Jute fibers are obtained from two species of corchorus, C. capsularis, and C. olitorius. Jute fabric formed the 'chat' of biblical times and is now used for wrapping, binding, etc. Commercial jute fibers consist of overlapping cells that average 0.08 inches long and 0.0008 inches in diameter. The color varies from yellow to brown with varying degrees of grayness and tends to brown when exposed to sunlight. Like flax, fibrous material surrounds the woody core and is embedded in non-fibrous material beneath the bark.
Cultivation requires well-drained, fertile soil and a warm, humid climate. The crop is ready to harvest when the flowers begin to fade. If cut too early, the fiber is weak, and if cut too late, it is strong but coarse and lacks luster. As with flax, the stems are bound to free the fibers from the natural gum. If the stems are removed from the rating basin too early, fiber removal is difficult and mechanical damage is experienced. If they are allowed to soak for too long, the fiber degrades and becomes weak. The separation of fibers is called stripping. Material is graded and baled before shipping to storage.
Jute fiber
Jute fiber is a natural, vegetable-based fiber that is commonly used in the manufacturing of textiles. This type of fiber comes from the jute plant, which is native to India and Bangladesh but has since spread throughout much of Southeast Asia. Jute fibers are typically long and soft, making them ideal for use in a variety of textile applications.
One of the key benefits of jute fiber is its sustainability. The jute plant requires little water or fertilizer to grow, and it can be harvested quickly thanks to its fast growth rate. Additionally, jute plants help to reduce soil erosion and promote biodiversity in their respective ecosystems.
Jute fibers are also highly versatile when it comes to textile production. They can be spun into yarns or threads for weaving into fabrics like burlap or hessian cloth. These fabrics are sturdy and durable enough for use as bags, sacks, and other heavy-duty items.
Another important application for jute fiber is in the production of geotextiles - materials that help with soil stabilization and erosion control. Jute geotextiles are often used on construction sites where they can prevent soil runoff while allowing vegetation to grow through them.
Despite these benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with using jute fiber as well. One concern is that it may not hold up as well over time compared to synthetic alternatives like nylon or polyester. Additionally, harvesting large amounts of jute plant material can have negative impacts on local ecosystems if done improperly.
Characteristics of Jute fiber
i. Jute fiber is 100% bio-degradable and recyclable which means environment-friendly material. ii. It is a natural fiber with a golden color and silky shine. iii. It is the cheapest vegetable fiber procured from the bast or skin of the plant’s stem. iv. Due to global consumption, production, and availability; It is the second most important vegetable fiber after cotton. v. It has high tensile strength, and low extensibility, and ensures better breathability of fabrics. vi. Jute fiber is used to make the best quality industrial yarn, fabric, net, and sacks.Chemical composition of Jute fiber
Jute is a lignocellulosic fiber that is partly a textile fiber and partly wood. It falls under the bast fiber category. The chemical composition of jute fiber includes-Cellulose - (64.4%),
Hemicellulose - (12%),
Pectin - (0.2%),
Lignin - (11.8%),
Water-soluble - (1.1%),
Wax - (0.5%), and
Water - (10%).
Physical and chemical properties of jute fiber
Jute fiber is a natural and versatile material derived from the stems of the jute plant. It has been used for centuries to make various products, including textiles, ropes, carpets, and paper. Jute fibers possess unique physical and chemical properties that make them suitable for different applications.
The physical properties of jute fibers include their length, luster, color, strength, elasticity, and fineness. Jute fibers are long and soft with a golden shine or brownish hue. They are relatively strong compared to other natural fibers such as cotton but are not as elastic. The fineness of jute fibers varies depending on the quality of the fiber.
Chemical properties refer to how jute fiber behaves chemically when exposed to certain substances or conditions. The main chemical component in jute fiber is cellulose (around 60-70%), which gives it its strength and durability. Other components include lignin (14-25%), hemicelluloses (12-18%), and pectin (0-1%) wax (0-2%).
Jute Fiber's environmental impact
Jute fiber is a fully biodegradable and recyclable material which means environment-friendly material. One significant advantage of using jute fiber is its biodegradability characteristic since it can be decomposed easily by microorganisms found in soil at any time without causing harm to the environment compared to synthetic materials that take years or decades before they start degrading.
Another property worth mentioning about jute fiber is its ability to absorb moisture quickly while still retaining structural integrity making it suitable for use in humid environments like those experienced during monsoon seasons where most fabrics would sag under similar conditions.
Overall Jutes' physical characteristics allow it to provide resistance against high temperatures which makes it ideal for industrial purposes such as insulation material while providing excellent thermal conductivity into buildings keeping them cool during hot weather periods thus saving energy.
Jutes' chemical composition shows that they're resistant to rotting caused by fungi hence ensuring prolonged shelf life after being harvested making them vital resources that cater both economically and environmentally to the world's needs.
Conclusion
Overall though, there seems to be growing interest in sustainable textile materials like those made from jute fibers due to concerns about climate change and environmental degradation more broadly speaking. As such we may expect continued research efforts directed towards improving upon current technologies involved with producing textiles from renewable sources such as jute fibers. Jute is a versatile material that offers unique physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for various applications. From textiles to insulation materials, jute fiber has proven to be a reliable and eco-friendly option for manufacturers worldwide.
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