005066   Dahiya J B;Sushila (Department of Industrial Chemistry, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar 125 001) : Thermal studies on cellulose cyclohexenephosphonate in air. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2002, 27(2), 189-93.

The flame retardancy of the cellulose cyclohexenephosphonate (CCHP) has been investigated by the kinetics of thermal degradation using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG) from ambient temperature to 700°C in a dynamic air. Various parameters such as enery, entropy and free energy of activation have been calculated using the Broido method and transition state theory. For the decomposition stage of thermal degradation, the activation energy of CCHP as compared to cellulose leads tot he conclusion that CCHP is a good flame retardant. The IR spectra of the chars of modified cellulose indicate formation of compounds containing C=O, C=C and P=O groups. The mechanism of thermal degradation of CCHP has been proposed.

3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

005065   Chidambaram D;Venkatraj R (Department of Textile Technology, P A C Ramasamy Raja Polyechnic College, Rajapalayam 626 108) : Solvent-induced modifications in poly (ethylene terephthalate) structure, property and dyeability. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2002, 27(2), 199-210.

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) fibre (PET) is the commonly used man-made fibre for majority of end-use applications. In the past few decades, the significant technological developments have taken place pertaining to the production processes of PET. Regarding the dyeing of PET, there is a constant upsurge in research and development activities to modify the structure of PET with a view to develop energy efficient processes. Among the notable developments, the low molecular weight solvent treatment results in physical modifications of polymer and fibre like PET, which include structural modifications and changes in properties. Owing to the structural modifications of PET fibre, the dyeability also improves. Some of the pioneering works on solvent-induced modifications of PET structure, properties and dyeability during the past few years have been reviewed.

^iia3 illus, 3 tables, 83 ref

005064   Chavan R B;Vhanbatte S K (Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110 016) : Alternative reducing system for alternate dyeing of coton with sulphur dyes. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2002, 27(2), 179-83.

An attempt has been made to replace sodium sulphide by reducing sugar, obtained by acid hydrolysis of molasses, in dyeing of cotton with sulphur dyes. The results of dyeing using reducing sugar in the alkaline condition have been compared with those of the conventional dyeing with sodium sulphide. It is observed that the depth of shade, expressed as K/S value, is deeper in case of dyeing with reducing sugar than in conventional dyeing.

3 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

005063   Bhattacharya S D;Agarwal B J (Textile Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, M S University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 001) : Neutral dyeing of polyacrylamide - hydrazine treated cotton with reactive dyes. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2003, 28(3), 332-8.

Cotton fabic was treated with the optimum concentrations of polyacrylamide and hydrazine, dried and cured. The morphological changes occurred were investigated. The pretreated fabric was then dyed with commercial reactive dyes under neutral pH in the absence of any electrolyte. Such dyeing was also carried out with various reactive dyes using diferent dyeing sequences. The dyeability and fastness properties of the modified and dyed samples were assessed and compared with those of the conventionally dyed sample. It is observed that the simultaneous polyacrylamide-hydrazine treatment and dyein enhances the dyeability of cotton at neutral pH with a series of commercial reactive dyes. Polymeraided reactive dyeing improves the wrinkle recovery and may eliminate the subsequent wash-n-wear treatment. A probable mechanism for dye fixation is proposed.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

005062   Basu A;Gotipamul R L (The South India Textile Research Association, , Coimbatore-641 014) : Lint shedding propensity of cotton and blended yarns. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2003, 28(3), 288-94.

The influuence of fibre and yarn parameters on lint shedding propensity has been studied. The lint shedding propensity is influenced by fibre length parameters and shoet fibre content. Amongst the yarn parameters, the yarn fibeness, twist and hairiness influence lint shedding. The waxing of yarn does not reduce the lint shedding propensity despite recduction in yarn-to-metal friction. Blending of polyester with cotton reduces the lint shedding of cotton yarns. The spinning system and yarn structure play a significant role in determining the lint shedding propensity of yarns. Compact yarns and rotor yarns show lower lint shedding propensity as compared to equivalent ring-spun yarns.

4 illus, 8 tables, 8 ref

005061   Banerjee P K;Chattopadhyay R;Guha A (Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110 016) : Investigations into homogeneity of coir fibres. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2002, 27(2), 111-6.

Experimental investigations on certain dimensional and mechanical properties of retted coir fibres reveal a very broad spectrum. The fibres measuring less than 150 mm in length appear very similar in terms of all the properties investigated and hence it is sugested that these fibres should be targeted for segregation and softening in order to design new processes and products-among others the very promising coir-based geotextiles-for industry.

2 illus, 5 tables, 7 ref

005060   Bagchi A;Saha S G (Indian Jute Industries' Research Association, , 17 Taratola Road, Kolkata 700 088) : Crease-resistant finishing of jute fabric using polycarboxylic acids. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2002, 27(2), 166-70.

The potentialities of jute fabric to develop wrinkle resistance through crosslinking with polycarboxylic acids, like citric acid and 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (B T C A), as an alternative to the conventional N-methylol compounds have been studied in the presence of phosphate catalyst by pad-dry-cure technique. It is observed that for jute fabrics, B T C A shows better crease recovery than citric acid at all the concentrations studied. Citric acid finishing may, however, be used in the applications that do not require high crease recovery as it is less expensive. FTIR spectroscopy reveals the formation of ester crosslinks between jute fibre and polycarboxylic acid.

4 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

005059   Acharya C W;Joshi V (C C Shroff Research Institute, , Excel Estate, S V Road, Goregaon (W), Mumbai 400 062) : Synthesis of substituted benzyl ethers and their moth proofing activity against wool pest Anthrenus flavipes Le conte. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2002, 27(2), 184-8.

Substituted benzyl phenylethyl ethers (IIIa-d) and dibenzyl ethers (IIIe-h) have been synthesized and evaluated for moth proofing activity against the larvae of Anthreneus flavipes Le Conte on woollen fabric. It is observed that the benzyl phenylethyl ether (IIIa) is effective at the treatment level of 0.5% ont he fabric weight. The incorporation of substituent containing-NO₂ group in IIIa and dibenzyl ether (IIIe) reduces the moth proofing activity to a considerable extent

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

004154   Texparts Gmbh (NO, , Lowentorstrasse 68, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany) : Roller for apron drafting systems. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004153   Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (NO, , Satelmond Palace, Poojapura, Trivandrum-695 012) : Process for the preparation of bis-glycidyl methacrylate. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004152   Savio Macchine Tessili SpA (NO, , Via Udine 105, Pordenone, Italy) : Method for joining textile yarns for restoring their continuity in a winding unit. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004151   Novozymes A/S (NO, , Krogshojvej 36 DK-2880, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) : A method for producing leather by processing hides of skins. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004150   NGK Insulators, Ltd (NO, , 3-56, Suda-cho, Mizuho-Ku, Nagoya City, Aichi pref, Japan) : A High pressure discharge lamp and a process for producing the same. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004149   Michelin Recherche Et Technique Sa (NO, , Route Louis Braille, 10-12, CH - 1763, Granges - Paccot, Switzerland) : A process for producing a regenerated cellulose yarn and the yarn produced thereby. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004148   Keisokki Kogyo Co Ltd (NO, , 2-12-7, Meishincho, Amagasaki-Shi, Hyogo-Ken, Japan) : Yarn measuring device. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004147   Hoogovens Staal BV (NO, , P O BPX 10.000 1970 CA Ijmuiden, The Netherlands) : A process and apparatus for producing molten pig iron. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

004146   Tarafder N;Pantu G (Coll of Textile Technol, , P O Serampore, Dist Hooghly-712 201, (West Bengal)) : Use of composite in sports items - a review. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 422-5.

This article review's the role of composites in sports. Nowadays, advanced materials are being used in designing sports equipment so as to meet the required characteristics.

3 tables, 13 ref

004145   Tarafdar N;Kundu A;Biswas S K;Das S (Coll of Textile Technol, , Serampore, Hooghly-712 201) : Comparative study of sewing thread properties. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(10), 370-7.

004144   Sakthivel J C;Mukhopadhyay S (Textile Technol Dep, Kumaraguru Coll of Technol, Coimbatore-641 006) : Natural milkweed fiber : a novel textile fiber. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 419-21.

Milkweed fiber (Mudar Fiber) is one of natural cellulosic seed hair fiber like Cotton. It is also a vegetable cellulosic fiber obtaining from natural Milkweed plant. The plant produces a silky needle like fiber with a relatively smooth surface and a maximum length of about 29mm. the milkweed fiber from the seedpods (Natural plant) has been proved to be of good use in Textile Industry. The most promising commercial use for Milkweed floss is as a loose fill for jackets and comforters, it is also used in Nonwovens, and Industrial applications.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

004143   Patel B H;Patel K J;Naik J A;Bhavsar A M (Textile Chem Dep, Faculty of Technol & Engng, M S Univ of Baroda, Vadodara) : Dyeing and antimicrobial finishing of cotton. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 426-8.

Methanolic extract of tulsi leaves can be successfully applied on cotton material by paddry-steam method. A variety of green shade with good all round fastness properties are abtained. The natural dye extracted from tulsi leaves also impart antimicrobial property to cotton material.

2 tables, 8 ref

004142   Patel B H;Agarwal B J (Textile Chem Dep, M S Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 001) : Energy saving by low temperature dyeing of silk using polar aromatic solvents. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(10), 360-4.

Today, it has become extremely essential to make textile wet processing energy efficient, and thus, to conserve energy. Energy conservation in the area of textile wet processing is much more prominent than various other sections of textile manufacture. In wet processing of textiles, in addition to mechanical energy, large proportion of thermal energy, normally in the form of steam is also required for heating the processing liquors. Further, the recent increase in the price of crude oil has, at least, doubled the proportion of cost attributable to energy in wet-processing field. Thus, it has become essential, in today's scenario, to do the reassessment of the economics of all the steps, which can be encountered to preserve energy. Conventional methods of dyeing silk require considerably more time as well as temperature for achieving uniform dyeing results. Solvent pretreatment is considered, in the present investigation, as a measure to conserve energy by lowering down the temperature as well as dyeing time. Various morphological changes, viz, tensile properties, shrinkage behaviour and weight analysis of the solvent pretreated sample have been investigated. Dyeing performance of solvent pretreated samples is substantially improved; even at preferentially much lower temperature and duration of dyeing fastness properties of solvent pretreated and dyed samples are adequate and quite comparable with conventionally dyed samples.

4 tables, 14 ref

004141   Pan N C;chattopadhyay S N;Day A (Natnl Inst of Res of Jute & Allied Fibre Technol (ICAR), , 12 Regent Park, Kolkata-700 040) : Biotreatment on jute fabric to improve its handly property and bleachability. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(10), 378-80.

Grey jute fabric has been scoured and then treated with a mixed commercial enzyme of a fixed concentration (4%, owf). Enzyme treatment was carried out at different temperature and for different duration. All the scoured and enzyme treated fabric was then bleached by conventional hot hydrogen peroxide bleaching process. Weight loss % of the fabric due to different treatment as well as evaluation of fabric with respect to its bleaching behaviour, handle property by measuring bending length and shrinkage was done for all the samples. Analysis of the results leads to an conclusion that enzyme treatment on scoured fabric for 2 hour at 55°C using 4% (owf) enzyme concentration produces the best result as for as bleaching and handle property are concerned.

3 tables, 8 ref

004140   Mathur M;Hira M (Synthetic & Art Silk Mills Res Association, SASMIRA, Worli, Mumbai-400 030) : Speciality fibres - I: soybean protein fibre. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(10), 365-9.

The 21st century is environmentally focussed. Despite the popularity of completely synthetic fibres, in many cases attention is once again being focussed on synthetic fibres based on natural renwable resources. This series features few such textile fibres from natural world and their significance in Technical Textiles. This article features Soybean Protein Fibres, its manufacture, properties and applications and its processing details. This silk like fibre promises to add value to products in the textile chain along with the benefits of sustainability and environmental awareness.

2 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

004139   Mahale G;Sunanda R K;Sakshi (Textile and Apparel Designing Dep, Coll of Rural Home Sci, Univ of Agric Sci, Dharwad-580 005) : Acalypha dyed wool - dyeing conditions. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(10), 386-9.

004138   Lukanova V (Textile Chem Boul Dep, Univ of Chem Technol and Metallurgy, Kliment Ohridski, 8, Sofia 1756, Bulgaria) : Waste waters purification of reactive dyes with cationized fibres. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 400-3.

The work treats questions, connected with the study of the possibility for purification of waste waters of reactive dyes, through change of the adsorption properties of fibres a natural and synthetic polymers. the increased adsorption property of these fibres is achieved after modification with polythylenimin with molecular mass 20 000-30 000. The conditions of cationization of the studied fibres are determined, as well as their efficiency as filters, retaining color ions. The analyses are carried out with water solutions of monochlortriazin dyes and with solutions of the same dyes, containing additives, which are present in the dyeing baths. The results show, that the modified textile fibres gain high adsorption capacity and can be used for purification of waste waters polluted with monochlortriazin dyes.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

004137   Karekatti C K;Pal A (Natnl Inst of Fashion Technol, , New Delhi) : Smart textiles : an over view. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 404-6.

Smart or intelligent textiles are materials those when activated function in a preprogrammed manner. The present article envisages their manufacturing process, properties and applications.

1 table, 7 ref

004136   Kale S;Naik S;Deodhar S (Textiles & Clothing Dep, Coll of Home Sci, MAU, Parbhani) : Application of pipal bark extract on wool using mordant combinations. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(10), 381-5.

6 tables, 2 ref

004135   Hayavadana J;Ramtal S S;Subramaniam V (Coll of Technol, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad) : How washing and finishing control fabric handle - a case study. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 412-8.

Washing is one of the routine process to which the dress materials or fabrics are subjected to during wear or usage. The fabric properties do change following successive washing. Three group of fabrics namely Group I - Commercial long cloths Group-II laboratory woven Jute/Silk fabrics and Group III laboratory woven Polyester/viscose fabrics were subjected to multiple washings. In the case of Group I, fabrics were peach finished. The results have shown that for the first three successive washes the properties like tensile, bending and shear have shown enormous changes following washing by registering a decreasing trend, however the properties changed from positive to negative side following increase in successive number of washings from 3 to 10. The response of Dyed long cloth is different from bleached long cloth for washing. Jute/silk fabrics on the other hand found influenced by the softening action due to washing tend to follow the trend similar to Group-I. Peach finished Group III samples exhibited a larger deviation in tensile, bending and shear properties than control samples.

8 tables, 16 ref

004134   Chitnis R (Synthetic & Art Silk Mills Res Association, , Worli, Mumbai-400 030) : Changing scenario of fashion. Man Made Text India 2004, 47(11), 407-10.

As today's fashion is rapidly changing this paper describes the reasons for the changing scenario in fashion. It also describes the basic functionary department of the apparel industry in brief.

4 ref

003029   Savio Macchine Tessili S.R.L. (NO, , Comany Organicsed Under Law of th eItalian Republic of Via Udine, 105-Prodenone, Italy) : Process and an apparatus for producing a wound yarn package. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003028   Ahmed A A;Mohammad F (Applied Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : Preparation and properties of electrically conductive polyaniline: nylon-6 composites. Chem envir Res 2003, 12(1-2), 37-51.

Polyaniline nylone-6 (PANI:N6) composites were prepared by polymerizing doubly distilled aniline in a solution of nylon-6 in formic acid using potassium persulphate as catalyst. Doping a composites was done by treating with HCL, by I₂ solution in acetone and by a copolymer of aniline and p-toluenesoulfonic acid [P(ANI-co-PTSA)]. SEM, FTIR and electrical properties of doped PANI:N6 composites have been presented.

4 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

001970   I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A (NO, , Via Emilia, 428-442, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (Bolonga), Italy) : Method of manufacturing a filter bag by pleating and folding an elongatedly shaped tubular blank of filter paper. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

001969   Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (NO, , Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001) : Improved process for the isolation of bixin dye from Bixa orellana (Anneto). 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

001968   Arun Kumar (NO, , 12 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi-110 054) : Door viewer mounted in a door. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000921   Yamauchi Corp (NO, , 2-7, Shodai-Tajika, Hirakata-Shi, Osaka, Japan) : Cushioning material for forming press. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000920   Winter Cvd-Technik GMBH (NO, , Koniggratzstrasse 14, 22609 Hamburg, Germany) : Gem stone (portrait). 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000919   The Procter & Gamble Co (NO, , One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, USA) : Lotion composition for treating tissue paper for imparting a soft lubricious feel. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000918   The Director Indian Institute of Technology (NO, , Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016) : Noel attachment for affixing to luggage articles. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000917   Thakkar V N (NO, , Shayam Bhavan, Mathura Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai-400 067) : Process of manufacturing artificial wood. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000916   Tac-Fast Systems Sa (NO, , Route De Bu on 15, Case Postale 106, 1752, Villars-sur-Glane 2, Switzerland) : Method of treating a looped back carpet. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000915   ICI India Limited (NO, , ICI House 34 Chowringhee Road, Calcutta-700 071) : Method of treating fibrous cellulosic textile material. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000914   Hindustan Lever Ltd (NO, , Hindustan Lever House, 165/166 Bacmbay Reclamation, Mumbai-400 020) : Fabric treatment composition. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000913   Hindustan Lever Ltd (NO, , Hindustan Lever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai-400 020) : Improved detergent bar composition. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000912   Harpreet Singh (NO, , 53 Hemkunt, New Delhi-110 048) : Process for manufacture of paper. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000911   Ciba Speciality Chemicals Water Treatments Ltd (NO, , P O Box 38, Low Moor, Bradford West Yorkshire, BD 12 0JZ, England) : Deinking process. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000910   Suresh Kumar K;Arunachalam S;Sivakumar T; Ramesh V;Muralidharan M R (Livestock Production and Management Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007) : Skin follicles and its relationship with wool characteristics of Nilgiri, Merino and its crosses. Indian J Anim Res 2003, 37(2), 89-92.

A study on skin follicles and its relationship with wool characteristics of Nilgiri, Merino and its crosses was carried out. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant (P<60>0.01) negative correlation between S/P ratio and fibre diameter in Nilgiri and Merino, but Nilgiri x Merino had a non-significant negative correlation. A highly significant (P<60>0.01) positive correlation was found between S/P ratio and fibre length and crimp. In Nilgiri, the total number of follicles had a non-significant negative correlation with fibre diameter, a highly significant (P<60>0.01) positive correlation with crimp. The study suggested that the selection of fine wool sheep at an earlier stage of post-natal life might be made based on the S/P ratio. It also suggested that the skin follicles and wool characteristics of Nilgiri x Merino were comparatively better than Nilgiri.

3 tables, 8 ref

015292   Ramachandran T;Ganesan P;Hariharan S (NO, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004) : Decolouration of textile effluent. J Instn Engrs-Pt TE 2010, 90(Feb), 20-5.

Dyes are natural and synthetic compounds that make the world more attractive through coloured substances. The release of coloured effluents represents a serious environmental pollution and a human health concern. Colour removal, especially from textile effluents, has been enormous challenge over the last decades, and up to now there is no single and economically attractive treatment that can effectively decolourise dyes effluents. In the past years, notable achievements were made in the use of biotechnological applications to textile effluents not only for colour removal but also for the complete degradation of dyes. Different microorganisms, such as, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi and physical-chemical methods have been found to catalyse dye decolouration. Moreover, promising results were obtained in accelerating dye decolourisation by adding mediating compounds and/or changing process conditions to high temperatures. This article provides a critical review on the current technologies available for decolouration of textile effluents and it suggests effective and economically attractive alternatives.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

015291   Mazeyar P (Textile Dep, Azad Univ, Shahre Rey Branch, Theran, Iran, Email: mparvinazadeh@gmail.com) : An environmentally method for dyenig rug pile using fruit waste colorant. Res J Chem Envir 2009, 13(3), 49-53.

Natural colorants are emerging globally due to their safety and environmentally-friendly properties. Natural dyes have been employed in dyeing Persian carpet piles for many yearns. Food and fruit industry wastes are one of the main sources of colorants which can be employed for coloration of textiles. Eggplant (Solanum melongena), a member of the family Solanaceae, is used in food recipes. Anthocyanin pigments are responsible for the dark purple color of its skin. In this research, dyeing wool fibers was carried out using skin of eggplant powders. For this purpose, the Iranian wool was first treated with some metal salts including Fe(II), Sn(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI) and Al(III). These salts are commonly used as mordant to improve the wash and light fastness of natural dyed textiles. Wool fiber was then dyed with 50% owf powdered skin of eggplant. The colorimetric properties of the dyed yarns were evaluated with a reflectance spectrophotometer. The wash and light fastness of the samples were also measured according to ISO 105-CO5 and Daylight ISO 105-BO1. Results showed that skin of eggplant is a susceptible source for dyeing wool fibers.

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

015290   Kannaian T;Janarthanan M;Thilagavathi G (NO, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641 004) : Overview of electronic textiles. J Instn Engrs-Pt TE 2010, 90(Feb), 9-15.

Wearable computing devices can easily be defined as those devices, which become the part of the use's personal space and are controlled operationally and interactionally by the user in such a mannar that they are always accessible. This developing area of interactive electronic textiles is generating an abundance of literature within the textile industry. Potentially, these specialized textiles will integrate different communications, entertainments, medical and safety devices directly into traditional textile and apparel products. This paper outlines the various developments like integrating electronic devices into textile materials, development of conductive yarns and fibres, chemical conductive coatings and digital printing using conductive ink.

10 illus, 17 ref

015289   Debnath S;Ganguly P K;De S S;Nag D (NO, National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology (N, 12, Regent Park, Kolkata-700 040) : Control of soil moisture and temperature by light weight jute fabrics. J Instn Engrs-Pt TE 2010, 90(Feb), 16-19.

Jute as an annually renewable agricultural fibre has enormous potential to be used not only as conventional packaging material but also as a means to enhance agricultural production as an agro-mulch cover. Jute is hydrophilic in nature. Basically, woven and nonwoven are the two main types of jute fabrics available in the market with wide range of fabric weights ranging from 150 g/m2 to 550 g/m² or even higher. The needle punched jute nonwoven has certain advantages over woven jute fabrics in moisture absorption, controlling soil temperature, etc. In the present study, attempts have been made to determine the moisture evaporation characteristics of these jute fabrics as well as soil temperature behaviour when used as mulch material. The study shows that the nonwoven can restrict the moisture evaporation from soil surface and control the soil temperature more effectively as compared to the woven jute fabrics.

3 illus, 1 table, 7 ref