Sarmin Sultana Lima
Coffee fiber is a type of soluble fiber that is commonly found in brewed coffee or instant coffee. Soluble fiber is a plant-based carbohydrate that turns into a gel during digestion and reduces sugar levels. Freeze-dried coffee contains the most soluble fiber. According to a study by the Spanish National Research Council of Madrid-1, instant coffee has the highest fiber content at 1.8 grams per cup.
Why do we use coffee fiber in the textile industry?
Before we create anything, we keep two things in mind,
1. Whether the manufactured product is environment-friendly
2.Dividend means whether we can withdraw the money we are investing if we produce the product.
But nowadays, before making everything, it is checked whether the product is environmentally friendly and available at a cheap price.
We use coffee fiber in the textile industry because it is eco-friendly and sustainable. Also, coffee fiber can be mixed with recycled plastic to make yarn which is versatile.
History of coffee fiber:
Coffee fiber is a textile made from recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles. Coffee fiber was invented in 2008 by Singtex, a Taiwanese company. The company developed a patented process to carbonize coffee grounds and mix them with renewed polyester to make yarn
Processing & preparation of Coffee fiber:
Coffee fiber is an environmentally friendly fiber, which has many advantages, such as: deodorizing, UV-resistant and quick drying properties.
Processing: Coffee grounds can be spun into yarn at 160°C, which is cost-effective compared to 600°C for normal yarn. The primary method of obtaining green fiber yarn involves mixing and re-polymerizing coffee residue into a recycled plastic bottle material. This is the basic process. The raw material of coffee fiber is a combination of coffee and recycled polyester, the quality and appearance of the finished textile is as good as that achieved using new materials.
Preparation:
1. Preparation of microcapsules with coffee grounds, coffee essential oil and aromatic organic matter.
2. Organic matter and fatty acids are removed from the coffee residue using solvents.
3. Carbonizing the coffee residue using chemicals such as zinc chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or phosphoric acid at a temperature of about 160°C.
4. Carbonized material mixed with polyester chips in a weight ratio of 1:9 or 75:25.
5. Finally blending with coffee yarn and spinning
Advantages of coffee fiber:
1. Coffee fiber is 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
2. Wearing clothes made of coffee fibers regulates body temperature and prevents odors because coffee fibers have high moisture-wicking properties.
3. Coffee fiber reduces waste and environmental impact because coffee fiber is made from recycled coffee grounds
4. Coffee fiber is rich in antioxidants.
5. Coffee fiber is a good source of soluble dietary fiber.
Disadvantages of coffee fiber:
1. Coffee fiber may not be suitable for people who have allergies.
2. Coffee fiber can sometimes have a negative effect because coffee fiber can contain caffeine. And because of this caffeine, it increases insomnia, anxiety, and blood pressure.
3. It is expensive compared to other fibers.
4. Coffee fiber can lose its color, shape, and function over time.
Ends use of coffee fiber:
Apparel Textile: Coffee fiber can be used in apparel textiles like clothing. It can be used for manufacturing sports clothes.
Home furnishings: Coffee fiber can be used as part of structures in the interior design for furnishings.
Cosmetic products: Coffee fiber is used in the cosmetic industry.
Uses of coffee fiber in medical science:
1. Various medical textiles can be made with coffee silk. For example: orthopedic support, dialysis membrane, burn dressing etc.
2. Various medical devices can be made with coffee fiber. For example: surgical cotton, drug delivery system, tissue engineering etc.
3. Various types of bandages, gauze, masks, gloves, surgical gowns, catheters etc. can be made from coffee fiber. These products absorb blood and prevent infection.
Conclusion: Coffee fiber is an environmentally friendly fiber obtained from coffee grind waste. Coffee fiber has various applications in textiles, food and cosmetics. In addition, coffee fiber is deodorizing, UV resistant, quick drying and rich in nutrients.
Source:
1.www.singtex.com
2.www.scafefabrics.com
3.sustainable textile innovation
4. https//www.textile world.com
5.www.fibre2fashion.com
6.www.yarnsandfibers.com
7.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
