Experimentation on Manual Paper Making Using Mango Seed Fibers

Authors

Mercy Wanduara, Kenyatta University

Date of this Version

2024

Document Type

Presentation

Citation

Textile Society of America 2024 Symposium

Shifts & Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles, November 12-17, 2024, a virtual event

Comments

Published by the Textiles Society of America

Copyright 2024, the author. Used by permission

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the use of Kenyan mango fiber as a core ingredient in papermaking. Mango is a tropical fruit grown in many countries around the world, including Kenya. The fruit tree grows naturally and has a maturity period of approximately three years. When this juicy fruit is ready for harvesting most of the fruits are harvested for consumption but plenty of them find their way into compost because of overproduction and lack of market. Moreover, the fruits are either consumed whole or juiced. The core of the fruit is a hairy seed which has little value to the farmers. The seed contains fibers that have potential for processing into valuable biodegradable textile materials such as paper. The ingredients of making paper include cellulose (plant based) and waste paper. Waste paper was used to increase the viscosity of the fiber pulp. This study sought to supplement the commonly used wood pulp for paper making with mango fibers. The process involved blending the mango fibers using a kitchen blender, mixing the pulp with waste paper and then setting the ready pulp onto a screen mould and deckle. The wet sheet was then transferred from the mould onto a flat, absorbent surface to dry. After this process the wet sheet was pressed with a flat wooden block covered with cotton cloth to rid of excess moisture and then set to dry for three to six hours. The paper was then cut up to desired sizes. The paper made from the mango seed is usable for packaging bags and envelopes. For this experiment no chemicals or color were used. Observations indicate that a considerable quantity, specific sizes, and certain types of mangoes are needed to produce a reasonable sheet of A4-sized paper. Naturally grown Kenyan mangoes produce more fiber than the grafted mango variety.