Production and properties of natural bamboo-cotton blended yarns

The bamboo plant has historically been valued as an important source of fibre. The natural fibres obtained from bamboo exhibit favourable attributes that facilitate their use in textile applications. However, their adoption in textiles has been limited due to the complexities involved in their extraction and the subsequent spinning processes necessary for their application. This study focused on bamboo fibres sourced from Neosinocalamus affinis , which were blended with cotton fibres in a ratio of 30 % bamboo to 70 % cotton to produce staple yarns through ring spinning. The methods for extracting bamboo fibres and the properties of the resulting fibres are briefly outlined. The production of the bamboo/cotton blended yarn followed a practical process route and utilized standard parameters associated with cotton spinning. To assess the quality of the blended yarn, fundamental characteristics such as fineness, twist, evenness, hairiness and tensile properties, along with their variabilities, were measured. Furthermore, a scanning electron microscope was employed to analyze the structure of the blended yarn. The tests confirmed the potential of the blended yarn for use in weaving or knitting, as well as its suitability for subsequent applications. • Environmentally less hazardous technique was applied in the extraction of bamboo fibers from Neosinocalamus affinis bamboo species. • Bamboo fibers were blended with cotton fibers at a blend ratio of 30 % bamboo and 70 % cotton for the production of yarn. • Mechanical and physical properties of bamboo and cotton fibers were determined before spinning. • Bamboo/cotton blended yarn was spun using reasonable process route and parameters that are commonly used in cotton spinning. • The test results revealed that the yarn met acceptable quality standards and can be used in the weaving or knitting process.