Jute as the future fiber
Jute fiber has unique physical properties, such as high strength, volume, sound and heat insulation properties, low thermal conductivity, antistatic properties, etc. Thanks to these qualities, jute fiber is more suitable for the production of technical textiles in certain areas. Furthermore, jute's image as a tough and unattractive fiber does not affect its use in technical textiles.
Jute is 100% biodegradable and therefore ecological. It is available in India at competitive prices. Now it is not only the main textile fiber but also a raw material for non-textile products that helps protect the environment, which is an integral part of any development planning.
Jute fibers are always known for being tough, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and organic. The use of jute was mainly limited to small-scale and marginal segments, but it is now used as an important raw material for various industries. Unfortunately, jute still lags behind other fibers such as silk, wool, and cotton. Today, however, jute is considered the preferred fabric for packaging and furniture materials, as well as a gold fiber for national and international fashion. Jute fibers are used to make rugs, mats, rope, curtains, paper, and decorative items. Jute's predominant use in crafts for its aesthetic appeal has made it popular all over the world.
What are the desirable properties of jute fiber?
The key properties of jute fibers are listed below-
- Jute fibers are relatively cheap and therefore available to many.
- Jute fiber is also known to be quite soft.
- Another desirable property of jute is that it is quite shiny.
- The homogeneity of the fibers obtained from jute also makes them highly desirable from a commercial point of view.
- Jute plants produce fibers of relatively long length.
- Jute is also known as gold fiber due to its versatility.
Jute fiber applications-
Here are some important uses for jute fibers:
- The main use of jute fibers is the production of mats and twine. This fiber is also widely used in rope making.
- To prevent soil erosion due to flooding, a jute mat is a viable option for soil protection. In fact, these techniques are often used after the creation of natural vegetation.
- Another key benefit of jute fiber for matting and soil protection is that it is completely biodegradable and natural.
- Jute is also used in the manufacture of fabrics and sacks. However, it is important to note that fabric made from jute fibers is usually very thick and therefore not suitable for human clothing. However, they are widely used in the manufacture of storage bags for many products.
- Jute fibers are also known to be used in the production of certain types of curtains.
- Some rugs are also made from jute fibers. This fiber is often used in chair covers as well.
- Jute fibers are also used in the manufacture of burlap fabrics. In addition, these fibers are also used as a base for linoleum (a type of flooring).
- Young trees are often planted in jute fiber containers. These trees can be planted directly in a container that is not damaged. The jute container will not disturb the roots of the tree and will also prevent soil erosion around the tree. Fiber is also biodegradable and degrades over time.
- Jute fibers are also known to be used in the production of tarps and carpet backing fabrics (often abbreviated as CBC). Often this fiber is also used in the production of burlap canvas and fabric.
How are jute fibers obtained?
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Jute is obtained from plants like Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius. These plants are known to be native to the Indian subcontinent and are commonly grown throughout the year. Jute fibers are mainly concentrated near the woody central parts of the stem. These fibers are mainly composed of cellulose and lignin. The two most popular types of jute that are produced are brown jute and white jute. It should be noted that brown jute is known to be thicker, softer, and silkier.
Why jute is considered an ecological fiber?
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Jute fibers are known to be completely biodegradable and compostable. These fibers are also recyclable and can therefore be reused. Furthermore, bags made from these fibers are known to be relatively more resistant to damage than plastic bags. Therefore, a single jute bag can be used much longer than a plastic bag. It can also be seen that growing jute plants can also increase the fertility of the soil in which they are grown (relative to certain types of crops). Therefore, jute is considered an environmentally friendly vegetable fiber.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of jute fiber?
The advantages of jute fibers:
- Jute fibers are very strong.
- These fibers have good air permeability (they are porous enough to allow air circulation).
- Jute fibers are very versatile.
- Jute fibers are quite cheap and inexpensive.
- Jute fibers are also environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
- Synthetic fibers can be mixed with jute fibers to give them specific qualities.
