Effect of Weak Acid and Weak Alkali on Jute Fibre and Fabrics in Physical Properties

Jute is the natural coarse fiber. Jute fiber contains mainly three different constituents such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and some other minor constitutes. Due to lignin the glassy and brightness properties of jute are not so good. These properties depend on fiber quality as well as retting condition of jute plants. That is why jute fiber is being downgraded in the world market. Weak Acid and weak alkali treatment can improve the brightness and whiteness properties. The research work was carried out at Chemical Processing Department of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute during 2008–12. The project was undertaken to improve the brightness and whiteness property of the jute fiber. Jute fiber were treated with four different types of weak acids (formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid and citric acid) and a weak alkali (ammonium hydro oxide) in different concentrations such as 1gm/l, 3gm/l, 5gm/l, 7gm/l and 10gm/l. Different physical parameters such as brightness, whiteness, bundle strength were measured at standard room temperature and humidity condition. Citric acid (Acid-4) treated jute fibers and fabrics showed better performance in this experiment compared to other weak acids, weak alkali and raw jute. Jute fiber and fabric treated with 10gm/l and 5 gm/l give the best brightness and whiteness property compared to raw jute fiber and fabrics respectively. In this process it can be possible to produce quality and cost effective jute fiber and fabrics. Ultimately this technique will increase the diversified uses of Jute.