Optimization of Jute Needle-Punched Nonwoven Fabric Properties: Part I-Tensile Properties

Needle-punched nonwoven fabrics were made from 100% jute fiber using various levels of fabric weight, punch density, and depth of needle penetration. The number of variables and their combinations in the experimental plan were selected following a statistical experimental design technique. Various tensile responses or parameters (e. g., tenacity, breaking extension, initial modulus, work of rupture, permanent set on extension cycling, and stress decay) of needle-punched jute nonwoven fabric were studied. It was observed that at any level of fabric weight, with an increase in punch density and depth of penetration, fabric tenacity, initial modulus, and work of rupture initially increases and then decreases with further increases in punch density and depth of penetration. With the increase in fabric weight, tenacity, initial modulus, and work of rupture initially increase, but at greater fabric weight, though the tenacity becomes steady, initial modulus and work of rupture show a declining trend. Elongation at break is reduced with an increase in fabric weight, punch density, and depth of penetration. Increases in fabric weight, punch density, and depth of penetration initially reduce stress decay and permanent set on extension cycling, which then show an upward trend. The tenacity of needled fabric is improved on stress relaxation, except in fabrics having low area density, very high punch density, and greater depth of penetration. Predicted results from fitted response surface equations agree well with corresponding experimental results.