The team from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has identified the twelve (12) bamboo species to be evaluated for spun yarn production (e.g. Anos (S. lima), Bayog (B. merillianus), Buho (S. lumampao), Kawayan Kiling (B. vulgaris), Laak (B. philippinensis), Puser (C. puser), Black Bamboo (G.atroviollacea), Green Buho (S. brachyladium), Iron Bamboo (G. angustifolia), Kayali (G. atter), Machiku (D. latiflorus) and Thailand Bamboo (T. siamensis). Fibers from their poles were extracted and treated following the mechano-chemical extraction and fiber treatment methods established by the past 2015 project of the Institute. The physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the bamboo textile fiber per species were determined and evaluated, prior to the spun yarn spinning evaluation.
Innovative approach in extracting bamboo textile fiber was developed, which involves a combined chemical and mechanical process to obtain the fiber from its poles, fiber treatments, and yarn spinning. In the production scale, this will provide a guide to the massive greening programs and plantations that can solve the scarcity of bamboo fibers for textiles and other applications. Through a set of criteria, the most suitable species in a location could be provided, providing a technical guide in the propagation of bamboo and technique. A library of bamboo textile fibers for textiles was generated.
