Nundoleto Fabric

A textile material woven from Nundoleto fibers.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Raw fabric is of a pale yellow-green color. It is often dyed or printed to take on a wide range of other colors. The surface can look matte or slightly shiny, depending on the thread thickness and the treatment of the fibers.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The material is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and biodegradable. In its raw form it is flammable, which is why the fabric is often chemically treated to reduce the flammability.

Compounds

Fabrics in modern Rilsu clothing often contain a percentage of silk to combine the advantages of both materials. For some applications, fine metal wires are added so that the fabric can be equipped with sensors or actuators.

Origin & Source

The fabric is created from the fibers of the nundoleto plant.

History & Usage

History

According to the Guardian of Identity, use of this fabric goes back to prehistoric times. The cultivation of nundoleto plants emerged shortly after agriculture became a common practice, presumably around the year 57400 NZR.
It has been an important material during both the Era of the First Civilization and the Era of Recovery. While the methods of refining the fibers changed with technological progess, the basic principle remained the same.

Discovery

Originally, nundoleto plants were a food source. The practice of creating fabrics probably began when people looked for ways to use the older, inedible leaves.

Everyday use

The fabric is used for a wide range of textile products. Besides clothing, it is made into bags, towels, curtains or bedding. Way back in the past, ships on the seas and rivers were propelled by sturdy sails, and some of those are still in use for nostalgic tourist cruises. Tents still play an important role as makeshift shelters, thanks to the ease of transportation.

Refinement

After peeling away their waxy outer layer, the nudoleto leaves are split apart. The raw fibers are combed and spun into thread.
In the past they were woven into flat sheets of fabric using a loom. Nowadays, they are woven directly into the desired shape, making it unnecessary to cut the fabric and sew separate pieces together.
Dyeing can take place before or after the weaving. Printing the fabric with patterns is also common.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Fiber snippets which are too short for fabric production are instead used to make high-quality paper. The wax of the leaves is used for various purposes such as coatings or polishes.

Environmental Impact

Water

While the plants themselves are easy to cultivate, the fabric production requires a lot of water. First of all, the fibers need to be washed to remove the sap. The dyeing often involves submerging the thread or woven fabric in a watery solution with pigments, adhesives and emulsifiers, and excess pigments need to be washed out of both dyed and printed fabrics to avoid color bleeding.
Modern production processes are optimized to keep the environmental impact minimal. For example, the water from washing out the sap is retained and treated to make it safe for consumption. It then serves as the basis for healthy soft drinks.
State-of-the-art water purification filters pigments and other components from the water involved in coloring the fabrics. Those are remade into dyes and inks while the remaining water goes to the irrigation system of the nundoleto farms.

Farming Space

As the population grew, so did the demand for the fabric. Today's nundoleto farms generally take the form of multi-story buildings, producing large quantities of the raw material in a comparatively small space.

Reusability & Recycling

Worn-out fabric is cleaned, shredded and used as stuffing for things such as pillows and duvets, plushies or winterwear.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Demand has always been high all over Ranul, especially among working class people. Compared to silk, nundoleto fabrics are easier to manufacture, thicker and less transparent. This means that they are more affordable while also offering better protection against cold or radiation.

Type

Textile

Value

affordable

Rarity

common

Color

pale yellow-green

Density

varied

Common State

solid

Related Species

• Nundoleto