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ABSTRACT
A study is performed on the properties of jute-pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) blended yarn and 100% jute yarn. The jute-PALF blend ratios of two counts of yarn (5 and 7 lbs/spy) are 70:30 and 80:20 respectively. The physical properties of the blended yarns such as load at break, strain at break, tenacity at break, tensile modulus and quality ratio are tested and measured. It is observed from the test results that the physical properties of the blended yarns are better than those of the 100% jute yarn. The experimental results also show that the physical and structural properties of the blended yarn changes with the increase of PALF in the blend ratio. So the blending of PALF has a positive impact on yarn properties. Another study is done, in which it is found that surface appearance properties like color strength (K/S value) and whiteness, yellowness and brightness indices of the blended yarns are almost the same as those of the jute yarn due to the blending of jute-PALF. Therefore, the blending ratio does not cause any notable changes in the natural color of the jute yarn.
Keywords: PALF (Pineapple Leaf Fiber) Yarn, Jute Yarn, Lbs/Spy, Physical Properties, Surface Appearance Properties
1. Introduction
Bangladesh is the largest producer of jute fiber in the world. However, nowadays, jute fiber faces tough competition with synthetic fibers. For the survival of jute, it is necessary to diversify its uses and develop new products by blending jute with natural and synthetic fibers. It is now common practice to blend two or more fibers together in order to produce yarns or fabrics with the required properties and end uses. The blending of jute with other fibers may be considered as an alternative and possible diversify the uses of jute yarns and fabrics. Jute fiber can be blended with pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), cotton, banana, viscose, acrylic etc. and the blended fabrics could be used in shirts, suits, curtains, bed and sofa covers, fine quality shopping bags, furnishing fabrics and other upholstery purposes. Due to its great abundance and the shortage and high price of cotton, jute is blended with PALF. Jute-PALF blended yarns are manufactured mainly to take advantages of the lower price of PALF fiber. Jute is...