Taha Bin Yahya
National Textile University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Email: tahabinyahya@gmail.com
Bamboo fibers are the newest thing to hit the textile arena. Bamboo is now being made into a fiber that has wonderful characteristics. It has been said to feel like a cross between cashmere and silk. It has fluidity like silk or rayon and a softness of hand like cashmere. This fabric is naturally antibacterial and eco-friendly. Bamboo is a renewable resource and the manufacturing of the yarn is done in an environmentally friendly way. This fabric breathes and is cooler than cotton in warm weather. Bamboo fabric will be coming out in many designer lines soon. Hand woven bamboo is the perfect compliment. Bamboo fabric is used for many applications these days, from bedding to clothing.
Bamboo can thrive naturally without the use of pesticides as it is seldom eaten by pests or infected by pathogen. Scientists have found that bamboo contains a unique anti-bacteria and bacteriostasis bio-agent named ‘bamboo kun’. This substance is maintained in the finished bamboo fabric as it is bound tightly to the bamboo cellulose molecule. Bacteria will propagate rapidly in cotton and other fibres obtained from wood pulp, forming bad smell and even cause early degradation of the fibre in some cases. But it is killed almost 75% after 24 hours in bamboo fibre.
The fashion world is constantly seeking and latching onto new materials. The folk fashion craze spurred demand for natural, handmade-looking textiles that exude warmth, while synthetic fabrics with a sleek look have also recently been popular. One of the hot items is fabrics made from traditional Japanese materials, such as bamboo and washing (handmade Japanese paper). In the spotlight at the Tokyo Spring and Summer collection was a series of coats and pants made of fabric containing bamboo fibers. Bamboo fiber clothes have actually been showing up in department stores and women’s boutiques. An exclusive manufacturing process makes it possible to create a highly breathable, absorbent fabric entirely from bamboo fiber. Clothes made of this fabric sell for around the same price as ordinary clothes and have a distinctive softness and cool, light texture. The fabric is highly versatile; other garments, such as blouses and tank tops, are also available. Other applications include bathrobes and towels, foot mats, mats, bed clothes, underwear, close-fitting T-shirts, and stockings.
Bamboo fabrics are made by pure bamboo fiber yarns, which have excellent Wet Permeability, moisture vapor transmission properties, soft feel, better drapery, and easy dying to achieve splendid colors. It is a newly founded, green fabric.
Application and Uses of Bamboo Fabric: Bamboo fabric products include sweaters, bath-suits, mats, blankets, towels, nappies (diapers), underwear and other lingerie, all types of clothing, and linen. Uses of each product of bamboo fabric is discussed below.
Skin Care Products
Natural sterilization properties make it ideal for products like:
Fig: Surgical clothing
Bandages
Masks
Surgical clothes/operating gowns
Nurses’ wear
Bathroom Products
Excellent anti-bacterial and moisture absorption properties make it ideal for products like:
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
