Processing of leafy plant fibres in Swaziland for multiple end uses

Natural resources have a potential to contribute to national economies, particularly in developing countries. The handcraft sector in Swaziland relies on sisal fibres, which however, are restrictive due to their poor wearable properties. This study explored the use of enzymes as an alternative method of surface modification of sisal, century plant, and pineapple fibres for improved physical properties including dyeability and pliability. The participatory rural appraisal (PRA) phase, aimed at getting an insight into the fibre processing, was done first. Subsequently, Miller (1959)’s Dinitrosalicylic (DNS) method was used for monitoring hydrolysis and optimizing the enzymes. Conventional alkali treatment of NaOH was used as a reference. Treated and untreated fibres were dyed with Astrazon Yellow 8 GL commercial dye for 1 hour at 600C. Obtained dye solutions were analyzed using a Shimadzu UV-VIS Spectrophotometer. Chemical and mechanical properties of raw and treated fibres were analyzed using the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Instron tensile tester. Findings from the PRA revealed that fibre processors were only using sisal fibres and the production was mostly done by females (95%), some of whom were family providers. The alkaline treatment reduced sisal tensile strength by 32% while enzyme reduced it by 19%. Scanning electron microscope micrograms showed smoother enzyme-treated fibres than NaOH-treated ones. Enzyme treated fibres improved dyeability compared to raw fibres and the enzymes were effective in softening fibres and not a threat on the environment as opposed to the alkali treatment currently being used. Recovery mechanisms of enzymes for reuse could be explored and it could offset their initial high purchase cost. There is a potential in developing new products using treated fibres.