Physical characterization of vegetal textile fibers from Malvaceae family

• Grant number: 10/13294-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2010
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Júlia Baruque Ramos
• Grantee: Bárbara Maria Gama Guimarães
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Alternative natural fibers can be used not only for textiles, but also for manufacturing composites in place of that made from wood or synthetic materials. Brazil has a great potential in terms of variety of fibers, as well as creativity. The application of these fibers also in handicrafts could become viable as an alternative income to many communities, aiding in this way the regional economic development. The aim of this study consists in physical characterization of 04 vegetal species from Malvaceae family, namely: Sida cordifolia L; Sida rhombifolia L; Sidastrum paniculatum (L.) Fryxell and Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Gurck. The values of tensile strength, tenacity, elongation and modulus (performed on a tensile machine), regain and moisture will be determined. These will be compared with other ones from fibers that present recognized employability in the textile industry. (AU)