Characterization of Natural Fiber Extracted from <i>Etlingera elatior</i> Stalk for Textile Applications
Wiah Wardiningsih, Muhamad Sopyan, Samuel Martin Pradana, Pudjiati Pudjiati, Ryan Rudy
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the utilization of Etlingera elatior stalks as a potential source of natural fibers. The water-retting method was used to extract the fibers, which involved immersing the stalk in water for 32 days. The fiber qualities obtained from the tests were used to evaluate the fiber’s potential for spinning into yarn for textile applications. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of Etlingera elatior fiber includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The Crystallinity Index was estimated to be 43.93%. A bundle of Etlingera elatior fibers consists of many individual fibers. The fiber’s surface was uneven and rough. The cross-section of the fibers varies in size and shape, with some being circular, semi-elongated, or oval in shape. The fibers tensile strength and elongation were 32.76 g/Tex and 11.8% respectively. The fibers had a fineness of 6.67 Tex. The average length was 121.3 cm. The fibers of Etlingera elatior are hygroscopic, with moisture regain of 11.79%. The fibers had a friction coefficient of 0.2. The fiber characteristics reveal that the Etlingera elatior fibers meet the criteria for spinning fiber. Natural fibers extracted from the Etlingera elatior plant have the potential to be used as a textile raw material.