Extraction of Fibres from Ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia) for Development of Yarns from Plant- Waste Material

The present study was focused on the development of blended yarns using ashoka
bast fibres extracted from pruned ashoka plant-waste material, the usefulness of which
was hardly explored for the purpose. Ashoka (P. longifolia), a perennial plant, exhibits symmetrical
pyramidal growth with willowy pendulous branches. Unethical and un-thoughtful disposal of huge
amount of a plant waste is causing multiple hazards through deterioration of the environment and
consequently, the public health. Development of textile textures from plant-waste may help in
addressing to this problem, in addition to providing self-employment through entrepreneurship
development in related products. Ashoka barks were treated in 3% alkali solution (1:20 MLR) at a high
temperature (100–120°C) for 2.5 hours. Softening of fibres was done with silicone emulsion (0.5% by
weight of fibres) at room temperature. High denier value for ashoka fibres (76.45) and bundle strength
(24.75 g/tex) were observed. Length of ashoka fibres (59.64 mm) was more than the wool fibres with
moisture content 9.70%. The extracted ashoka fibres were hand spun in two types of yarns-ashoka
(100%) and the blend of ashoka/wool (50:50). Higher tenacity (1.09 gf/tex) and breaking force (892.0
gf/denier) of 100% ashoka yarn were found in comparison to 50A:50W blended yarn. Furthermore,
higher yarn count 1.77s was observed in case of 50A:50W. It is concluded that the extracted fibres
were suitable for blending with wool owing to harsh and warm tactile properties resembling wool. The
chemically extracted ashoka fibres were found to be adequate for developing heavyweight fabrics for
home-textiles and clothing applications like blazer, jackets and stoles.