What is milkweed fiber?
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Context : The Ministry of Textiles is encouraging research and development in innovative natural fibers like milkweed fiber.

Milkweed Fiber: An Overview
▶️Origin
- Milkweed fiber is a unique natural fiber derived from the seed pods of milkweed plants (*Asclepias syriaca L*).
- While native to North America, this plant is also found growing wild in parts of India, such as Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
▶️Properties
- Contains oily material and lignin, making it too brittle for spinning.
- Extremely lightweight and soft.
- Biodegradable and a renewable resource.
- Amphiphilic, with both hydrophilic (water-absorbing) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties.
▶️Applications
- Utilized in water-safety equipment like life jackets and belts.
- Its fine fiber structure makes it ideal for filtration applications, as it can effectively trap particles.