The model of processing fiber fabric from banana stems and stalks was introduced at the Binh Thuan Equipment Technology Fair 2023 at the end of last year in Phan Thiet city, attracting many delegates and customers to visit and learn about it, because of its unique features with soft, thin, cool fiber fabrics, suitable for people to wear in prolonged hot weather.
Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong, Head of the Department of Industrial Chemistry at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (and Head of Ecotech Eco-Village, supporting the startup ecosystem for members in Binh Thuan, and co-supporting the province's ongoing science and technology innovation competition), the initiator of the above model, said: "Through the model of processing fiber from banana stems and stalks that is being applied, in the near future we will coordinate with the Department of Science and Technology of Binh Thuan to find out the source of raw materials in two southern districts of the province such as Duc Linh and Tanh Linh, to promote the purchase of banana stems and stalks by-products for local farmers, banana growers will have more income from this by-product. At the same time, wild pineapples from Phu Quy island will be used to weave naturally dyed pineapple fabric.
According to Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong, recently, the research group led by her has designed and mechanically processed banana fiber stripping machines, producing fibers of standard length and thinness, which is very difficult to do by hand. One of the biggest drawbacks of banana fiber is that it hardens easily when exposed to water, making it difficult to weave into fabric. Many ambitious people who want to conquer banana fiber also get stuck at this step. To solve the problem, she instructed the group members to put the silk into a special closed process that changes some components in the fiber's structure. The banana fiber has an increased cellulose content to a level sufficient to be drawn into fibers. Dr. Hong Phuong has completed one of the most difficult steps, which is to produce banana fiber perfectly. The next challenge is to draw the fiber into fibers and then weave the fibers into fabric. A possible direction is to combine banana fibers with some other special natural sources. The ratio has been tested to retain the uniqueness of banana silk while maintaining the quality of the finished fabric.
The leader of the banana stem weaving model wishes to transfer this technology to organizations and individuals who want to start a business in Binh Thuan, because the local source of banana stem and stalk raw materials is quite abundant, especially in the southern districts of the province. In the immediate future, banana growers in the province can contact and sell banana stem and stalk by-products to Thanh Binh Green Technology Facility in Trang Bom District, Dong Nai , bordering Binh Thuan (the research and processing facility of Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong has processed finished fabric products to sell to Taiwan). In addition, the owner will also introduce banana fiber products at some coastal resorts in Phan Thiet City for visitors to visit and learn about.
T. FACULTY
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