Abstract:
This study provides a guideline for incorporating pineapple fiber with ordinary silk weaving. The two main objectives were 1.) to find a right proportion of pineapple fiber, and 2.) to develop new textiles and fashion those response to the lifestyle of early working-age people. Feasibility study was based on observing and interviewing with local silk weaving community at Ta-Ruea Village, Na-Wa District, Nakhon Phanom. To obtain the right proportion of pineapple usage, twenty different weaving patterns of mixed pineapple-silk fabric were investigated, yielding different fabric characteristics and touches. The physical properties of fabrics were tested, including pH value, tearing and shrinkage resistance. The results showed that the average pH value of 7.41 is safe from skin irritation when wearing. The tearing and shrinkage resistance test showed only 15 weaving patterns provided strength of over 10 percent. Pineapple fiber can be used as an additional material, while silk fiber is still required as a core material. The assessment from experts suggested an appropriate silk-pineapple usage ratio of 70:30. The developed fabric can be further employed for tote bag production, with corresponding A/W 20/21 code color.
