Production of natural bamboo fibers-1: experimental approaches to different processes and analyses

This research is dedicated to explore practicable processes for natural bamboo fiber production. The mechanical process, steam explosion, chemical process, enzymatic process, and combined process were investigated to produce prospective natural bamboo fibers. Though none of the processes was solely capable of producing fine and spinnable fibers, combined processes were very effective to produce desired fibers. This article presents methodology and information on some of the successful stepwise processes of natural bamboo fiber production. By maintaining eco-friendly approaches, no more than 1.8% NaOH, 1.8% Na2CO3 or NaHCO3, 10 mL/L H2O2 were applied under suitable conditions in different stages of fiber production. Four enzymes-pectinase, xylanase, pectolase, and laccase were also applied for delignification of fibers. A detailed description of processes and analyses of produced fibers are reported along with their average length and fineness. Length of the fibers was 1.2-21.5 cm with a linear density of 134.10-389.27 mu g/cm or dtex.