Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle): A potential source of bast fiber

Roselle is a bast fiber, and its utilization as a textile fiber for the development of textile products is still scanty. A work has been attempted to develop yarn from Roselle. Fibers were extracted from Roselle bark by decortication and degummed in alkaline medium. The degumming process was optimized based on fiber yield and strength. The degummed fibers were then bleached by the hydrogen peroxide bleaching process. Degummed and bleached fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Degumming and bleaching results in enhancement of density, fineness, and brightness of Roselle fiber. A marginal decrease in tenacity of the Roselle fiber was observed after bleaching; however, the strength was not affected by degumming. Fibers were converted into fine yarn in the jute spinning system. The yarn properties inferred that the yarn possessed essential properties for the preparation of apparels and home furnishing.