Enhancement of moisture and water resistance in peracetic acid-treated jute fibers: Influence of time, temperature, and chemical concentration

Jute, an eco-friendly and biodegradable natural fiber, holds great promise for industrial applications; however, its high moisture sensitivity and hydrophilicity hinder its development. This study investigates the effects of time, temperature, and chemical concentration on the peracetic acid (PAA) treatment process and the resulting moisture and water resistance of jute fiber. Several controlled studies were conducted, and the results demonstrate that the processing parameters have a significant impact on the water resistance of jute. The moisture content of jute fibers fell by 29.43%, whereas moisture regain was reduced by 31.13%. Furthermore, water absorption decreased by 13.09%, although the water contact angle increased by 38.56%, from 54.86° to 76.00°. The optimal treatment settings (2 M PAA, 50°C, 120 minutes) resulted in an increase in crystallinity index from 67.70% to 75.34%, as proven by XRD analysis. FTIR and SEM investigations confirmed the removal of hydrophilic non-cellulosic elements and the creation of hydrophobic surface groups without affecting the fiber structure. Optimized PAA treatment conditions thus provide a quick, one-step method for producing moisture-resistant jute suitable for packaging, composite, and building applications, thereby increasing the economic potential of this sustainable material.