Studies on characteristics of palm seed fibre : An agro-waste for application in textile and non textile sectors

National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology, 12, Regent Park, Kolkata-700 040, India E-mail : laxmikanta8495@rediffmail.com Fax : 91-33-24712583 Manuscript received 22 January 2010, revised 27 January 2011, accepted 18 August 2011 The palmyra or toddy palm (Borassus flabellifera L.) grows extensively in the coastal areas of Indian peninsula. Various edible products such as Neera, Jaggery, Sugar, Candy Chocolate etc. are produced from the soft, sweet and gelatinous pulp of the ripened fruit. However, the seeds after the extraction of pulpy juice are thrown away as agro-waste that contains fibres attached to its surface. Palm seed fibre was extracted from the seeds and its characteristics were studied. The fibre is characterized by creamy white in colour with a slightly yellowish tinge. The mean fibre length was found to be 8.71 cm. The average fineness value was found to be 9.29 tex. The fibre shows high extension at break not generally found in other vegetable fibres. The strength characteristics of raw and wet fibre were determined at I em test length using instron tester. The soil burial test was carried out to determine the percentage retention of strength at different incubation periods. Spinning trials in combination with jute fibre showed satisfactory performance of blend with jute in ratio 30 : 70 (640 tex) and 40 : 60 (508 tex) respectively. Some handicraft products like Ladie's bag, Knot bag, Table mat etc. were developed from the palm seed fibre and the jute blend