Selection of softener combination for softening of jute fabric

Jute is a very important fibre crop in reference to India as it has a number of benefits but due to its harsh nature, rough texture and undesirable feel can not be ventured into primary applications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to treat jute in a manner which not only makes it soft and supple but also is non-toxic towards nature. Realizing the importance of development of an eco-friendly treatment, three softeners i.e., Abrosil RUC, Abrosoft Redico and Abrosoft NI were applied on the jute fabric in 18 different combination ratios with 4 per cent concentration at 40° C for 30 minutes with 1:8 material to liquor ratio at 5–6 pH through exhaust method. These treated samples were got assessed by a committee over the parameters of hand feel and appearance. The combination 100 per cent Abrosil RUC (aminosilicone softener) depicted highest weighted mean scores 4.6 (hand feel) and 4.8 (appearance) was considered to be the best and most suitable for softening of jute fabric. Aminosilicone softener acted on the jute substrate and provided a supple feel and bright texture by masking the surface irregularities of jute substrate. Softening by employing softener instead of chemicals is a novel approach and it is not only ecofriendly but also fabric friendly.