Jose B. Baltero III (Author)
Abstract
Fibers make an excellent basis for textiles. Moreover, textile fibers may be created from many natural resources, especially tree branches. The researcher used the Guest Tree branch as the main source materials used for making fiber that can be characterized into useful materials like textiles, table mats, and national costumes. The research employed five kilograms of raw Guest Tree branches for experimentation. To assess its textile viability, a series of tests were conducted, employing standard methodologies. The tensile strength was analyzed using a Universal Testing Machine revealing an average tensile strength of 4456.29 Psi for Guest Tree fibers, indicating high strength properties. The ASTM D689 test method assessed tearing strength, yielding values of 1106.67 in the machine direction and 1509.33 in the cross direction. Despite consistent dimensions, textiles exhibited varying burning rates, yielding a residual black, irregular bead, indicative of reduced combustibility. Water absorption testing showed textiles absorbed 27 percent of water, with similar discoloration levels to alternative discoloration methods when exposed to 15 percent hydrochloric acid. Evaluation of subjective factors including hand feel, irregularity of the ribs, color shade, and presence of plugs rated Guest Tree textiles as “Very Acceptable.” These findings highlight the potential of Guest Tree fibers as a versatile material for textile applications, demonstrating favorable mechanical properties, combustion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
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Keywords: Guest Tree, Fiber, Textile, Characterization