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Tillandsia usneoides L. (Spanish Moss) Air Plant and Its Important Potential for Sustainable Technical Textile Applications

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Novel Sustainable Raw Material Alternatives for the Textiles and Fashion Industry

Abstract

Tillandsia usneoides (L.), an epiphytic member of the Bromeliaceae (pineapple family), has exceptional properties and biomimetic potential for technical textile applications. Tillandsia are referred to as “air plants” or “atmospheric bromeliads” since they absorb water and nutrients directly from the air through the trichomes that cover their leaves, rather than from the soil or organic material. The plant uses its roots only for clings to the place where it is found. It has long, curly, grayish leaves that grow downward and usually hang from the branches of trees. The plant is native primarily to the American South and has been used by locals for a variety of purposes for many years. Although its use as a filler is one of the oldest uses, thanks to its insulating properties, the forked growth structure of the plant’s leaves and its ability to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air into the cell without needing roots, thanks to the trichomes on the leaves, are of great importance in biomimetic studies. In recent years, there have been many studies investigating its use as a biomonitor, especially in studies measuring air pollution. In addition, architectural applications have been developed that biomimetically mimic the fiber surface and cell structure and ceiling and wall systems with various properties, such as ambient moisture dissipation and ventilation. Based on these studies, the use of the unusual properties of the air plant Tillandsia Usneoides (L.) (Spanish moss) as a textile material and their application to textile materials as biomimetics have significant potential in terms of qualified technical textile applications. As a textile material, it has properties that are important for textile structures, such as comfort, durability, breathability, thermal insulation, and shock absorption. It also promises environmentally friendly production, thanks to its self-growth in nature, absence of chemicals or pesticides in production, natural structure, and biodegradable properties. In this chapter, the structure and properties of the air plant Tillandsia Usneoides L. (Spanish moss), its use as a textile material, and the importance and potential of biomimetic applications were thoroughly investigated using the literature with regard to sustainable technical textile applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Textile Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey

    Ece Kalayci, Eda Gokmen Isanc & Ozan Avinc

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  1. Ece Kalayci
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  2. Eda Gokmen Isanc
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Correspondence to Ozan Avinc .

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    Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu

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Kalayci, E., Gokmen Isanc, E., Avinc, O. (2023). Tillandsia usneoides L. (Spanish Moss) Air Plant and Its Important Potential for Sustainable Technical Textile Applications. In: Muthu, S.S. (eds) Novel Sustainable Raw Material Alternatives for the Textiles and Fashion Industry. Sustainable Textiles: Production, Processing, Manufacturing & Chemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37323-7_3

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