Water Hyacinth Fibre Yarn in the Production of Interior Decoration Items: A Sustainable Design Approach in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

This study presents a systematic investigation into the extraction and processing of water hyacinth fibre from two riverine sites in South-West Nigeria, Igbokoda (Ondo State) and Ejinrin (Lagos State) for textile and interior decoration applications. Two extraction methods were employed and comparatively evaluated: the alkali retting method and the mechanical decortication method. Following extraction, fibres were subjected to alkaline pre-treatment using 10% NaOH at 90°C, neutralisation with 1.0% acetic acid, washing, and ambient-temperature drying. Dye absorption trials using vat dyes (black, orange, and green) were conducted to assess dimensional stability during wet processing. Selected fibres were subsequently spun into yarn using manual and traditional rope-making techniques. Results demonstrated that the mechanical decortication method produced cleaner, more uniform fibres in less time, while the retting method yielded softer fibres better suited for fine textile applications. Fibre samples from both sites exhibited complete dimensional stability throughout the dyeing process, with no measurable change in length before and after dyeing in wet or dry conditions. Fibres from Igbokoda, selected on the basis of superior impact resistance and flexural performance, were identified as the most suitable for yarn spinning, yielding smooth, flexible, and aesthetically viable yarns. The study demonstrates a feasible, low-cost processing pipeline for converting an invasive aquatic weed into textile-grade yarn appropriate for eco-friendly interior decoration applications in Nigeria.