Is Bamboo Absorbent?

Various bamboo products are widely available.

As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of end-use products, the demand for low-impact, high-quality goods has spurred further exploration into bamboo as a sustainable raw material. Raw bamboo is processed either chemically or mechanically to produce clothing, bedding and household linens. The industry tests end products for qualities including strength, durability and absorbency.

Bamboo Textiles

Modern textile production considerations reach beyond the cost and time involved in production and the quality of the finished product. Choices in raw materials are increasingly influenced by their environmental sustainability and possible impact on human health and well-being. Chemical use and labor-intensive mechanical methods negatively impact human health and the environment, as with all textile manufacturing. Future improvements, such as the employment of environmentally-friendlier compounds, closed-loop manufacturing methods and less wasteful equipment, potentially address these concerns. Bamboo products are widely and increasingly available in Japan, India, China and the U.S.

Chemical Processing

A patent was awarded for chemically processing bamboo fiber as textile material in 1864. The process is essentially the same today. Leaves and sometimes fibers are crushed together. The resulting cellulose is soaked in caustic chemicals, then pressed, ground and dried. Certain chemicals are then added and extracted in turn. The resulting viscose solution is subjected to mechanical and further chemical processing to produce usable fibers. Sulphur and ash remain in the finished fibers. Chemical bamboo processing is similar to that for rayon.

Mechanical Processing

Mechanical processing requires fewer steps than chemical processing. Natural enzymes are added to bamboo fibers that have been loosened by boiling. The fibers are combed and spun into usable yarn. The resulting fiber is similar in texture to another plant product, ramie. Residual protein, fat, pigment and ash remain in the fiber. Manufactures refer to the end product as "natural" or "bio." Mechanical processing is both labor-intensive and expensive.

Bamboo Product Qualities

Structural gaps and hollows apparent in raw bamboo fiber persist in the finished textile products, enabling bamboo linens and clothing to absorb and evaporate moisture from skin. Bamboo thrives without pesticides due to the natural antifungal and antibacterial agent called kun, or kunh. Kun remains in finished products, arresting the growth of odor-producing bacteria on linens. Bamboo sheets, towels and clothing are soft and comfortable. Bamboo linens are absorbent in varying degrees according to the species of bamboo, the method of processing and the finished weave of the fabric.

References

• North Carolina State University; Journal of Textile; Sustainable Textiles...; Marilyn Waite
• North Carolina State University; Journal of Textile; Sustainable Textiles...Part II; Marilyn Waite
• North Carolina State University; Textiles Library News; Are Bamboo Products...;
• Natural Life Magazine; Bamboo Textiles: Green, Luxurious and Practical; Ed Mass; March/April 2009

Resources

• Earth Linens
• American Bamboo Society