Gum Tragacanth Fibers Introducing Primitive GT Fibers (RESEARCH NOTE)

In this research, a method for producing gum tragacanth (GT) fibers is presented. Ribbon type GT of Astragalus Gummifer species were obtained from local production lands. The gum was treated with alkali to increase its process ability, and allowed to stand for a period of time to reach the proper viscosity and/or to "ripen". Samples with different ripening times were prepared and their viscosities were measured to determine the effect of ageing time on viscosity. They were injected into a coagulation bath. Calcium chloride with different concentrations was applied as the coagulant agent. The consolidated samples were washed under different pH conditions. Finally, the mechanical properties of these premitive fibers were measured and their scanning electron micrographs were taken. The results show that chemically modified GT can be processed into fibers with different qualities.

Keywords:

Gum Tragacanth , Astragalus Gummifer , Ribbon Type , Alkaline treatment , Ripening Time , Coagulant Agent , Calcium Chloride