KAPOK
Kapok is silky
fibre obtained from the pod of kapok tree. The botanical name of is ceiba
Pentranda of the family Boombacaceae. This tree is grown principally in Java,
Africa, Netherlands, and South-east Asia, where the soil and hot climatic
conditions are specially suited for its growth.
This tree
grows to a height of 35 meters. The pods are oblong in shape, form 10 to 15cm
in length and 2 to 4 cm in diameter. The fibres are contained in the outer
shell, loosely surrounding the seeds and entirely free from the cell. When the
pod ripe, the fibres come out from the pod after opening. Sunshine and air
cause the pods to open out.
The fibre are being separated by hand, of by l methods
and' further cleaned by air separation method. The unripe unmatured pods should
be eliminated. Around 20,000 to 25,000 pods are required to produce 100
kilogram of fibre. After collection, the fibres can be pressed into bales and
transported for further processing.
PROPERTIES AND USES
The fibre is
exceedingly light with a circular cross-section, thin walls 0 and a wide lumen.
Kapok fibres are moisture resistant, resilient, soft and brittle. This fibre is
not suitable for spinning but it is very much suitable for stuffing.
So this
fibre is mostly used in jackets, sleeping bags, insulating materials and
upholstery
