jutecompositeanditsapplications- i j s g（jutecompositeanditsapplications——我j s g）.doc

Jute composite and its applications S. Das Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association 17 Taratola Road, Kolkata-700088, India  Background: Composite materials from man-made fibres (i.e. glass fibre, carbon fibre etc.) are already available as products for consumer and industrial uses. A relatively newer concept is to consider natural fibres as a reinforcing material. Stringent environmental legislation and consumer awareness has forced industries to support long term sustainable growth and develop new technology based on renewable feedstock that are independent of fossil fuels. As the current status quo, the main reinforcement for the composite industry is glass fibres; 22.3 million tons (metric) are produced globally on an annual basis. Although glass fibre products have somewhat superior mechanical properties, their life cycle performance is very questionable. Manufacturing of these products not only consume huge energy but their disposal at the end of their life cycle is also very difficult since there is virtually no recycling option. Annual industrial crops grown for fibre, have the potential to supply enough renewable biomass for various bio-products including composites. The scope of possible uses of natural fibres is enormous. This is substantiated by the declaration of United Nation for 2009 as International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF). All over the world, the bio-composite industry is developing at a significant pace to meet growing consumer awareness and follow new environmental regulations. A survey done by Canadian Agri-Food Research Council (CARC) in 2003 showed that the European automotive industry has already taken the lead and uses approximately 22,000 tons of natural plant fibre in low stress applications in cars. In 2005, 19000 tones of natural fibres were used in Germany for automotive composite. Lignocellulosic bio-fibre derived from various origins such as leaf, bast, fruit, grass or cane; contribute to