Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Latex Impregnated Jute Nonwoven Fabric-Composites: Biodegradation/Effect of Cyclic Humidity/Salt Water

Abstract

A series of composites were fabricated by impregnating the jute nonwoven fabric in acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) latex. The effect of different weight ratio (dry to dry basis) of jute and NBR on the biodegradation of the jute-NBR composites have been evaluated. The effect of cyclic humidity on the moisture uptake behaviour of the composites have been studied as a function of NBR content. The effect of salt water immersion of jute-NBR composites at different temperatures (30, 50 and 70°C) on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, stitch tear strength, burst strength and taber stiffness have been investigated. The biodegradation studies revealed that the percentage mass loss and percentage mass change increased with increasing the soil burial duration and reduced with increasing the NBR content in the composites.