Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) as Thread: An Alternative Material for Textile Production

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Thread is the most important raw material in household Textile Production. It is very expensive that is why it has been immobilized and textile manufacturers have to depend on the products imported from other countries. In view of the fact that thread can be made from fibrous materials such as plants and animals, Textile Industry has discovered an easy way to utilize and manufacture threads. Since Cogon grass stems are highly abundant grass in the Philippines especially in locality of Lian, the researchers proposed a study on producing thread out of cogon grass and to maximize its beneficial and economic significance in Textile Industry.

METHODS

Experimental method was done to obtain the results. Researchers selected and gathered Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical) from differentbarangaysinLian. The collected cogon grass was washed, pressed, and measured then experimentation came next. Four sets of cogon grass with different amount of detergent were boiled for different length of time. Set A has the least amount of detergent while Set C has the most amount of detergent. Set D is the control setup. After experimentation, cogon grass went through sorting, sun drying, twisting and knotting. The strength of cogon grass was tested by attaching them to stone with different weights. The threads were weaved by the researchers, and finally, fabric was produced.

RESULTS

After the experiment, set A produced a maximum amount of 28 grams useable thread for textile production, set B produced 37 grams, set C produced 43 grams and set D which is the controlled setup only produced 11 grams within the longest period of boiling time. The longer the boiling period and the higher concentration of detergent powder, the greatest amount and the strongest threads yielded. Overall, the result shows that after the preparation of the four sets of cogon grass, the researchers found out that set C with the most amount of detergent and boiled for the longest period of time has the highest tensility and can hold heavier objects making it suitable for textile manufacture.

DISCUSSIONS

The research demonstrates that the stems of Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical) are mainly composed of fibers which can be utilized to yield and produce threads for Textile production. Researchers suggest that other raw materials with similar properties to cogon grass be studied and used as an alternative raw material for textile production. This research can be the basis for future researchers as they conduct the same study.