Superiority Enhancement of Geo-Jute by Chemical Modification Through Gamma Radiation

Abstract

Natural fiber jute inherently possesses greater tensile strength (TS) than other natural fibers and offers numerous applications in geotechnical applications as a replacement for synthetic fibers. This research aims to enhance the physio-mechanical properties of jute fabric by improving its environmental durability. The study improves durability by chemically modifying materials using gamma radiation. Bitumen emulsion and unsaturated polyester resin were used for chemical modification. First, the jute fabric is treated with a chemical (polymer mixture), and a suitable formulation (30% BE + 10% UPR) is chosen based on durability tests. Then, the chemically treated jute fabric is irradiated with gamma radiation, selecting an appropriate dose (5 kGy) through durability testing. Finally, the pre-treated jute fabric is subjected to chemical treatment and gamma radiation, and its durability is assessed using an accelerated weathering tester. Pre-treatment was performed in two ways: (i) HEMA pre-treated, and (ii) benzoyl peroxide pre-treated. The HEMAtreated jute fabric showed better durability than the other treated sample. The tensile strength of HEMA-pre-treated samples was 50% higher than that of the raw jute fabric. At each step, samples were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, and TGA analyses, and their physico-mechanical properties were measured through tensile strength and water absorption tests. After chemical modification, the OH groups in the jute fabrics are reduced, decreasing hydrophilicity and increasing hydrophobicity, thereby enhancing the physico-mechanical properties. This research aims to strengthen these properties without making the fabric entirely plastic by breaking additional OH bonds. Pre-treatment generates free radicals from jute cellulose, and gamma radiation promotes their formation and cross-linking within the cellulose-polymer matrix. Cross-linking improves the fabric's physico-mechanical properties. Durability and physical tests show improvements in these properties. FTIR, XRD, and TGA analyses confirm the formation of free radicals and the crosslinking of jute cellulose with the polymer mixture. This research partially enhances the hydrophobicity of jute fabric. Gamma radiation not only boosts cross-linking but also reduces excess chemicals on the fabric surface, increasing porosity between yarns and making the fabric more biodegradable and eco-friendlier. An accelerated weathering test compares durability under artificial and outdoor conditions. In the lab, an accelerated weathering tester provides quicker results than outdoor exposure by controlling temperature, light, and water spray. Overall, durability testing using this method yields faster results than natural outdoor testing. Significant improvements in TS and durability testing were observed in the treated jute fabric compared to the 4 raw jute fabric. Whereas raw jute fabric deteriorates after 45 days, treated jute fabric showed enough tensile strength after 90 days. On the other hand, in the accelerated weathering durability test, after 28 days, the treated jute fabric showed significantly higher tensile strength and weight than the raw jute fabric.