On the Valorization of Certain Components Extracted from Opuntia Ficus Indica in Textile Finishing

The valorization of local natural resources is an approach consistent with sustainable development and with the conservation of the environment and its protection. Within this framework lies the subject of the thesis proposed for the valorization of Opuntia ficus indica L. in textile and para-textile applications, such as the formulation of adjuvants for dye baths (wetting, dispersing) or/and the formulation of thickeners and adjuvants for textile printing pastes. The potential use of extracted fibers as reinforcement for bio-sourced composites is conceivable, in particular in packaging or for the extraction of cellulose nano-fibers and their use in the development of nano-composites. The objective of this work is the detailed study of the potential of the major components extracted from Opuntia ficus indica L. for the formulation of adjuvants for dye baths. The experimental approach adopted consists on a presentation of the raw material, the extraction process implemented as well as the chemical, physical and rheological characterization of the product extracted from the opuntia ficus indica (OFI) plant. We adopt the following scheme. First, we review of the state of the art relating to Opuntia ficus indica L.: composition, extraction methods and techniques, physico-chemical properties and intended/possible applications. Then, we present experimental study for the extraction and valorization of the main components of Opuntia ficus indica L. finally, we present characterization of the extracts obtained in terms of ability to work as adjuvants in textile finishing. We summarize the different results found as follows. In terms of extraction yield, we reached a value of 17.56%, In terms of the characteristics of the extract; it turned out to be rich in polysaccharides (54%) and galacturonic acid (38%), with more protein (1.19%). For the rheological behavior, the extract shows interesting emulsifying properties (93%). It seems that our extract has very promising emulsifying properties in the textile field. This work presents a first part in the valorization of the extract of this plant and as prospects; we propose to use it as a thickener-emulsifier in printing pastes or as a coagulant and flocculants in the fields of treatment of textile effluents.