• Dr. Rachna Mohan

Although better known as a plant critical to the larval survival of Monarch butterflies, milkweed is also getting recognized as an alternative plant fiber, which can contribute to environmental sustainability. While milkweed belongs to the very large Asclepiadaceae family having more than 2000 species, most of the textile application research is focused on Asclepias syriaca, found predominantly in America and Calotropis gigantea, a native of South and South East Asia. The main focus is on the use of the silken hair attached to the seeds inside the ripened pods of these plants, while fiber extraction from milkweed stems is now receiving special attention. Milkweed fiber's special attributes, primarily linked to its hollow structure, make them suitable for a variety of textile applications. The presence of hollow channels along the fiber's length make it lightweight and give its insulation property. This review aims to capture the salient findings of recent researches concerning the fibers' distinct traits, their extraction processes and key textile applications. Gaining an understanding of the natural properties of milkweed floss and stem fibers and the challenges faced in using them in textile applications hold the key to unlocking their potential as a source of sustainable fibers. Extant research identifies the difficulties encountered in spinning the milkweed fibers, as also in sourcing them on a sustainable basis as the challenges on the way of taking full advantage of this natural, renewable and biodegradable textile fiber.

Milkweed fibers, Sustainable plant fibres, Milkweed floss fiber, Milkweed stem fiber

"Unlocking the Potential of Milkweed as a Sustainable Plant Fiber Source for Textiles", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 8, page no.e663-e668, August-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2308477.pdf

"Unlocking the Potential of Milkweed as a Sustainable Plant Fiber Source for Textiles", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 8, page no. ppe663-e668, August-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2308477.pdf