Mechanical Performance and Color Fastness of Handloom Furnishing Fabrics From Cotton, Hemp, Flax, Banana Fiber, and Their Blends
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: This study examines the mechanical properties and color fastness of sustainable woven fabrics made from natural fibers and their blends with cotton, with the aim of meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly materials in textile applications.Methodology/Design: Systematic testing of seven woven fabrics of 100 % cotton, hemp, flax, banana and three different cotton-rich blends was carried out for thread density, areal density, tensile and tear strength, pilling resistance and color fastness with standardized Indian and international test protocols.Findings: Hemp showed highest tensile strength and wash fastness, while cotton/banana blends showed best balance between strength and extensibility. The banana fibers were the best in tear strength. Cotton blended with bast or leaf fibers was stronger and kept its appearance better than cotton alone.Practical and Social Implications: The findings provide practical guidance for the selection of fiber systems for specific apparel and technical textile applications, promoting sustainability, waste valorization and circular economy concepts in textile production via informed natural fiber blending strategies.Originality: This work offers an in-depth, quantitative comparison of mechanical and color fastness properties of multiple sustainable fiber systems, giving novel insights and robust recommendations for matching fiber blends with their most appropriate, low impact textile applications.
Authors: Rashmi Nandal, Ramratan Guru
Institution: Mody University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204434873