WO2004097104A2

WO2004097104A2 - A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles

Info

Publication number: WO2004097104A2
Application number: PCT/IN2004/000119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandip Narayan Sinha; Shyamal Kanti Chakrabarti
Original assignee: Indian Jute Industries Research Association; Jute Manufacturers' Development Council
Priority date: 2003-05-01
Filing date: 2004-04-28
Publication date: 2004-11-11
Also published as: WO2004097104A3

Abstract

A rot resistant durable natural fibres/jute geo-textiles having flexibility, permeability, lightweight and cost-effective characteristics , a synergistic/ selective rot-resisting treatment media for treating natural fibres/ geotextiles especially jute geo textiles and a process for the manufacture of such rot resistant durable and effective natural fibres/jute geo-textiles. The rot resistant jute geo-textiles involve treatyment with selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainable antimicrobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics. The geo-textiles have delayed bio-deterioration and even better than the presently available copper treated and bituminized jute geo-textiles for varied and wider long term end use/applications as geo-textiles.The geo-textiles are eco-friendly and retain the desired characteristic of a natural fibre based geo-textiles such as permeability, flexibility ( drapability ), light-weight and cost-effective.

Description

Field of toe Invention :

The present invention relates to natural fibres and their products such as geo-textiles and in particular, to rot resistant natural fibres/jute geo-textiles which would be durable having, a desired long and effective life span retaining to ftej ifei , psrm©sMϊ ?, lightessght and cosS-effs R.©

The invention εlεo isposes a synergistic selective rot-resisting treatment media for treating natural iferss¹/ @®otedfes eεps sHy jut© §sε? t©$lss snd to a piecsss forth® m&nuf&c&uns of rot resistant durable and effective natural fiiwesijute geo-textiles having extended Fife folfowig a csst-sffeoliv© and simple proosss. jga tetø uw Airs. :

Geotextiles being permeable textiles are used in conjunction with soils or rocks, as an integral part of a man-made project. Geotextiles are classified as natural and synthetic Geotextiles .The basic functions of Geotextiles are categorized as separation, reinforcement, filtration and drainage. The reports of isolated applications of Geo-textiles is evident as early as 1926. However, only during the early 1970s impact of its application has become significant. The growth of Geotextiles mostly represented by synthetic Geotextiles (-98%) has been continuing, to the extent of 300-400 million Sq. metre (approx.) being used now world-wide per year in more than 100,000 different projects. Present production of all lands of Geotextiles represents about 1% of the entire industrial fabric market, or about 0.25% of the whole textile market. Consumption of Jute Geotextiles , being one of the emerging diversified jute products , has also been increased several folds ( 20.0 lakhs sq.metre , approx. ) in the last five years.Geotextiles thus have a good market potential in the years to come . The synthetic Geotextiles, manufactured from by-products of petroleum, are becoming costlier and moreover, ecological considerations do raise doubts about the long term effect of indiscriminate application of such synthetic materials. Natural Geotextiles to this extent is ecologically safe as they are biodegradable and leaves no residue to environment, apart from being less costly. Out of several available natural Geotextiles, Jute Geotextiles (JGT) is of prime importance due to various reasons. Hydraulic ,tensile and construction surviva iϋty properties like Grab tensile strength, Trapezoidal tear strength, porosity and permeability etc. o. Jut© Gsεtefies are more or less cømparabfe lϊi h synthetic Geotextiles. Other special characteristics of natural Jute Geo-texttte are its biodegradabiiity, in plane drainage, water absorption capacity and drapability etc. which are lacking in synthetic Geotextiles.

Considering the above advantageous properties / benefits, Jute Geo-textiles as a natural fibre geo-textiles find its use in different areas which include (i) erosion control of ssϊi and its protection through subsequent vegetation establishment (ti) for agronomical functions of mulching, moisture retention, eed control etc. (I) land dewsfopmerrt in dsssr like arsss (w) in ome and institutions:! l wn and gardening v) in high way engineering application (vi) construction of haul roads (unpaved) for improving their load earr ng capacity (vS) in the maintenance of r ilw y tract ssociated with ballast and soil interface problem (viii)

related engineering (fee) river bank protection (x) slope protection (xl) for draining pore water (drainage) during consolidation of soil and (xii) pavement protection of roads by way of retarding its reflective cracking etc. Importantly, life of JGT with respect to Hs physical existence and functional properties is either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the situation specific end use. For example, short fife of JGT becomes an advantage in case of mulching (agricultural application) whereas short life of JGT becomes a disadvantage in applications such as consolidation of soft soils, soil sub-grade support, slope protection of highway and railway embankment, erosion protection of river banks etc. Thus, there are some very important Geo-technical applications where the functional requirement of JGT cannot be adequately met due to the short effective life of the jute geo-textiles than its actual requirement for such application. To improve the life of Jute Geo-textile and make it suitable for applications requiring an extended life of the geo-textiles such as in civil engineering applications, the current practice is to treat the base geo-jute fabric with copper based salts as rot-proofing material and bitumen as inert coating material. However, copper based treatment on JGT at around 1% (w/w) level has been considered eco-toxic (Indian Eco-leveJ of heavy metals including copper for textiles, 10 ppm) as it perhaps cause ground water contamination in various ways, Bituminization of jute Geotextiles apart from being not eco-friendly, badly affects the porometry, permitivrtty and flexibility of JGT and also makes them heavier etc. Even, the life of copper-treated and bituminized JGT (existing woven JGT product), embedded under different natural soils has been observed to be poor and do not meet the desired life (durability) of such jute geotextiles. Objects of the Invention :

It is thus the basic object of the present invention to provide rot resistant durable natural fibres and/or products based thereon such as geo-textile especially jute geo- texles which would have an extended effective life than conventionally knorøn svailsble natural fibres jut© ge©-teti s in terms of delayed frrc^deteriorstron and even better than the presently available copper treated and feϊiuminϊ∑ed jute s©-te$ifes to thereby provide for varied and IIESSΓ long term end use/applications of such natural fibres and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles. Another object of the present invention is t© provide rot resistant durable jute @eo- textiles, which would fee eco-friendly and retain the desired characteristic of a natural fibre based geo-textiles such as permeability, flexibility ( drapabilit ), light-weight and cost-effective.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to provide a simple and cost- effective process for producing rot resistant durable jute fibres/ jute geo-textiles having relative longer life which would be eco-friendly and importantly avoid the use of ecologically unsafe chemicals like copper based salts and bitumen. Yet another object of the present invention is directed to providing rot resistant durable natural fibre/ JGT which would be flexible, lighter and cheaper to thereby provide jute geo-textiles with desired strength and durability. Yet further object is directed to manufacture of røt resistant durable jute fibres geo- textiles involving the use of textile friendly materials ( non- metallic and non- bituminous).

Yet further object of the present invention is directed to manufacture of rot resistant durable jute fibre/jute geo-textiles which would be simple, easily adaptable and environmentally safe and also cost effective- Summary of the Invention :

Thus according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising of natural fibre jute fibre fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainable antimicrobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

Selective treatment media retained by the iϊbre/føbric includes s lect ve non-metaiiic antimicrobials such as Benzothiazole derivatives, Isothiazolinones, Dfthiocarbamaies , benzoic acid esters, Perborates, Sorfoales, Biguanides, Buiylitin εteates, Quaternary ammonium compoundsPhenyl phenates and lodinated sulphones preferably biguanides. The treatment media can be the aforesaid antimicrobials only or in combination ,with water at different concentrations. Importantly.as apparent from the above the rot resistant fibre/fabric of the invention can involve the treated fibres or fabric® Aenliles of natural fibres such as jute g©sfeκϋles thus treated.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided rot rssfetant durable §s©-te j!ss pteϊ®r&b¥j jut© @so-te._titss comprising of natural fihrerjute fibre/fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibrefabric retainable antimicrobials ml durability and strength more than thai of natural i re/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /ges-tejcϋes characteristics.

The present invention advantageously proposes selective natural fibre/jute fibrefabric treated with treatment media which does not involve the use of environmentally hazardous chemicals such as copper based salts and bitumen used in the known art. Preferably, the treatment media includes selective textile friendly anti-microbials both teachable and non-leachable type adapted to Idll the microflora in natural fibres especially jute. Non-leachable type of anti- microbials are preferred as they are expected to impart durable rot- resistant property to Jute Geo-textile . In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising of natural fibre/jute fibre/fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibrefabric retainable antimicrobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material. The protective layer can foe any suitable film forming material such as silicone wax emulsion, acrylate co-polymers etc.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres/føbricsftextiles comprising selective non metallic and fibre fabric textile retainable antimicrobials to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layerfilm forming material.

Preferably the synergistic rot resistant treatment media can be selected from a combination of non-metallic animϊcrøfets preferably selected from Benzotlfe es (AM4),isothiazolinones( A 5),Biguanides (AM9), Tri-n-butylitin mateaie (AM10) and 2-Phenyl Phenate (A 13).

In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided a rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fiforesΛlaføricsftβxSes comprising a synergistic combination of non metallic an Hferefefcrictefio rstftefefe sntrmicrøbisls ef B'ansotrfeetes φ$fl 4) m Bi?u®nκ3es (AM 9) to impsri durability anύ strength more than that of natural fibtE.rahric and also rclain natural ffer© / fatsrfc @$©42_af ss cftsrøδi&risfe f-fih or ft tat a prot ct© layer/film forming material. In ih© above disclosed synergisfc combination of non metallic and ftrafeføricfeiite rstgins t® antimicrobials th© tid Se.moihtaεcϊss (P 4} is used in sn amount 0.02to 1.0 % and Siguanϊdes (AM 9) is used in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0 % In accordance with yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rat resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising selectively treating the natural fibre and /or product based thereon including geotextiles with a rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre fabricfteκtiϊe retainable antimicrobial to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics. Preferably the synergistic rot resistant treatment media used can be selected from a combination of non-metallic antimicrobials preferably selected from Benzothiazotes (AM 4),lsot iazolinones( AM5),Biguanides (AMS), Tri-n-butyiitin mateate (AM 10) and 2-Phenyi Phenate (AM13).

More preferably the rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibresfabricstextiles used in the above process comprising a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibrefabrictextile retainable antimicrobials of Benzothiazαles (AM 4) and Biguanides (AM 9).!n the above synergistic combination of non metallic and ftbre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobials used the said Benzothiazoles (AM 4) is used in an amount of 0.02 to 1.0 and Biguanides (AM 9) is used in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising selectively treating the natural fibre for the manufacture of the ge lexie and /or geoteϊώle with the rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobial to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibrc. fabric ύ slε© r&tsin natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geø-tβxtiles comprising : (i) selectively treating the natural fibre for the manufacture of the geotetile and or geotextile with the rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic an f re/fabricfe -SI® retainable an imicrøfel; an

(ϋ) applying a film forming material at fabric stage of the geotextile, to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural f&r© / fabric /geo-teidiles characteristics.

In accordance with yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising : selectively treating the geotextile with the røt resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobial; and a film forming material at fabric stage of the geotextile, to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

The film forming material used can be preferably silicone-wax emulsion, acrylate co- polymer and the like. it is thus possible by way of the invention to not only improve upon the durability of natural fibre/fabric/geootexfiles and the like by imparting rot resistant characteristics but also maintain the desired natural fibre characteristics for favourable application vis-3-vis synthetics and known natural fibres and products thereof.Moreover, such rot resistant treatment is found to be compatible with other protective treatments such as water repeliant films etc which add to the end characteristics and value of the product of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention : it is thus possible by way of the above process of the invention to provide durable jute geo-textiles having relatively longer life than conventional Jute Geo-textiles and even more than the environmentally hazardous copper treated and bituminized Jute

Geo- textiles.

Basically, the invention would involve the fαlloiφϊng materials and forms of treatment to achieve the durable natural fibrejute geo-textϊfes. (a) Woven Jute Geo-fextile fabric ; (b) Non-metallic antimicrobials preferably Benzoihiazoie

.derivatives.lsothiazolinones, Diihiocarbamates , benzole acid esters, Perborates, Sorbates, Biguanides, Butylitin maleates, Quaternary ammonium compounds.Phenyl phenates and lodinaied sulphones etc. (c) Film fomning materials preferably Silisons-'øSLø emulsion, Acr lsle co-polymer ©tc. in accordance with a preferred aspect the pr osss of manufacture of the rot resistant gs.oiextite involves the following step : (i) Preparation of antimicrobial solution and application: Textile friendly antimicrobials (both teachable and non-leachable type), selected to Idll the microflora present in Jute and to impart durable rot- resistant properly to Jute Geo-textiles, are dissolved in definite proportion either alone or in combination in water at different concentrations , pH of the solution adjusted to 6.0 - 6.5 . After addition of antimicrobials the solution is preferably stirred. Anti-microbial treatment may be done either at fibre stage or at fabric stage, however, fabric stage application is preferred .

(ii) Application of Film forming materials as a protective layer : Film forming material may be applied on Jute Geo-textiles only at the fabric stage . Combined treatment of anti-microbials and film forming materials at fabric stage is also possible . (iii) Fabric : Jute Geo-textiles ( iv) Fabric ; Liquor * 1.0 : 2.5 ( v ) Treatment : Pad - Dry - Cure method ( vi ) Weight pick - u : 50- 70 % , o.w.f ( on the weight of fabric ) ( vii ) Dryin : At 110-120 ° C for 5-10 minutes in a drying range ( vii ) Curin : At 140 ° C for 1 -2 minutes

The invention , its objectives and advantages are explained hereunder in greater detail in relation to non-limiting exemplary illustrations as per the following examples Examples: Materials Used: (a)Woven Jute Geo-textiie fabric ( 20 KN/ ) of specifications : 102 x 39 / dm, 76 cm width was used as the basic control alongwith the same fabric treated with both Cu and Bitumen as further control (Grey JGT fabric + Cu + Bitumen) to demonstrate the rot resistant treatment and its benefits on a widely prevalent geote ife variety (Grey JGT fabric). The specifications of the above controls used are given in Table 1 hereunder. Table 1 Specifications of Woven Jute Geo-textiles Used

(b) Non-metallic antimicrobials tried were Ben∑othrazole derivatives.lsothiazoiinones, Dithiocarbamates , benzole acid esters, Perborates, Sorbates, Biguanides, Butylitin maleates, Quaternary ammonium compounds.Phenyl phenates and iodinated sulphones etc. Details of the antimicrobials used are provided in Table 2 hereunder.

Table 2

List of Non-metallic Anti- microbials used for obtaining durable Jute Geo-textiles

WT&F =Sn ϋ: rafgSiϊ sϊ ffc, fefc_,s (c) Film forming matrials preferably Silicone-wax emulsion, Acrylate co-polymer etc were used as detailed in Table 3 hereunder:

Table s list of Coating Po-jfinsrs used fer <fe¥e!e ϊns« sferafefe J«fe fee-iei-stes

* CP ■ Coating Polymer

The process of manufacture followed involved the following steps :

(i) Preparation of rot resistant antimicrobial solutio :

Textile friendly antimicrobials (both leachable and non-leachable type), selected to kill the microflora present in Jute and to impart durable rat- resistant property to Jute

Geo-textiles, are dissolved in definite proportion either alone or in combination in water at different concentrations as detailed in Table 2. pH of the solution was next adjusted to 6.0 - 6.5 . After addition of antimicrobials, solution was stirred for 5 - 10 minutes with a stirrer (50-100 r.p.m). (ii) Treatment of fibre fabric with rot resistant antimicrobial :

Arrti-microbial treatment can be done either at fibre stage or at fabric stage, however, fabric stage application is preferre .

(iii) Application of Film forming materials as a protective layer :

Film forming material may be applied on Jute Geo-textiles only at the fabric stage . Combined treatment of anti-microbials and film forming materials at fabric stage is also possible .

(iv) The treatment procedure /specifications followed was as hereunder

( ) Fabric : Liquor = 1.0 : 2.5

( ) Treatment : Pad - Dry - Cure method ( c ) Weight pick - up : 50- 70 % , o.w.f ( on the weight of fabric )

( d ) Drying : At 110-120 ° C for 5-10 minutes in a drying range

( ) Curin : At 140 ° C for 1-2 minutes Involving the above procedure the following exemplary trials were earned out: Example i

Under the exemplary illustration a woven Jute Geo-textiles 102x39/dm, 76 cm fabric width - 760 gm per Sq. metre was mostly used for the stud .

The woven Juie Geo-iextite of the spedficafions as in Bcample 1 was used . Hoiøeyer, the Jute Geotøώ^'fes πas subjected to copper and bitumsn treatment in accordance with the conventional art of providing durable Jute Geø-teicie. Ξicatniite S

Under this example the same variety of vim&n Jute Θeo-t cSe as in Ex mple 1 vas used and subjected to the treatment as per the present invention as discussed here under .

Studies on Durable Jute Geo-textiles :

Some of the basic physical properties , Tensile properties , Hydraulic properties , construction survivability properties along with Durability properties of Jute Geotextiles obtained as per the Examples 1 to 3 were studied as per standard methods and for the purpose the following protocols were followed :

The effect of the selective non-metallic anti-microbials as rot resistant media on the basic jute fabric was determined and compared with the controls as detailed in Table 4 hereunder: /

Table 4

Effect of non-metaliic Anti-microbials and Coating Polymers on Jute Geo exϋ!e

*JGT Fabric Specification : 102 x 39 / dm, 760 gsm - 76 cm width ( 20 KN/m ) ND = Not determined T.B.C : Total Bacterial count , T.F.C : Total Fungal count As would be apparent from the above Table 4 , Grey Jute Geo-textile fabric is associated with a good numbers of microbes represented mostly by bacteria and fungus and its life is very poor under enriched soil . Known art of treatment of JGT with either copper alone or in combination with bitumen as coating material for enhancing the life was found to be not sufficient ( Table 4 ). The effect of the selective non-metallic aniϊ-microbϊals on πήcrobial profile and life of Jute Geo-texϋtes have been shown in Table 4 . All the non-metallic anti- microbials selectively identified and used reduced the microbial toad of Jute Geo-textile fabric by s eral times . Treatment with copper also reduced the micrøbial load of JGT . However, when treated JGT were placed to enriched soil ( As per IS : 1623, accelerated degradation protocol) to check the efficacy of rot-resistant treatment, imparted by different anti-microbial agents as per list given in Table No. 4, it r-as observed that in case of AM 4, AM 5, Afifl 8, AES 10 and Aδfl 13 treated JGT fabrics, retention in strength of JGT was 60 % and above . Both in case of Copper treated JGT fabric an Copper treated and blurninεsd JGT fabrics , retention in strength røss fcslar-' SO %. fteάmum retention in strength was observed in case of AM S treated JGT fabric ( > 80 % ) and hence AM 9 røs further identified as m active treatment media . Further studies v e carried out to determine the effect of combination® o the selective treatment media in rot resistance of jute geo-textiles.The results obtained are provided in Table 5 hereunder:

Table 5

SELECTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL COMBINATION/ COATING POLYMERS

FOR DURABLE JUTE GEO-TEXTILES

• JGT specificatio : 102x39 /dm, 7S0 gsm- 73 ciW width ( 20 SCN !m)

As dearly apparent from the above results obtaine , a combined acSon of AM 4 and AM θ was found to be most suitable to impart durable rot - resistant property to JGT

( fester than either Afi34 T A 9 ). The results further demonstrate that applicsian of coating polymers along with anti-microbials did not adversely affect the life of JGT .Thus the treatment media røas also found to be compatible with coating medias such as ι^pater repellent coatings etc f used in øjeoiextiles and the like.

To check the durability of combined anti-rnicrabial actions (AM 4 * AM © } on JGT, both teste and untreated JGT fefericε vssrs incubated at 100 % R.H for SO days snύ the durability characteristics noted as shown in Table 6 hereunder:

Tatrto β

BUR- E OTi∞røE L TRE&TE 3EMT TO JUTE ©EO-TEOTLES

*JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm. width { 20 KN m ) ** At 100 % R.H Jute absorbs about 35 % moisture and is prone to microbial attack and subsequent damage

As apparent from the results it was observed that in untreated JGT , microbial growth increased with time with a simultaneous reduction in strength ( 16.6 % ) of the fabric . In case of treated durable JGT no microbial growth appeared even after incubation at 100 % R.H for 90 days and there was no strength loss with time . This itself indicates that the anti-microbial treatment imparted was durable in nature and hence beneficial for JGT .

Next, jute Geo-textiles , both treated and untreated , were kept in natural atmospheric condition in presence of sunlight, air and rain etc.and their loss in strength were monitored at different time intervals to ascertain the efcet of the treatment in actinic deterioration. Actinic deterioration rate of both untreated and treated durable JGT is shown in Table 7 hereunder . Table?

ACTINIC DETERIORATION OF JUTE GEO-TEXTILES

( Effect of Weathering ** )

* JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsrtt- 70 cm width ( 0 KN/m )

**Months : April - June It was found that actinic deterioration rate of Untreated Jute Geo -textiles was high ( 28 % with in 90 days ) whereas in case of durable Jute Geo-textile actinic deterioration rate was low and almost 50 % of the untreated one . Therefore , treatment given to produce durable JGT, reduced its actinic deterioration rate - another advantage of durable JGT .

The effect ,if any ,of the treated fabrics in leaching with water was next studied and for the purpose both control JGTs and durable JGT fabric samples were leached out under water as per IS : 1623 and subsequently air dried before put them under enriched soil for 21 days . The results are provided hereunder in Table 8:

Table 8 LEACHABILITY STUDY OF DURABLE JUTE GEO- TEXTILES (As per IS: 1623, S92 )

Θ JGT spssϊlca lon : 102X3S/c!m, Jøβgεrø- 76 cm width ( 20 M ) Test results showed that in durable JGT there was no substantial loss in strength even after leaching in water and there by indicate that the anti-microbials bind to the JGT fabrics permanently and improve their biological resistance under soil. After confirming the rot resistant characteristics of the treated jute geotextiles according to i invention in® same -as subjected to tests to ssosrtain its hysical and constructional surwafeliy prøperfe&Tfie results obtained are detailed hereunder in Table 0:

Tai-ie 9

PHYSICAL W GOIrøπαiCTION SUKtWABEUTY PROPERTIES OF

JUTE GEOTEKTILES

* JGT specification : 102x30 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width ( 20 KN laή

As apparent from the above results durable Jute Geo-textile of the invention was lighter and having construction survivability properties such as tear strength, bursting strength and puncture resistance well comparable to control JGTs. This result indicates that treatment with anti-microbials does not negatively affect the physical properties rather improve them to some eirtent . Jute Geo-texiϊtes after Copper treatment and ϋumintefiOT become heavier and sSffer .Even the porørnsSiy, permittivity and strength of t e treated jute geotextile was found to be favourable vis- tnwis the controls as further dstεisd inTabϊ® 10 hereunder.

T@feIs- .# Porometr , Permittivity, Drapability & Strength of Jufe Geøfsiϊilss

* Fabric Specification: 102 x 39 / dm, 7 0 gsm - 76 cm width.

A : Untreated JGT (Control)

B : Copper & Bitumen treated JGT

C : Durable JGT (Non- copper & non- bituminous) A.O.S : Apparent opening size

Further the durability of durable Jute Geo-textiles was observed in different types of soils such as sandy soil ..garden soil and enriched soil vis-a-vis control geotextiles . The results are reproduced in following Tables 11,12 and 13.

Tab!e11 DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF JUTE GEO-TEXTiLES IN SANDY SOIL

JGT specification : 102s 39> dm, 760 gsπt- 7© cm width C 2® KK/m ) Durable Jute Geo-textiles was found to retain its strength ( 92 % ) in sandy soil even after 90 days of incubation unlike control JGTs . Selected anti- microbial treatment thus assures fife of JGT in sandy soil by wa of delaying its rate of bio-deterioration .

Durable JGT is a non- copper and non-bituminous product .

Tαiils 12

* JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width { 20 KN/ ) Durable Jute Geo-textiles retains its strength ( 90 % ) in Garden soil even after 90 days of incubation unlike control JGTs , Selected anti-microbial treatment thus assures life of JGT in Garden soil by way of delaying its rate of bio-deterioration .

Table 13

DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF JUTE GEO-TEXTILES IN ENRICHED SOIL

(As per IS : 1623 , 1992 )

* JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width ( 20 KN/ )

Durable Jute Geo-textiles retains its strength ( 88 % ) in enriched sou even after 90 days of incubation unlike control JGTs . Selected anti-microbial treatment thus assures life of JGT in enriched soil by way of delaying its rate of bio-deterioration . Further a newly developed JGT fabric was treated with same rot resistant antimicrobial treatment media to see its efficacy on other thick construction of JGT .The results are provided hereunder in Table 14.

Tatote 14 IW_3B!UTY PROPERTIES OF A Ϊ$W 4ϋT£ ©EO-TB;TϊLES C «2« K-*f« ) SJKI-ER EKSK.CKED

SOIL ( As per IS: 1633, 19S2 )

* JGT specificatio : 49x49/dm, 900gsm- 100 cm width ( 40 KN/m )

Durable Jute Geo-textiles was found to retain its strength ( 98 % ) in enriched soil even after 21 days of incubation unlike control JGTs . Selected anti- microbial treatment thus assures life of JGT of thicker construction in enriched soil by way of delaying its rate of bio-deterioration. The above clearly demonstrate that the rot resistant durable Jute Geo-textiles obtained in accordance with the invention achieved enhanced life / durability of Jute

Geo-textiles . Durable Jute Geo-textile is found to have longer life under sandy soil, natural garden soil and enriched soil and suitable for functioning for prolonged period in different natural soil conditions .in addition, modified JGT are found to have improved functional properties such as drapability, permeability and are also lighter and cost effective ( 40 % of copper treated and bituminized JGT ) .

The durable JGT of the above invention with improved functional properties would thus serve as a cost effective substitute to synthetic Geo-textiles and should have wider applications to solve various Geo-technical problems especially with respect to environmental aspects .

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1.A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles preferably jute geø- tellies comprising erf natural ^•libreljute fførs/ϊaforϊc treat d ϊfo selective non metallic and fibre fabric retainable antimicrobials such as to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre

/ fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

2. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geotextiles obtained of treating said fibre/fabric/geotextile with selective treatment media retained by the fibrefabric comprising selective non-metallic teachable or non-leachable antimicrobials including Benzothiazole derivatives, Isothiazoiinones, Dithiocarfaamates , benzoic acid esters, Perborates, Sorbates, Biguanides, Butyiitin maieates, Quaternary ammonium compounds, Phenyl phenates and Iodinated sulphones preferably biguanides.

3.A rot resistant durable jute geo-textiles comprising of natural fibre/jute fibre fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainable antimicrobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

4.A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising of natural fibre jute fibre fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainable antimicrobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material.

5.A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in claim 4 wherein the protective layer is selectively a film forming material preferably a silicone wax emulsion, acrylate co-polymers.

6. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1to 5 comprising of desired porometry, perrøi'dvi^'ϋv mύ flexi ility of natural fl r® bases. ge© . les.

7. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in claim 6 comprising a synergist combination of the natural fibre/fabric and selective rot resistant anfi-micro ial.

8. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in dlaim 7 wherein said natural fibre fabric is jute fibrefabric.

9. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the proportion of the anti microbial with respect to the natural fibre/fabric comprise in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 %preferably 0.20 to 0.30 %

10. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the physical characteristics of the geo-textile retain comparable natural fibre iabric properties including Tear Strength in the range of 260-270 N, Bursting Strength in the range of 836-844 KN m² .Puncture Resistance of 393-405 N/cm² and Elongation % at break of 10.6-11.8.

11. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the functional characteristics of the geo-textile retain comparable to natural fibre/fabric properties including Porometry ( .O.S) in the range of 400 to 410 micron, Permittivity in the range of 1.85 to 1.95 x 10^'3cm/sec .Drapability ( drape co-efficient } in the range of 80.4 to 83.0 and Strength in the range of 23.5to 26.9 KN/m

12. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the weight of the geo-textile is maintained light weight and comparable to natural fibre/fabric in the range of

745 to 755 gm par sq. metre.

13. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the durability characteristics include % retention of strength as per IS : 1623, 1992 in enriched soil after 90 days in the range of 86 to 88 %,in sand]? soil in the range ©f 9Qt©93 %.and garden soil in the range of 88to 90%.

14. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the anti-microbial is selected from Benzothiazoies 0.02-1.0 sothiazolinones 0.01-1.2,Biguanides 0.01-1.0, tri-n- buiyiϊtin maleate 0.02-1.2 and 2-Phenyl Phenate 0.2-1.5 preferably Biguanides.

15. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein anti-microbial comprise a synergistic/selective combination of Benzothiazoies and Biguanides .

16. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 comprising a protective layer/film material preferably selected from Silicon-Wax emulsion 0.1-2.0 and Fluorocarbons 0.05-1.0.

17. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the same is adapted to resist microbial growth even after incubation at 100% R.H. for 90 days without loss of strength.

18. A røt resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 adapted for reduced actinic deterioration.

19. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein jute geo-textile comprise strength of upto about 40KN/m and the durability characteristics include % retention of strength as per IS : 1623,1992 in enriched soil ater 21 days in the range of 92 o S@ %.

20. A rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibr s/fabrics/te tiles comprising selective non metallic and fibre fafaric/te ifc retainable antimicrobials to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material.

21. A rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres/fabrics/textiles as claimed in claim 20 comprising a combination of non- metallic antimicrobials preferably selected from Benzothiazoies 0.02-1.0

%,-sothιazolinones 0.01-1.2%,Biguanides 0.01-1.0%, tπ-n-butylitin maleate 0.02-1.2% and 2-Phenyl Phenate 0.2-1.5 %preferably Biguanides.

22. A rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres fabrics/textiles comprising a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibre/fabric textile retainable antimicrobials of Benzothiazoies and Biguanides to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material.

23. A rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres/fabrics/textiies as claimed in claim 22 comprising a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibre fabric textile retainable antimicrobials of the said Benzothiazoies in amount of 0.02-1.0 and Biguanides in amount of 0.01-1.0.

24. A rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres fabrics/textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 20 to 23 comprising of said antimicrobials only or in combination , with water at selective concentrations .

25. A pre cess for the manufacture of a mϊ resistant durable natural fibre and/or geø-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising selectively treating the natural fibre and /or geotextile/fabric with a rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabricfectile retainable antimicrobial to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibrefabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

26. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising : selectively treating the natural fibre for the manufacture of the geotextile and /or geotextile/fabric with a rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibrefabric textile retainable antimicrobial to obtain geotextile with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

27.A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising :

(i) selectively treating the natural fibre for the manufacture of the geotextile and /or geotextile/fabric with (i) rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric textile retainable antimicrobial; and

(ii) applying a film forming material at fabric stage of the geotextile, and obtain durability and strength of the more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

28.A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising : selectively treating the geoteϊctile/fabric with (a) røt resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobial; and (b) a film forming material at fabric stage of the geotextile, to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

29. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said selective treatment media retained by the fibre/fabric uses! comprise selective non-metallic teachable or non-leachable antimicrobials including Benzothiazole derivatives, Isofhiazolinones, Dithiocarbamates , benzoic acid esters, Perborates, Sorbates, Biguanides, Butylitin maleates, Quaternary ammonium compounds, Phenyl phenates and Iodinated sulphones preferably biguanides.

30. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said natural fibre/fabric used is jute fibre/fabric.

31. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein the proportion of the anti microbial with respect to the natural fibre fabric comprise in the range of 0.01 to 1.0: % preferably 0.2 to 0.30 %

32. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said non-metallic antimicrobials used is preferably selected from Benzothiazoies 0.02-1.0 .Isothiazoiinones 0.01-1.2,Biguanides 0.01-1.0, tri-n-butylitin maleate 0.02-12 and 2-Phenyl Phenate 0.2-1.5 preferably Biguanides.

33. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said treatment media used comprise a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibre/fabric textile retainable antimicrobials of

Benzothiazoies and Biguanides.

34. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiies as claimed in claim 33 comprising using a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibrelfabrictetile retainable antimicrobials of the said Benzothiazoies. in amount of 0.02-1.0 and Biguanides in amount of 0.01-1.0.

35. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said film forming material used is preferably selected from silicone-wax emulsion in amounts of 0.1-2.0, acrylate co-polymer in amounts of 0.05-1.0.

36. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said treatment comprise of said antimicrobials only or in combination , with water at selective concentrations

37. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said geotextile comprise woven jute geo-textile fabric preferably of specifications selected from 102x 39/dm, 760 gsm -76 cm width(20KN/m) and 49x49/dm,900gsm -100cm width (40KN/m).

38. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 28 wherein said treatment media is obtained comprising the step of dissolving the selective antimicrobial alone or in combination in water at selective concentration and adjusting the pH of the solution to 6.0-6.5.

39. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-tej tiles as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 2S comprising weigh pic.: up of 50 -70 % on the weight of fabric, drying at 110-120° C for a period of 5-10 minutes and curing in the temperature range of 130°C to.145⁰Cpreferabiy 140°C for 1-2 minutes.

40. A process for the manufacture of a rot resistant ύurabl® natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles as claimed in anyone of claims

25 to 28 wherein woven jute geotextiles is selected from open mesh type and plain weave type.

41. Use of a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibre fabricftextile retainable antimicrobials AWI4 in an amount of 0.02to1.0 % and AM 9 in an amount of 0.01 tol.O % in manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles.

42. A rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles and its process of manufacture substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to accompanying examples.