Jute Composites
A layered structure having more than one material component with integrated interfaces is called composites. Composites which are biodegradable, composed of natural fibre reinforcement embedded into a biopolymeric matrix areBio composites.
By using a plastic matrix and reinforcing fibres, composites with the best properties of each can be made. Both fibres and plastics are light, and in combination, they give composites a very high strength to weight ratio. By using proper techniques and resins, the natural fibre composites provide high strength with flexibility and resistance to impact.
The advantages of natural fibres like jute are that, they are abundant, renewable, cheap and of low density, biodegradable and carbon dioxide neutral.
Jute fibre has the potential to compete with glass fibre, as reinforcing agents in plastics. Technologies exist that make it possible to incorporate jute fibre with synthetic polymers/resins and mould into any composite product with high physical properties and excellent performance at low weights, i.e. high stiffness, high strength and low density.
Jute composites are emerging as true substitute of wood. A range of products that are presently being produced from jute composites are Sheet/Board, Door, Window, Furniture, Corrugated Sheet, Chequered Board etc.
Products made of jute-reinforced composites have the following additional advantages:
Unbreakable, maintenance free, durable
Fire retardant and water resistant
UV, termite, acid and alkali resistant
Less abrasive
Less costly
Low thermal conductivity
Biodegrable
Renewable
Eco-friendly and
Stronger than wood
Paper and Pulp
The demand for pulp and paper is increasing globally and is expected to grow further. This increasing demand for paper has led to excessive deforestation in both developed and developing countries. The restoration of the forest resources is difficult because of the relatively long growing cycle of trees. Moreover, drastic reduction in the supply of wood/bamboo pulp the world over coupled with increasing concerns regarding reduced forest resources have forced many countries to search for alternatives for making paper from “Tree free” pulp. Jute and kenaf are annually renewable resources of biomass, requiring only 120 to 180 days for its growth. These, as a result, have stimulated growing interest among various developed and developing countries toward jute/kenaf as a widely available alternative source of pulp.
Jute/kenaf, containing cellulose like any other raw materials used for paper pulp, has been found to be an excellent raw material for making good quality pulp and paper. The technologies for making pulp and paper from whole jute as well as from jute fibre are successfully developed. Attempts are being made to make it more cost-effective. Once the commercial viability improves further, whole jute/kenaf could become a major source for “Tree free” pulp and paper.
The stem of jute/kenaf consists of two different fibrous components, both of which are suitable for quality papermaking and is similar to softwood fibers. The bark fibers offer strength to the pulp while the shorter core fibers provide appreciable surface characteristics. Furthermore, using jute for pulp and paper has many advantages, like
Requirement of less chemicals than in wood pulping, like chlorine
Consumption of less energy than traditional wood pulp due to low lignin content of jute
Use of treated wastewater from jute paper mills for irrigation, etc.
With the available technologies the “Tree free” paper out of jute/kenaf are expected to rep
ute Particle Board
Particle boards made from jute sticks find wide applications as substitutes for wood. The availability of the technologies for producing particleboards and its high socio-economic value are arguments in favour of the future development of this product.
The use of wood in house construction, furniture, etc is slowly being discouraged due to environmental reasons. The use of jute particle board as a substitute has been found to be quite acceptable both in terms of quality and price. This is a fast growing market segment. Jute particle boards are now being made mainly at small-scale level.
lace wood/bamboo paper to a great extent, in the near future.
Bags for Various Purposes
Travel bags, beach bags, fancy bags, ladies' bags, school bags, shopping bags, carrier bags and a range of different bags are available for use, that are made of jute. For shopping bags and similar other uses, attempts are also made for bag of jute/paper combination.
Handicrafts
Jute handicraft items are attractive products, produced from jute fibre, yarn and fabric. These products vary from cushion covers to lamp-shades, from hats to footwear and from hand bags to fashion accessories. Some attractive items are candle holders, hand bags, jewellery boxes etc.Considering the value addition and the employment such handicrafts offer, this segment can grow significantly.
Woolenised Jute Yarn
Jute yarn is converted to have wool like appearance and feel by chemical modification, dyeing and finishing. It may be used for making sweaters, cardigans etc. It is free from health hazards and also free from hydrocarbons. It provides adequate warmth and is cheaper than wool and acrylic based products.
Chemical Products
Cellulose derivatives of jute are used in various applications like medicine, toiletries, chemicals for food products, etc. Micro Crystalline Cellulose (MCC) and Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) of jute help in producing these.
Micro Crystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a non-fibrous form of cellulose. It is prepared from jute and jute waste by chemical processing. Different grades of MCC may be produced according to need.
MCC of various grades are used in Pharmaceutical formulations like tablet, capsule and suspension. In textile industry, it is used as a thickener. CMC, produced from jute cellulose is used in the preparation of detergents and as preservatives of some food items.
Fire proof Jute Fabrics
Jute fabrics are made fireproof by treating them in a composite solution admixed with different fire retardant chemicals along with some additives. It fulfils the requirement of flameproof fabrics. These fabrics are suitable for all specialized uses wherever fireproofing or insulation is desirable.
Nursery Sheet / Nursery Pot
A simple technology has been developed for the modification of lightweight hessian into nursery sheet, which is used in agro-textile as mulching and pot culture in horticulture farm. These are increasingly being used to replace polythene nursery pots in various Agricultural and Forest departments.
