Development of non-woven composites using agro-industrial residue fibre from Mangifera indica and analyse its comfort and thermal properties for textile application

Abstract

The incorporation of eco-friendly green fibres in the textile industry has become a crucial approach to promoting sustainable production practices. These fibres, particularly those derived from agro-waste and agro-industrial residues, offer a promising alternative to conventional textile raw materials by reducing environmental impact and enhancing the functional and aesthetic properties of textile products. In this study, Mangifera indica—a widely consumed seasonal fruit—was selected as a source of green fibre. After pulp extraction in food processing industries, the leftover seed residues, typically discarded as waste, were collected. Subsequently, fibre extraction was carried out using the decortication method. The extracted fibre was then subjected to detailed characterisation to evaluate its morphological, structural, and functional properties. Based on the characterisation results, the fibres were processed into web structures and converted into non-woven sheets using the needle-punching technique. These non-woven materials were further assessed for their thermal insulation and comfort properties to determine their suitability for textile applications. This research investigates the extraction and characterisation of Mangifera indica fibre (MIF) and examines the performance of the developed non-woven sheet, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable and functional material for use in protective textiles.