Jute Fibre Research Paper

Jute Bast fibres are obtained from stem, bark or leaf of certain vegetable plants. Jute fibre is obtained from the bark of Jute plants. This is the most important tropical fibre to meet world’s demand as cheaper packing materials for various commodities. Some countries where Jute cannot be cultivated have since been trying to grow a suitable substitute. As a result “Kenaf” has been produced in certain parts of America as Jute Substitute. This “Kenaf” resembles jute fibre in appearance and physical structure but it is unsuitable for use as warp yarn in the manufacture of cloth due to its poor strength. Therefore Jute fibre is still remains unrivalled for the manufacture of cheaper Bags, Sacks, packs, Carpets etc.

Types of jute fibre

The cut stems are tied into bundles of about 9 to 12 inches in diameter. The bundles are then laid on the ground for a period to allow the stem to sweat and soften and leaves fall off. The bundles are then taken to a convenient location of water. These are then arranged in layers in water. They sink partly in water by their own weight. Number of layers of bundles may vary from 3 to 5. The top layre is covered with logs, clods of earth etc. to complete their submersion. During steeping, fermentation takes place. This softens and separates the fibres from the plant tissue. Retting progresses from crop end to root end. Retting process is complete in 15 to 20 days depending upon the temperature of water. 800 to 850 F temperatures is favorable for retting process. At lower temperature and in running water retting process may take about one month. To judge the right time for stripping the fibres from the retted plants, it is necessary to make periodic checks on samples from different parts of the pond or where the plants have been kept for retting. When it is found that fibres can be separated from the stem at ease; stripping, washing and drying of the fibres should be done as quickly as