Key Highlights:
- The newly launched bamboo fiber extraction technology uses an eco-friendly method of extracting bamboo fibers
- The DOST-PTRI technology will help preserve the inherent antimicrobial and UV-blocking properties of bamboo making it highly suitable for textile fiber processing
- The technology will help widen the scope of bamboo textile fiber sources
Bamboo Fiber Extraction Technology
Scientists in the Philippines have recently developed and launched the DOST-PTRI Bamboo fiber extraction technology to produce bamboo fibers. Extracting bamboo fibers using this technology will help preserve the inherent antimicrobial and UV-blocking properties of bamboo. Currently, bamboo fibers are extracted through the cellulose regeneration method which does not preserve the properties of bamboo textile fibers. Bamboo textiles are a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for textile materials and manufacturing. The DOST-PTRI technology has been developed by the Department of Science and Technology through its Philippine Textile Research Institute.
Process of Extracting Bamboo Fibers
The application to protect intellectual property using the technology has already been filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. The DOST-PTRI technology uses mechanical, chemical, and biological processes to liberate fibers from the bamboo culm. These extracted bamboo fibers are then processed further to obtain highly cellulosic textile fibers.
Various bamboo species available in the Philippines are used to extract strong and fine bamboo fibers including Kawayan Tinik (Bambusa blumeana), Bolo (Gigantochloa levis), Yellow Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), and Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper). The DOST-PTRI technology is eco-friendly and uses an easy process of extraction of bamboo fibers making it highly suitable for textile fiber processing in bamboo-rich local areas contributing to economic gains in the bamboo textile industry.
Textile Fiber Processing
The current commercial process of cellulose regeneration uses a synthetic technique for extracting bamboo fibers. Through this method, bamboo culms are broken down into chips, dissolved, and extruded through spinnerets which are then used to produce fine staples or filaments. In this method, the natural integrity of the bamboo textile fibers is not conserved. The process is associated with the production of toxic and hazardous substances. Recently, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Republic Act 9242–the Act prescribing the use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics for Uniforms of Public Officials and Employees and other purposes–has been included in the proposed revised Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). This will help widen the scope of textile fiber sources and also promote employment generation in the countryside.
