Influence of γ-irradiation on jute yarn

Abstract

Jute yarn has been irradiated with γ-rays in air at ambient temperature using six different dose levels ranging from 0.1 ×10^-2 to 20 × l0^-2 MGY and some important physical and chemical properties of the irradiated jute samples studied. It is observed that γ-irradiation of jute yarn results in the formation of reducing groups and carboxyl groups, increased solubility in caustic alkali, decreased tensile strength of the yarn, very small change in moisture regain and relatively unchanged crystallinity and IR absorption spectra. ESR spectra reveal that on irradiation, free radical sites are formed within the jute constituents. SEM study shows a distinct change in the morphology of irradiated fibre.