BGMEA University Of Fashion & Technology

Course Name: Fibre-Yarn-Fabric

Course Code: TEX1101

WORK REPORT OF LUFFA FIBRE

Submitted By
Section-1, AMM-222

Submitted To
Sumi Akter
Lecturer, BUFT
Department Of Textile Engineering (TE)

INTRODUCTION OF LUFFA FIBRE

Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the
cucumber family. It is also spelled loofah. It’s also grown as a
fruit. When a fully grown luffa is allowed to dry ,it turns into a
fibre. The fibre has its own elasticity, cohesiveness, strength,
fineness,and length. Nowadays luffa fibre is used widely in
various sectors.

SOURCE
Naturally luffa fibre is widely available in East Asia and some
parts of Africa. Natural loofah ( luffa ) sponge actually comes
from the fruit of vine-growing luffa plants. These plants are
part of the gourd family making them relatives of
watermelon, cucumber,and pumpkins. When a luffa fruit dries
out and is peeled, inside of it there is fibrous interior. In our
case , our team got this luffa fruit from a rural area where this
luffa fruit was being cultivated.
 FIBRE COMPOSITION

It was found that the average chemical composition of luffa

fibres ranges from 57%-74% cellulose, 14%-30% of
hemicellulose, 1%-22% of lignin and 0%-12.08% of the other
components like ash . In addition, solubility of the luffa in
alcohol-benzene (0.25%), hot water (3.36%), cold water
(4.40%) and NaOH (16.38%) was found. It has high moisture
absorption properties as they are hydrophilic.
 FIBRE EXTRACTION (NATURAL PROCESS)

Luffa fibres were usually extracted by drying.First, ripe and

sun-dried luffa fruit was taken from a tree. Then it is further
dried in the sun until it is completely dry, and turns into
brown. Now the inner seeds are washed and taken out. Then
it was peeled. Then the luffa sponge is thoroughly cleaned or
washed with clean water. Finally it was dried again in the sun.
The luffa is ready to use.
 PROPERTIES OF LUFFA FIBRE

ADVANTAGES OF LUFFA
1. Absorbent.
2. Washable.
3. Low cost.
4. Fairly strong.
5. Dyes and prints well.
6. Comfortable to use.
7. Environmental friendly.
8. Light weight.
9. Durable.

DISADVANTAGES OF LUFFA
1. Burns easily.
2. Affected by moths or insects.
3. Decomposing if kept wet for long.
4. Weakened by perspiration.
5. Retains dirt.
 ENDUSE

There are many ways to use luffa in our daily life. Such as-
1. Steam cloth for cooking.
2. Cleaning body while taking bath .
3. Washing face .
4. Making shoe insole .
5. Cleaning house.
6. Cleaning tile .
7. Washing dishes.
8. Cleaning nails.
9. Cleaning fruits and vegetables.
10. Cleaning garden tools .
11. Luffa bath and spa slippers.
A fully developed luffa fruit is the source of luffa scrubbing
sponge which is widely used in bathroom and kitchens. Luffa
sponges are popular shower accessories used for cleaning and
exfoliating skin. They are 100% biodegradable, compostable,
and made of natural plant fibers. These sustainable sponges
are a great alternative to synthetic petrochemical sponges.