Technology for treating abaca fiber developed

A technology that combines mechanical and chemical treatments of abaca fibers to make the strands suitable for cotton spinning has been developed.

The technology was generated by researchers of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), a DOST agency headed by Director Carlos Tomboc. It placed second in the Likha Award (Creative Research category) in the 2002 National Invention Contest.

Through a combination of mechanical and chemical treatments, the abaca fibers, capitalizing on their superior strength and flexibility, were converted into cottonized fibers that can undergo conventional spinning.

PTRI expressed optimism that the invention will facilitate commercial textile production through the cotton spinning system, the process by which 90 percent of local textile mills operate.

Initial runs indicated that blends of abaca as high as 50 percent could be produced.

The technology finds application in the production of textile fabrics for GTH (gifts, toys, houseware), apparel and industrial use.

"With the growing concern for the environment, the use of natural fibers for the manufacture of textile is much sought for, hence, the potential for our abaca, piña, and natural fibers in the production of globally competitive fabrics," PTRI stressed. – Rudy A. Fernandez