Processing fabric from banana stems

The model of processing fiber fabric from banana stems and stalks was introduced by experts at the Conference on introducing equipment technology in processing fiber plants and food recently organized by Lam Dong Center for Science and Technology Application, showing that the fiber fabric product is soft, thin, cool, and suitable for everyone to use.

Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong introduces fiber processing technology in the province.

Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong - Senior Advisor, Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Head of Ecotech Eco-Village, speaker at the conference shared: “The model of processing fabric from banana stems and stalks is being applied in Ho Chi Minh City, the Southeast region, suitable for the Southeast region of Lam Dong province. Because the source of banana stems and stalks is quite abundant in the locality, especially in communes such as: Nam Thanh, Tra Tan, Bac Ruong, Nghi Duc, Tan Minh, Ham Tan, Son My... Bananas have long been picked by people to sell to food processing facilities; now banana stems used properly give higher value”.

The research team led by Dr. Hong Phuong designed and mechanically processed a machine to strip fibers from banana stems, creating fibers with the right length and thinness that meet the standards - something that is very difficult to do by hand. One of the biggest drawbacks of banana fibers when exposed to water is that they easily harden, making it difficult to weave into fabric. Many ambitious people who want to conquer banana fibers also get stuck at this step. To solve the problem, the team leader instructed the members to put the silk into a special closed process, changing some components in the fiber's structure. The banana fiber's cellulose content was increased to a level sufficient to be drawn into fibers. The research team completed one of the most difficult steps, producing perfect banana fibers.

The next challenge is to go from fiber to yarn and then from yarn to fabric. One possible approach is to combine banana fibers with some other special natural sources. The trial ratio can keep the uniqueness of banana fiber but still maintain the quality of the finished fabric. Banana fiber woven fabric products have been sold in some places in the country and Taiwan (China).

“Now that we have a machine to strip the fibers from banana stems and spin them to weave fabric, we hope to transfer this technology to organizations and individuals who want to produce and trade, taking advantage of the abundant local source of banana stems and stalks. Banana fiber products will also be introduced at hotels and resorts along the Lam Dong coast for visitors to visit and learn about. Startup models from the above raw materials can contact the Department of Science and Technology to transfer the technology with us,” Dr. Hong Phuong added.

Mr. Nguyen Van Trung - Deputy Director of the Provincial Center for Science and Technology Application said: "Lam Dong with its huge agricultural resources can serve the processing of fiber plants and food. The conference is a bridge, introducing technology to maximize the value chain from fiber plants, improving local food processing; helping facilities, businesses, cooperatives, farmers access, choose appropriate technology solutions, increase the value of native plants, advantaged plants such as bananas in the Southeast region of the province".

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/che-bien-vai-soi-tu-than-chuoi-397553.html