Kapok

Abstract

Certain trees in the genus Ceiba (Bom- Terbacaceae) produce fruits containing a mass of fine hairs (floss), which' arise from the wall 'of the capsules and have the seeds buried in their midst. These hairs, which' in nature assist in the distribution of the seeds, are known commercially as "Kapok" or "Silk. Cotton and are used for stuffing cushions, pillows, mattresses and similar articles. The hairs are cylindrical, form 6 to 1.2 inches long, formed of cells full of air, impermeable to moisture and extremely buoyant. For this reason a second important use for kapok is in the manufacture of buoys, life-belts and lifesaving jackets. Kapok textiles are not strong and yarns made from it are not able to with stand strains: owing to their non –conducting character they might however, be employed as an interlining in warm clothing