Characterization, modification and use of biomass: Okra fibers

Abstract

In the present study, fibers were extracted from different parts of okra stem and branches by way of biological retting. The extracted fibers were subjected to chemical and enzymatic treatments. The effects of the treatments on the fibers’ physical, mechanical, chemical and morphological aspects were investigated. The dyeability of the fibers with industrial green mate (Paraguayan tea) waste was studied. The heavy metal ion adsorption capability of okra bast fibers from aqueous systems was examined. The ranges for properties of the produced okra bast fibers can be summarized as linear density of 14·7-26·9 tex (g/km), initial modulus of 862-1358 cN/tex, breaking tenacity of 24-35 cN/tex, elongation of 2·5-3·2% and water absorption of 67·2-84·8%. As a mordant, iron sulfate resulted in higher color strength (K/S) for fibers dyed with the green mate tea waste compared to potassium aluminum sulfate (alum). Use of okra bast fibers resulted in iron (III), copper (II) and chromium (III) ion concentration decreases, as high as 71-98%, in aqueous solutions for pH values under 7. © 2016, ICE Publishing. All rights reserved.