Kapok Fiber for Sustainable and Technological Applications

Kapok fiber is obtained from the seed hairs of the Ceiba pentandra tree, a member of the Malvaceae family, commonly distributed across Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. This natural fiber is notable for its lightweight, hollow structure and hydrophobic surface, which results from the presence of surface waxes. Kapok is among the lightest known plant fibers and possesses a large central lumen, making it highly buoyant and oleophilic. Traditionally used in applications such as mattress and pillow filling, its utilization was limited due to processing challenges. However, recent advances in material science have led to a growing interest in kapok for its potential in environmental remediation and energy-related applications. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in oil spill cleanups, adsorption of heavy metals and dyes, and its role in the development of biocomposites and porous materials for energy conversion and storage. This chapter will discuss the botanical characteristics and chemical composition of kapok fiber, explore various physical and chemical modification strategies, and review its applications in environmental and biomedical fields.