Varietal response of jute fibres with varying meshiness to alkali treatment: Part II—Properties of alkali-treated jute fibres

Abstract

Different varieties of jute fibres each with different levels of meshiness index have been treated under three different conditions of NaOH solution, namely 9% conc./2°C temp. (9/2), 18% conc./30°C temp. (18/30), and 18% conc./10°C temp. (18/10). Loss in weight and amount of shrinkage and their relationship with the change in tenacity and breaking extension of fibres have been studied. It is observed that the concentration and temperature of NaOH solution along with the degree of opening have considerable effect on the properties of fibres. Out of the three conditions, 18/10 is found to be more effective in developing desirable characteristics of breaking extension and tenacity with sufficient crimps for better spinning

performance and better blend compatibility with other natural and man-made fibres.