Abstract

Yandrapalli Bhargavi Spandana, Mrs. G. Surekha, L. Nagarajan

ABSTRACT

The increasing need for sustainable and biodegradable materials in the textile industry has led to renewed interest in natural fibers. This study explores the use of Typha (commonly known as cattail) fibers in the production of wet-laid non-woven fabrics. Typha, an aquatic plant widely found in wetlands, offers advantages such as rapid growth, renewability, and low cost. The research focuses on the extraction and processing of Typha fibers, their integration into a wet-laid process, and the evaluation of the resulting non-woven material's mechanical and physical properties. The Typha fibers were mechanically extracted, cleaned, and chemically treated to improve dispersibility and bonding. These fibers were then suspended in a fiber-water slurry and formed into sheets through a wet-laying process, followed by pressing and thermal drying. The produced non-woven mats were subjected to a series of standardized tests including tensile strength analysis (ISO 9073-3), water absorption tests (ASTM D570), thickness and density measurements, and surface morphology analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that Typha fibers provide competitive tensile strength (15–20 MPa), high water absorption capacity (~120%), and consistent density profiles (~0.45 g/cm³). The SEM analysis confirmed uniform fiber distribution and effective inter-fiber bonding, contributing to overall mat integrity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using Typha fibers for environmentally friendly non-woven fabric production. The findings suggest strong potential for their application in hygiene products, filtration media, agricultural blankets, and biodegradable packaging. Further research is recommended to refine fiber treatment methods, evaluate long-term durability, and scale up production processes for industrial adoption. The work contributes significantly to the field of bio-based materials and supports global efforts toward sustainable manufacturing practices.