Title of Invention	A PROCESS FOR TREATMENT OF COCONUT FIBERS
Abstract	A process for treatment of coconut fibers which comprises in crushing the huskafter removal of the nut so as to loosen the fibers and pith, soaking the husk in water, separately the husk from fiber characterized in applying an oil in water emulsion to the surface of the separated, fibers under ambient conditions wherein the ratio of oil to water in said emulsion 15 to 85 to 25 to 75.

Full Text

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a process for the treatment of coconut fibers after separation from husk. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION It is generally that fiber is embedded in hu.sk along with coir pith. Coir pith is present to the extent of twice the amount of fiber. As the fiber is to be softened in order to facilitate spinning into yarn, the fiber is soaked in water in order for removal of the colouring matter and softening of the fiber. Normally, such a step of soaking in water is effected in backwaters over a period of several months. However, a distinet disadvantage associated with such a method of soaking the fibers is that of pollution of backwater. In order to obviate such a disadvantage, it is known to treat the fibers with a bacterial mixture, and the treated filers are then spun into yarn. However, a disadvantage is that the fibers are fed manually into a spinning machine, and the fibers could cause an injury to the hands of a worker. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to propose an improved method for treatment of coconut fibers Another object of this invention s to propose an improved method for treatment of coconut fibers which obviates the disadvantages associated with those of the prior art Still another object of this invention is to propose an improved method for treatment of coconut fibers which acilitates an easier handling of the fiber by a worker Yet another object of this invention. is to propose an improved method for treatment of coconut fibers which no longer causes any pollution A further object of this invention is to propose an improved method for treatment of coconut fibers which does not affect the quality of yarn produced from such fibers DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION According to this invention there is provided a process for treatment of coconut fibers which comprises in trashing the husk after removal of the nut so as to loosen the fibers and pith, soaking the husk in water, separately the husk from fiber characterized m applying an oil in water emulsion to the surface of the separated fibers under ambient conditions. The process comprises in first separating the husk from the nut, and then treating the husk so as to loosen tag fibers and pith. The husk with fibers is; then soaked in water. Such a step of soaking may be effected by sprinkling water and then allowing the husk and fibers to be retained in water for a period of 4 to 6 hours. The fibers ;are then separated from the husk by, for example, a defiberizing machine. As will be apparent, the step:* described here in above, avoids the ^disadvantage of pollution of backw.ibrs, which was hitherto a environmental hazard. Specifically, in accordance with \h;> invention, an oil in water emulsion is applied to the surface of the separated fibers for a period of 12 to 48 hours. Preferably, a vegetable oil is employed as a mineral oil has an odour, which is not preferred by a worker. The vegetable oil employed in the emulsion in the present invention is Castor Oil as it has a high viscosity, and thereby retained in the fiber for a longer time. Coconut Oil is another vegetable oil which could be employed in the emulsion, but which is wot preferred as it interferes with the subsequent stage of bleaching. The ratio of oil to water of said emulsion is 15 to 85 to 25 to 75. Further, a tracr. amount of an emulsified agent, such as detergent, is added to the emulsion. Preferably .01 to 1 part of the emulsified agent is added thereto. The oil on weight of coir is between 1.5 to 2%. If more than 2% of the oil is present by weight of coir, then the fibers would be slippery and the strength reduced. It has been now found that if the oi. and water emulsion is allowed to remain on the fibers for a period of 24-hrs, ihe production of the yarn in increased by 1.3% as the fibers could be fed quicker by the worker to a spinning machine. Further, the light fastness of the yarn is not reduced. In fact, the treated yarn exhibited the same bleaching and dyeing property as the yarn made from retted fibers. The following comparative Table I reflects the parameters of the yarns treated by the process of this invention. WE CLAIM: 1. A process for treatment of coconut fibers which comprises in crushing the husk after removal of the nut so as to loosen the fibers and pith, soaking the husk in water, separately the husk from fiber characterized in applying an oil in water emulsion to the surface of the separated, fibers under ambient conditions wherein the ratio of oil to water in said emulsion 15 to 85 to 25 to 75. 2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fibers are treated with the oil and water emulsion for a period for 12-48 hours. 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil is a vegetable oil. 4. The process as claimed in claim 3, wherein said vegetable oil is Castor Oil. 5. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil on the weight of coir is present in a mount of 1.5 to 2%. 6. The process as claimed in claim 3, wherein as emulsifying agent such as a detergent is present in said emulsion. 7. The process for treatment of coconut fibers subsequently as described and illustrated. A process for treatment of coconut fibers which comprises in crushing the husk after removal of the nut so as to loosen the fibers and pith, soaking the husk in water, separately the husk from fiber characterized in applying an oil in water emulsion to the surface of the separated, fibers under ambient conditions wherein the ratio of oil to water in said emulsion 15 to 85 to 25 to 75.

Documents:

1177-KOL-2005-FORM 15 1.1.pdf

1177-KOL-2005-FORM 15.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-form 26.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1177-kol-2005-granted-specification.pdf