Resin finishing of hessian fabric for potential application as a semi-rigid packaging material

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to enhance the functional properties of Hessian fabric through resin finishing. Hessian bags made of lignocellulosic jute fiber are commonly used to pack, store and transport agro-commodities, including horticultural crops such as rice, potato, onion and wheat. However, because of high water affinity, these bags undergo degradation in properties due to moisture release by the stored commodities themselves. Exposure to natural elements, e.g. rain and dew, also causes moisture absorption in hessian bags. Once the bag gets moistened, degradation of jute bags starts due to microbial attack, leading to loss in tensile strength and change in extensibility, leading to ultimate breakage in warp and weft directions of the fabric. Design/methodology/approach To overcome the degradation in the functional properties of hessian fabric due to exposure to moisture and microbial attack, the application of semi-synthetic polymeric materials was carried out. Findings Tenacity, bursting strength, puncture resistance, tear strength and breaking load, as well as life cycle of resin-treated jute fabric was found to be better than control jute. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no recent reports of resin finishing on jute (hessian) fabric with semi-synthetic resins are presently available, other than coating with rubber.