Properties and applications of kapok fiber

Kapok fiber is a natural fiber which obtained from a pod or fruit by cracking its shell. Kapok tree naturally grows in tropical countries especially Indonesia. In Indonesia, kapok trees mainly grows in Java and Sumatra. That is why Kapok is also called Java kapok, or Java Silk Cotton. Kapok fiber has some unique characteristics that make it useful to produce different products. The fiber is light, smooth, very buoyant, resilient, sound insulation, water resistant, highly flammable, and vermin resistant. Based on its above characteristics, it could be used for some applications such as filling material for pillows, mattresses, zafu, yoga mat, home furniture and decoration. It also used to produce life jackets, oil only absorbent and sound absorber. The fiber is too short and not too strong to be spun. However there are companies who able to do it. There will be a bright future for kapok fiber as a replace materials to cotton fiber and other non ecological friendly one. (dari beberapa sumber)