Cotton/Milkweed Blends: A Novel Textile Product

Experimental fabrics have been knitted from high level blends of cotton and common milkweed fibers. The milkweed fiber ( Asclepias syriaca), often called "vegetable silk," is a seed floss that is similar to the Rux fiber ( Caleotropis gigantea ) of Southeast Asia. The physical properties of the milkweed fiber, its morphology, and the properties of the blended yams and fabrics are described. The response of the fabrics to scouring and bleaching and to subsequent durable press finishing has been investigated. Certain strength and moisture related advantages can be realized from replacing part of the cotton in a fabric with milkweed, without reduction in the durable press levels obtained in similarly finished all-cotton fabrics.