What are the properties of banana fabric?

• Structure: Banana fiber is lignocellulosic consisting of cellulose (81%), lignin (15%), natural gum and other substances. The pseudo-stem of the banana plant is a cylindrical trunk which consists of a soft central core and about 14-18 layers or sheath. These sheaths grow from the base of the plant and on attaining maturity transform into banana leaves. The banana plant has about 75m of height and 30cm of width.
• The outer layers consist of coarse fibers while the inner layer has soft and lustrous fibers. Each sheath has three layers. The fiber bundles lay in a soft tissue matrix that is present in the outermost layer along with epidermis.
• The lumen of the banana is narrow and hollow that imparts good absorption and insulation properties to the fiber.
• Banana fabric is lightweight (low density), soft and lustrous. The fibers are quite delicate and thin with the fineness value of about 2400Nm and can be spun easily.
• Tenacity: The fiber has a good tensile strength of about 29.98 g/den and so is used to make ropes and floor mats.
Resiliency: The fabric is resistant to wrinkling and is quite stiff.
• Moisture regain: The fibers have good moisture absorption property of about 13%.
• Banana fabrics are water and fire-resistant.