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Cotton/Bagasse/Kenaf Nonwoven for Horticultural End-Use
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ABSTRACT Bagasse is mass residual from the sugar refining industry. Disposal of this byproduct becomes critical for both agricultural profitability and environmental protection. This research studied an approach to converting bagasse into a biodegradable nonwoven material. A chemical method was used to extract bagasse fiber. The extracted fiber was cleaned and mixed with kenaf and cotton fibers with a ratio of 50:20:30. The fiber blend was carded and needle-punched to form nonwoven structure. The nonwoven fabric was padded by starch paste and dried in an oven. This further bonding procedure helped increase nonwoven strength significantly. Application for horticulture container was studied. SEM analysis and tensile testers were used for evaluation of bonding structure, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. |
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN |
Document last modified May 20, 2002
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