Physicochemical properties of textile fibers from brazilian atlantics forest species

Abstract

The employ of vegetal fibers for textiles has a great potential in economic and social sustainable development. The objective of the present study is the physical characterization of seven vegetal fibers from Atlantic Forest species: (Euphorbiaceae) - Alchornea sidifolia Muell. Arg.; Alchornea triplinervia (Spreng.) Mueller and Croton floribundus Spreng.; (Fabaceae) - Platymiscium floribundum Spreng.; (Annonaceae) - Guatteria australis S. St. Hil; (Boraginaceae) - Cordia sellowiana Cham.; (Uhnaceae) - T rema micrantha (L.) Blume. The branches of these species were retted in Water at 37°C for 25 days. The fibers were tested in order to determine tensile rupture strength, tenacity, elongation, Young’s modulus, cross microscopic structure, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), regain, combustion, the pH of the aqueous extract, acid, alkali, organic solvent and cellulase effects. The obtained values were compared with those from recognized applicability in the textile industry.