Review: Natural Fibres for Textile Application

Abstract

Textile industries have a central role in human health, well-being, and the global economy. Sustainable development has become a necessity in this sector by utilizing natural, renewable, and biodegradable raw materials such as kenaf, ramie, pineapple fibres, wool, cotton, and other natural fibres. Science and technology expanding option for sustainable fibre-use in the textile industry due to source-scarcity of raw materials, environmental impact concerns, and market demands. This review discusses various aspects related to natural fibres, and their applications in addition to cotton, which is the most applied natural fibres for the textile industry. Key characteristics of natural fibres include physical, mechanical, and surface properties. These properties vary and are influenced by the chemical composition of the fibres and environmental conditions in growth and production. For plant-based fibres how the fibres are extracted from the plant, and from which vegetative or reproductive structures they are extracted, can affect the ultimate fibre quality and uses of the fibres. Similarly, there are a range of processing methods that affect the final quality and utility of the fibres and application in industry.