Bamboo - 21st century eco fiber : Application in towel sector(Part-3)

Bamboo - 21st century eco fiber : Application in towel sector

By : Dr. Subrata Das

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Interested to read Part-1& 2 Its here Read Part-1 | Read Part-2
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Breathable and Cool

Bamboo fiber towel has an unusual level of breatheability, making it incredibly cool and comfortable next to the human skin. This is because the cross-section of the bamboo fiber is filled with various micro-gaps and micro-holes, it has much better moisture absorption and ventilation. With this unique microstructure, bamboo fiber towel can absorb and evaporate human sweat very quickly. Bamboo fiber towel make people feel extremely cool and comfortable in hot conditions. The ability of moisture absorption is more superior to cotton.

Antistatic

A characteristic of bamboo fiber is such that it absorbs moisture due to micro-gaps and static electricity is hard to be generated. Bamboo fiber does not contain free electron and thus it is antistatic, so it fits very well next to the human skin but not clinging it. It flows lightly over the body.

Antibacterial and Deodorized

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 fibers obtained from wood pulp, forming bad smell and even cause early degradation of the fiber in some cases. But it will be killed 75% after 24 hours later in bamboo fiber.

Bamboo fiber towel has excellent natural functions. It is both anti-bacterial and deodorising in nature. It has been proven by studies conducted by the National Textile Inspection Association, China (NTIA), Shanghai Microorganism Research Institute and Japan Textile Inspection Association that even after bamboo fabric had been washed fifty times, it still possessed excellent anti-bacterial and bacteriostasis functions.
Bamboo fiber’s natural anti-bacterial function differs greatly from that of chemical antimicrobial. The latter often tends to cause skin allergy when added to textile substrate.

Green and Biodegradable

Bamboo grows quickly, requiring few farming inputs and no pesticides. When compared to other fibres such as cotton, it is far more sustainable. Cotton requires huge amounts of water and extensive use of pesticides that pollute the environment. Bamboo takes up more greenhouse gasses and releases more oxygen and does not need replanting, or fertilisers and its roots are very good at stabilising erosion prone soil.
It produces natural and eco-friendly fiber without any chemical additives. More importantly, bamboo fiber is a unique biodegradable textile material. As a natural cellulose fiber, bamboo fiber can be 100% biodegraded in soil by micro organisms and sunlight. The decomposition process does not cause any pollution in the environment. “Bamboo fiber comes from nature and completely returns to nature in the end”. Bamboo fiber is praised as “the natural, green and eco-friendly new-type textile material of the 21st century”.

Care label hints of Bamboo towel

Towels can be machine washed in warm water. Do not bleach. Wash dark colors separately and avoid harsh detergents when washing

Wash Care Instructions:

It may be advised to launder towels before first use. Careful handling is recommended when washing a new Bamboo towel. To prevent snagging of the loops and towel shrinkage following steps can be followed:
> Placement of towels in a washing bag prior to its first laundering.
>Laundering of towels with warm water on delicate wash with like colors
>Do not bleach
>Tumble dry low
The use of fabric softeners is not often recommended as they tend to block the micro-gaps in the fibers leading to reduced absorbency.

Advantages over 100% cotton towel:

Anti-bacteria: 3 times effect than Cotton Products
Anti-static: 12 times effect than Cotton Products
Hygroscopic: 60% improvement in Comparison with Cotton Products
Deodorization: 30 % improvement in Comparison with Cotton Products

Microscopic view of Bamboo fiber :

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