Cornhusk fibers, its properties, and value addition

Abstract Natural fiber crops are gaining more importance to the human beings with respect to their usefulness. Most of the natural lignocellulosic fibers with their unique properties and versatility deserve to be called the “fibers for the future.” In India, there are many unexplored agro-based lignocellulosic fibers and one among them is the maize husk fiber (Zea mays). Researchers have reported the different process line of extraction of cornhusk fiber from the by-product of corn and reported to have low crystallinity and rough surface with hollow cross-sectional area. Cornhusk fiber shows less tensile strength and more elongation compared to popular lignocellulosic fiber jute and cellulosic cotton. Researchers have reported synthesized process of good quality MCC (microcrystalline cellulose) from extracted cornhusk fiber. It also has been documented that its rheological and other physicochemical properties are comparable with commercial MCC. Few research groups have reported literature on the spinning process of corn fiber and the process line of the production of cotton and cornhusk fiber blended yarn. In addition, some of the groups also have been engaged in the dyeing process of corn fiber with synthetic and natural dyes. Recently, one research group has reported the process of making thermal stable corn fiber as it can be useful for making different end products. Connecting with it, they have proposed new method for making eco-friendly thermal stable corn fiber by using banana pseudostem sap, a widely available agro-waste in Asian countries.