Mechanization of fibre extraction: an eco-friendly alternative method of jute retting

Abstract

Jute retting has become a major obstacle for cultivation of jute due to water scarcity. Not only that, the water retting generates waste water and causes environmental pollution. This experiment was conducted to extract fibre through a mechanical process instead of extracting traditional water retting to overcome the problem. Machine extraction and water retting methods were applied to non-retted ribbons. Physico- chemical properties were then determined of the extracted fibre samples. The promising result obtained that the fibre extraction from ribbon is possible by the developed fibre extractor machine. Machine extracted fibre of the bottom portion shows similar strength and luster property like water retted fibre of the bottom. Middle portion of the machine extracted fibre showed a significantly higher luster property compared to water retted middle portion. Machine extracted fibres were coarse compared to water retted fibre. Water retting process produced finer quality fibre. Machine extracted fibres contain lower cellulose, higher hemicellulose and higher lignin compared to water retted fibre. These results show the possibility of developing alternative bast fibre extraction processes employing machine not undergoing water retting method.