortications. Quality is then determined by color, texture, fiber length, and strength and cleaning. It can also be blended with other fibers like silk, cotton,  polyester, Lycra etc.

Some of the valued characteristics of Abaca fiber includes:

·         Fire resistance

·         Abrasion resistance

·         Rodent and insect resistance

·         Strong when it is wet

·         Breathable because of its porous property

·         Comfortable to use

·         Durable

·         Lustrous Color

·         Non-slipping

·         Anti static qualities

Application: Besides denim, other woven material like shirt blouse, trousers, can be made with abaca fiber.

Courtesy : Article by Vasant R Kothari, Asst Prof.,NIFT Bangalore

Picture credit : http://www.classecohub.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dita-sandico-ong.jpg

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