Kapok
Fibre structure & physical properties
Fibre composition:
Cellulose
Diameter: 30 to 36 μm
Very fine: < 10 μm,
Fine: < 20 μm,
Medium: 20-50 μm,
Course: > 50 μm
Length: Staple
Staple length: 8 to 30mm
short < 26 mm,
medium 26-29 mm,
long: 30-38 mm,
extra long: 39 mm and over
Natural fibre colour: Brownish yellow colour
Microscopic Images (Cross sectional and SEM):
Liu, Jie, and Wang, Fumei. “Influence of Mercerization on Micro-structure and Properties of Kapok Blended Yarns with Different Blending Ratios.” Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics 6.3 (2011): 155892501100600. Web.
Caption:Smooth circular cross section with wide air filled lumen
Comment:
Smooth with wax cutin on the fiber surface which makes them water repellent
Fibre properties (Mechanical, Chemical and Thermal)
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength (cN/dtex) :
Chemical Properties
Hydrophobicity: Hydrophilic
Moisture regain (%): 10%
Thermal Properties
Flammability: Cellulosic fibres such as cotton, hemp jute etc. burns with a steady flame and smells like burning paper or leaves. The ash is greyish and easily crushed.
Sustainability considerations
End uses
used in bedding and upholstery industries, in the production of life-saving equipment, and in the construction of thermally insulated and soundproof covers and walls.
Videos
Materials using this fibre
Additional resources
Taylor MA, 2004. Technology of Textile Properties. Third edition. Forbes Publications, London, UK.
Zhong Z and Xiao C, 2008. Fabric composition and testing. In: Fabric Testing. Ed: Hu, J. Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK.
ISO/TR 11827:2012 Textiles — Composition testing — Identification of fibres.
Houck, Max M. Identification of Textile Fibers. Cambridge : Boca Raton: Woodhead Pub. in Association with The Textile Institute ; CRC, 2009. Print.
