Process for obtaining cellulosic fiber bundles at least 2.5 cm long from plant stalk rind

• Main Authors: COLLIER; JOHN R, COLLIER; BILLIE J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 17.02.1998
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: FIBROUS RAW MATERIALS OR THEIR MECHANICAL TREATMENT; PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE; TEXTILES

Novel fiber bundles may be produced as a by-product of sugar cane or other plants. These fiber bundles may be spun into a yarn, or formed into a non-woven mat. The non-woven mat is useful, for example, as a biodegradable geotextile for inhibiting erosion while allowing plants to become established on roadsides, or in other applications. Sugar cane fiber bundles were extracted from the Tilby-separated rind of cane stalks using alkaline treatments. The amount of lignin removed was dependent on alkaline concentration and time, pressure of treatment, and steam explosion conditions if employed. Agitation and vigorous boiling affected the lignin removal. Alkali concentration significantly affected the mechanical properties of the fiber bundles. Tenacity, toughness, and linear density were higher for the fibers extracted at lower alkali concentration. Bending rigidity and hysteresis of these fibers were also higher. This process is also expected to work with other plant stalks having a high lignin content.