Grade-C kenaf fiber (poor quality) as an alternative material for textile crafts

This research focuses on the development of utilizing Grade-C kenaf fibers (poor quality) produced from plantations in Pesanggarahan village, Lamongan regency, Indonesia, to produce alternative textile materials for textile craft and textile products. High-quality kenaf fibers have been utilized in the automotive, pulp and paper, and geotextile industries, while low-quality kenaf fibers are considered less potential and have only been used as gunny sacks. This research was conducted through an exploration and experimental approach, dividing the process into four stages, namely: (1) scouring stage using standard degumming of cellulose fibers; (2) testing strength and elongation of fibers; (3) bleaching stage of fibers; and (4) textile exploration stage with design and craft approach to create yarn and fabric weaving and crochet techniques, and the results were quantitatively tested to identify their mechanical and physical properties. This is beneficial as a solution to add value to a material to produce material trends for the development of textile craft products.