Influence of Polyester Resin Treatment on Jute Fabrics for Geotextile Applications

In this study, jute woven fabrics (1 × 1 plain, twill, zigzag and diamond weave) were manufactured from 100% raw jute yarn. The fabric specimens were treated by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% unsaturated polyester resin where styrene monomer used as a solvent and 1% methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) was used as initiator. Two bar pressure was applied for complete wetting of the fabric by a Padder and curing was done at 130?C for 10 minutes. The physico-mechanical characteristics of untreated and treated samples were examined and evaluated. It was revealed that moisture content (MC) and water absorbency of the treated specimens were decreased with the increase of resin percentage (%) in the fabrics. MC and water absorbency were maximum decreased up to 50.23% and 60.14% respectively by 25% resin treatment. On the other hand, bending length (BL), flexural rigidity (FR), flexural modulus (FM) and tensile strength (TS) were enhanced with the increase of resin percentage in the fabrics which resulted higher fabric stiffness. The maximum improvement of BL, FR, FM and TS were found to be 6.67%, 56.04%, 10.57% and 18.75% respectively in comparison to untreated sample. Soil degradation tests exhibited that 33.59% TS loss occurred for untreated specimens where only 8.04% loss of TS found for 25% resin treated one. Furthermore, jute based twill, zigzag and diamond fabrics were also treated by 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% resin, then measured their TS and compared with plain fabrics. It was revealed that plain fabrics have superior TS over other fabrics. It was also evident that TS enhanced for all the fabrics after resin treatment and maximum increase found for all the fabrics up to 25% resin treatment.

Sustainable Denim Washing by Process Optimization

Now-a-days sustainability is a crucial issue in denim washing. This research initiative is performed aiming to resolve the crisis of sustainability in denim washing by process optimization technique which highlights the reduction of water, chemical and time as well as costing of denim garments. In this research work, process optimization technique is administered by reducing several wash & chemical application baths into a single bath confirming without alteration of physical properties and color fastness of denim fabric. For confirmation without alteration of physical properties and color fastness, several tests are carried out like tensile and tear strength, color fastness to rubbing, color fastness to wash, color fastness to water, color fastness to perspiration and CMC (Carboxy Methyl Cellulose) value for both conventional and sustainable washing method. BOD, COD and pH of waste water is determined which shows better result in sustainable washing method also. Reduction of rinsing time in sustainable washing method results in less consumption of water by 475 and process time by 19% and also saves $0.34/ dozen garments which validate the cost effectiveness of this sustainable washing method.

Effect of Alkali Concentration on Dyeing Cotton Knitted Fabrics with Reactive Dyes

The effect of alkali concentrations has been studied on the color strength （K/S） and color fastness properties of single jersey cotton knitted fabrics dyed with 1% Novacron Red S-B reactive dye. Same bath scouring and bleaching are performed and conventional exhaust dyeing method employed by IR laboratory sample dyeing machine. Various alkali concentrations such as 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 g/L are employed and other parameters are kept fixed. The color strength （K/S） and color fastness to wash and rubbing are examined and evaluated. It is revealed that with the increase in alkali concentration from 6 g/L to 8 g/L the value of K/S increases and then up to 10 g/L the value decreases. The overall color fastness properties to washing and rubbing for the dyed samples range from good to excellent.