Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cationic Surfactants in Improving Spinning Qualities of Jute

Jute fiber is rather hard and brittle in the normal conditions and is therefore softened usually by treatment with mineral oil-in-water emulsion before being processed for conversion into yarn. To improve the softening effect still further and reduce the application of mineral oil (as required for certain end-uses of jute goods), a search for suitable alternative softening/lubricating materials has been made. The effect of a number of softening agents, including certain cationic surfactants, on the surface properties of fibers has been studied in the laboratory on different grades of raw jute and at different regions along the length of the raw jute reeds. Of the different surface active agents studied the cationic type has been found to be the most effective one in reducing the surface friction and resistance to carding of the fibers. But the efficacy of cationic surfactants available from different sources at different times seems to vary appreciably. A number of methods of testing, both physical and chemical, have therefore been studied to find a suitable one for determining quickly the efficacy of the samples of cationic surfactants received from different sources prior to their applications in the manufacturing process. The results obtained in different tests are found to be related fairly closely to the resistance offered by the fibers to carding. The test for carding resistance has therefore been considered to be a convenient one for the purpose. The method may be used also for determining the amount of application of cationic surfactants for processing different grades of raw jute.