Balsa fiber

Description

A dark brown granulated fiber obtained from the balsa tree, Ochroma pyramidale, native to the Caribbean region, Central and South America. Balsa fibers have lengthwise striations. They are used for as padding for mattresses, cushions, and upholstery. Sometimes Kapok is called balsa fiber.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Ochroma pyramidale; balsa fibre (Br.); fibra de balsa (Esp.).)

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 430

• J.Gordon Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:I Natural Fibres, Merrow Publishing Co. , Durham, England, 1984