Rope From Gumamela (Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn) Plant Fibers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A rope is a linear collection of plies, yarns or strands which are twisted or braided together to combine them into a larger and stronger form. It may be constructed of any long, stringy, fibrous material, but generally constructed of certain natural or synthetic fibers. It is of paramount importance in fields as diverse as constructions, seafaring, exploration, sports, hangings, theatre, and communications; and has been used since prehistoric times.InMaragondon, it was noted that gumamela plant is abundant and is only used for ornamental purposes. For this reason, the researcher sought to determine if gumamela plant fibers can be used as raw material for making fiber rope; describe it in terms of appearance and texture; determine its level of usability and acceptability and describe its tensile properties based on ASTM standards.

METHODS

Gumamela plant fibers were gathered and soaked for 3 to 5 days. A knife was used to scrape and separate the fibrous and non-fibrous materials. The scraped materials were boiled then set aside to dry. Fibers were separated and put in parallel formation to be combed easily. They were twisted into strands, tightly stretched, and twisted to make rope.The properties are determined in terms of appearance and texture as well as in terms of usability and acceptability using a survey questionnaire made for that purpose administered to 30 respondents. Tensile properties were determined by using a tensile testing machine.

RESULTS

Results show the following ratings: appearance: mean score of 4.72 and standard deviation of 0.45; texture, a mean of 3.17 and a standard deviation of 0.73; usability: mean score of 4.87 with a standard deviation of 0.34; acceptability of mean score of 4.40 and standard deviation of 0.49. Sample No. 1 had 1% elongation under a stress value of 14.9 MPa. Sample No. 2 had an elongation of 5.0% under a stress value of 22.1 MPa. Sample No. 3 had an elongation of 4.7% under a stress value of 14.6 MPa.

DISCUSSIONS

Results showed that gumamela stem fibers can be used in making ropes. Also, the appearance is outstanding and the texture is coarse. The rope is highly usable and highly acceptable. The sample with highest value of stress also has the greatest percentage elongation. The rope can withstand up to 22.1 MPa of stress before breaking.