CHARACTERIZATION OF ABSORPTION BEHAVIOR OF SUNFLOWER STEM

Textile Technology

The aim of this study is to investigate the absorbency properties of inner core of sunflower stem. Sunflower stem consists of two parts: the pith and the bark. The pith is the inner core of sunflower stem; whereas the bark is the outer layer of the sunflower stem. The pith is segregated from the bark and is ground. The suitable size of the ground particles of sunflower stems is taken to investigate the absorbency properties of sunflower stem. This paper reports study on the development and characterization of absorbent pad made from four different fibrous compositions, namely 1)100%wood pulp, 2)80%wood pulp and 20%sunflower fluff , 3)70%wood pulp and 30%sunflower fluff , 4)100%sunflower core. Hygroscopic properties of specimens depended on their location along the stem. In order to explain these characteristics, morphological observations has been done on the specimen of each location. It was found that both the bark and the pith are denser at the higher locations, and the ratio of rigid tissues in the bark is greater at the higher locations. Sieving process is done to find the particle size of the sunflower fluff(grinded part),so that the suitable size of sunflower fluff can be selected for making the absorbent pad . Free swell absorption test is carried out for all the four different sample and the results were disclosed in this papers. The SEM(Scanning Electron Microscope)view of the sunflower grinded part is also found in this paper. This study highlights the structure , size and absorbency properties of sunflower pith.

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