Sustainable Textile Fiber Extraction from Drumstick Husk through Water Retting

This study successfully explored the extraction of textile fiber from the drumstick tree stalk using a sustainable water retting technique. The primary objective was to develop an eco-friendly fiber extraction method that eliminates the need for chemical treatments, contributing to sustainable textile production. Through a series of mechanical processing steps, including retting, defibering, spinning, and weaving, a blended yarn was produced and integrated into woven fabric. The findings revealed that drumstick tree fiber has significant potential as a sustainable textile material. Although the fibers were initially coarse, blending with cotton improved their spinnability, enabling fabric formation. Physical and mechanical testing demonstrated moderate strength, flexibility and durability, supporting its viability as a textile fiber. Additionally, the project aligned with ethical research practices by utilizing agricultural waste as raw material, implementing a chemical-free extraction process, and promoting waste management. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the development of natural fiber alternatives, supporting the global shift toward sustainable textiles. By reducing dependency on synthetic fibers, this study provides an avenue for eco-friendly textile production. Moreover, the successful extraction of fiber from agricultural waste highlights its role in circular economy practices, promoting resource efficiency in the textile sector. Future research should focus on refining processing techniques to improve fiber softness and consistency. Exploring enzyme-based retting methods could enhance fiber quality while maintaining sustainability. Additionally, optimizing fiber blends with other natural fibers may further enhance mechanical properties. Scaling up production and investigating commercial applications will be essential for integrating drumstick tree fiber into mainstream textile manufacturing.

1.    Mondal, M. I. H. (2021). Fundamentals of Natural Fibres and Textiles. Fundamentals of Natural Fibres and Textiles (pp. 1–789). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821483-1.00024-3 2.   Hearle, J. W. S. (2001). Textile Fibers: A Comparative Overview. In Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology (pp. 9100–9116). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b0-08-043152-6/01643-0 3.       Thangamani, K., Sundaresan, S. (2022). Fabric Manufacturing Technology: Weaving and Knitting. United States: CRC       Press. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Fabric_Manufacturing_Technology/KCBiEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1 4.  Amutha, K. (2016). A practical guide to textile testing. A Practical Guide to Textile Testing (pp. 1–130). Woodhead Publishing India. https://doi.org/10.1201/b21337 5.     Amarjit Singh Basra. (2024) Cotton Fibers: Developmental Biology, Quality Improvement, and Textile Processing. United States: CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003578437 6.          Ashford, B. (2016). Fibres    to Fabrics. United States: AuthorHouse      UK. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Fibres_to_Fabrics/QEqxDAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 7.  Sheferaw, L., Gideon, R. K., Ejegu, H., & Gatew, Y. (2023). Extraction and Characterization of Fiber from the Stem of Cyperus Papyrus Plant. Journal of Natural Fibers, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2022.2149661 8.   Magalhães, S., Fernandes, C., Pedrosa, J. F. S., Alves, L., Medronho, B., Ferreira, P. J. T., & Rasteiro, M. da G. (2023). Eco-Friendly Methods for Extraction and Modification of Cellulose: An Overview. Polymers. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143138