Abstract :
The dried ribbons of Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha) plant were retted by chemical and biological retting methods. In first chemical retting method, the fibres were treated with the combination of EDTA and NaOH whereas in second method pretreated with HCl followed by NaOH; In biological retting method both the stagnant and running water methods were utilized. The retted fibres were tested for physical properties such as, moisture content and weightloss. The percentage weight loss was found to be more in case of chemically retted fibres owing to the enhanced digestibility of lignocellulosic material by the alkali. Contrary to this, biological retting showed higher moisture content due to the presence of non cellulosic matter. Overall, the properties exhibited by Sesbania aculeata fibres obtained after 15 days of stagnant water retting was comparatively good as compared to other retting methods in terms of weight loss and moisture content.
Keyword :
Sesbania aculeata, Dhaincha, Fibre, Retting, Weight loss, Moisture content