"Jute Fiber Grafted with MMA and MA to Improve its Physical and Dyeing Characteristics"

Abstract

To improve the properties of jute fibre, alkali-activated bleached jute fibre has been modified by graftcopolymerization with methyl acrylate (MA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The maximum graft yield and grafting efficiency at optimal conditions are 18.87% and 20.96% for MA and 23.78% and 29.73% for MMA respectively. After the modification, the thermal stability and tensile strength of the jute fabric are increased whereas moisture content and the degradation rate are decreased. This result was confirmed by TGA, DTA & DTG analyses, and heating with IR. The absorption of dye by grafted jute fibres was lower than by alkali-activated jute fibre. On prolonged exposure to sunlight in the air, the yellowing of modified jute fibre is slightly lower than that of alkali-activated bleached jute fibre. The colour fastness of dyed alkali-activated bleached and modified fibres on washing with soap solution decreases with increasing the washing temperature. The aim of the research was to modify the jute fibre and improve its physico-chemical properties and dying characteristics as well as the mechanical properties. Currently, the demand for modified jute fibres has been growing internationally because it is natural, sustainable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly.