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From the Desk of the Director

The first quarter of this new year of 2017 has become

highly eventful for IJIRA.

IJIRA has successfully organized the 26th Technological

Conference on 1st March after a long gap of 14 years.

The programme has been inaugurated by Shri A.

Madhukumar Reddy, Hon’ble Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. Several

eminent personalities from Jute Industry along with distinguished scientists of

IJIRA delivered lectures. A session of brainstorming has been hosted regarding

the technical issues being faced by the industry. Reputed companies have

exhibited their products in respective stalls there.

The last trimester has been significant for IJIRA as four new R&D projects

have been approved by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and the institute

has promptly initiated the R&D works. Previous projects have started showing

good results.

A delegation from Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) of the

Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh visited IJIRA on 20th

March

2017 during the study tour on best practice of jute production, diversification

and technology. Another high level delegation of 16 members from National

Defense College led by Mr. Anwar Haleem, IFS, Joint Secretary; Ministry of

External Affairs visited IJIRA on 21st March 2017.

IJIRA has transferred its proven technologies to several jute mills in last

quarter. Among all the technologies, softening of hard root cuttings using

microbial formulation has been hugely successful and adopted by several mills.

Moreover, IJIRA is also involved in mill level group studies to identify reason

for low productivity and providing solutions thereof.

Lastly I thank the Editorial Board for its effort to bring out this edition of IJIRA

Newsletter in time. I hope that the readers will find this Newsletter interesting

and informative. Nonetheless I will welcome any positive

suggestions/comments and constructive criticism too which will help us to do

better.

Dr. U.S. Sarma

Director, IJIRA

In this issue

26th Technological Conference

of IJIRA

Activities of IJIRA as CoE

Ongoing R&D Activities

Activities of IJIRA - NERC

Services

Other Activities

Special Visits

Meetings & Summits

Editorial Board

Dr. S.K. Chakrabarti

Dr. Md. S. Rahman

Shri Koushik Das

Shri Palash Paul

Shri Ritwik Chakraborty

Vol. 9, Issue No. 1, March 2017

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The 26th

Techological Conference of IJIRA on “New Developments and Future Strategy for Jute

Industry” has been held on 1st March, 2017 at IJIRA Auditorium Hall. After a long gap of 14 years, IJIRA

has resumed organizing its technological conference with support from the Govt. of India and the entire

jute sector. The sub-themese of the technological conference have been –

Current challenges of Jute Industry

Potential applications of jute fibres in technical textiles

Jute fibre upgradation and its optimum utilization

Process control and quality assurance in Jute mills

Moisture management in Jute processing

Waste management in Jute industry

Development of high productive machinery for Jute sector

Jute fibre based nonwoven for various end uses

Shri A. Madhukumar Reddy, Joint Secretary (Jute) & Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of

India has graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Shri Arvind Kumar M, Secretary, National Jute Board

has been the Guest-of-Honour. Dr. K.V.R. Murthy, CMD, The Jute Corporation of India, Shri Arun

Kumar Lohia, Chairman, IJIRA, Shri Raghavendra Gupta, Chairman, Indian Jute Mills Association and

many other dignitaries have graced the occasion.

26th Technological Conference of IJIRA

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There have been two technical session in the conference followed by a panel discussion. A total of eleven

technical papers have presented by IJIRA Scientists and Technologists as well as Industry representatives

during the technical sessions. Aproximately three hundreds of technocrats/industry representatives have

actively perticipated in the day long conference. Apart from the technical papers, one machinery

manufacture and two fibre lubricant producers also delivered lecture before the house.

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Apart from the technological conference, IJIRA has also fecilited machinery manufacturers and spare

parts manufacturers to exhibit their products for the jute industry. A total of fourteen stalls have been

placed by various manufacturers during this occasion.

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The proceeding of the 26th Technological Conference will be served shortly.

As Centre of Excelence in Jute Goetextiles under the scheme for promotion of Geotechnical Textiles in

the NER, IJIRA has carried out numerous activities for promotion of JGT in the NERC. The details of the

projects undertaken vis-à-vis requirement of JGT are given below –

A. Details of Projects and JGT Requirements

Projects Status Approved Project JGT Cost Component

Approved projects by the Ministry of Textiles

(MoT), GOI 11 numbers Rs. 2,33,50,200/-

Approved projects by SLCC and pending for

approval of MoT 23 numbers Rs. 3,76,90,000/-

Approved projects by SLCC for TEV studies

and DPR 2 preparation 38 numbers Rs. 5,63,94,632/-

IJIRA (CoE) Initiatives for Use of Jute Geotextiles in NER

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B. Techno Economic Viability (TEV) Study in Manipur

TEV for 15 Slope Stabilization projects under Forest Department, Manipur in 06 Districts has been

carried out and DPR II preparation has been completed in the month of January and February 2017 where

the DPR II are to be placed in next SLCC for recommendation to MoT.

Few of the site photographs taken during TEV studies of the Slope stabilization projects

C. Participation in Curtain raiser of Technotex 2017

IJIRA has put up a stall during the program of Curtain raiser of Technotex 2017 on Technical Textiles at

Federation House, FICCI, New Delhi on 17th

January 2017 displaying various activities as CoE along

with different Jute Geotextiles products, display banners, brochures/leaflets on case studies, literature,

books etc. The program has been presided over by Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Union Minister of

Textiles, Government of India.

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Visit of Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India at the IJIRA stall, curtain raiser

of Technotex 2017, New Delhi

D. Visit by Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles

Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta, along with senior delegates visited IJIRA-NERC

on 17th January 2017 where interactions have been held with Artisans on JDP and Ready Made Garment.

Hon’ble Minister of State was briefed about the completed R & D project of Natural dying of Textiles and

Clothing sector with dyes from the plants of North Eastern Region for the benefit of the dyers, weavers.

Demonstration of JGT and IJIRA CoE activities has also been explained to him. Live samples of various

types of Jute Geotextiles (JGT) have also been showcased during his visit.

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Random shots during the visit

Presently IJIRA is carrying out twelve R&D projects; eleven sponsored by the Ministry of

Textiles, Govt. of India and one sponsored by the National Jute Board. Followings are the project-

wise activities being carried out so far –

A. Design and Development of 50 kg Capacity Jute Bags considering Threshold Mechanical

Properties and Physical Parameters

Under this project relation between yarn strength and fabric strength, actual cover factor and

theoretical cover factor, economic bag dimension have been established through laboratory

studies. Considering the outcome of the studies, Type A and Type B bags of 545 g/bag have been

developed. As per the recommendation of the Project Monitoring Committee, efforts are now

being made for development of plain woven sacking bags. Re-examination of threshold breaking

strengths are also undergoing currently.

B. Utilization of Jute Sticks & Jute Waste for Extraction of Value added Chemicals for

Industrial uses

Ongoing R&D Activities of IJIRA

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Jute stick is the woody portion of jute plant. Jute stick contains considerable amount of cellulose

with lignin and hemicelluloses. Therefore, it is a potential raw material for biomass-based ethanol

production. Bioethanol can be used as fuel with significant characteristics like high octane

number, low cetane number and high heat of vaporization

Fermentation of sugars from lignocelluloses has been proposed as a viable pathway for the

production of renewable biofuels to supplement petro-fuels for sustainable economic development.

Jute sticks are subjected to dilute acid hydrolysis followed by fermentation of the sugars liberated

to produced ethanol. Following process has been adopted for extraction of bioethanol from jute

sticks/waste –

C. Biochemical Softening of Hard Root Cuttings of Jute for Better Utilization

Successful shop floor trials have been carried out in five Jute mills. 15% softened root cutting of

jute has been incorporated in sacking warp (10-13 lbs/spy) with substantial reduction in batch cost.

Commercialization of this biochemical root softening process has been continuing at Birla Jute

Mill & Ludlow Jute & Specialties Ltd.

D. Jute-Thermoplastic Composites for Green Product Development

A 7 KG capacity Kneader-Extruder machine has been installed for preparation of jute-

thermoplastic composites. Loom caddies are being used for experimentations. Thermoplastics

namely, Polypropylene and High Density Polyethylene are being attempted.

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Kneader extruder machine and the Jute-thermoplastic granules prepared

E. Development of Standards for use of Jute Geotextiles (JGTs) in Rural Roads

Laboratory Performance of Pavement Sections with Jute Geotextiles

Fabrication of Pavement Model Tanks

Two types of several numbers of tanks have been fabricated in which pavement models are being

prepared, viz.

a) Transparent plastic tanks for hand-compacted subgrade in model.

b) Stain-less steel (SS) tank for mechanically compacted subgrade in model.

These can be suitably mounted on the loading platform of the cyclic loading apparatus.

Setting of Cyclic Loading Machine to start a test

through Computer Interfacing

Cyclic/ static Load being imparted

Soils being used for preparation of the subgrade layer of the pavement models are Kolkata Silty

Soil, Guwahati Lateritic Soil and Andhra Pradesh Black Cotton Soil. Modeled WMM layer is

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being prepared either directly on top of the subgrade layer (control pavement model) or placing a

suitable geotextile at the interface (geotextile embedded pavement model).

Some model tanks are being kept under required surcharge loads and saturated condition for

longer time duration (say 1 month up to 6 months).

Testing of pavement models in Cyclic Loading Machine

Static and cyclic tests on pavement model tanks of different compositions are being carried out

presently.

Static Test Results: Typical plots of load versus displacement for the following pavement model

compositions have been shown in Figure.

Local Soil (Kolkata Silty soil) subgrade + WMM - control

Local Soil (Kolkata Silty soil) subgrade + WMM + JGT

Typical plots on static loading tests on pavement models

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Local Soil 75mm WMM Local Soil 75mm WMM+JGT (19.2% WC)

Displacement (mm)

Lo

ad

(kN

)

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It is clear from the Figure 27 that JGT has enhanced peak load of the pavement model by more

than 2 times.

Degradability Study on different JGTs in different medium

To study degradation behavior of JGTs in different mediums with time, an experimental test series

has been planned and is being carried out by embedding JGTs in different types of fully saturated

soils, submerging under water and keeping in ambient condition for different durations. Residual

strength percentage with different time durations is being determined by testing the tensile

strengths of control JGTs and exhumed/ or treated JGTs. Degradation behavior results so far been

achieved is up to six months. It has been observed that degradation of untreated JGT is highest in

Andhra Pradesh Black Cotton soil whereas it is least in Guwahati Lateritic soil.

F. Development of High Speed Roller Drafting System for Improvement in Jute Drawing

Frame Productivity

The fabrication part for the table top model of 4 over 4 Roller Drafting system has been done

The trial run with the table top model for standardisation of machine parameters is in progress

Comparison of yarn parameters from roller drafted sliver vis-a-vis Screw Gill drawn sliver has

been concluded and the data analysis is going on presently.

G. Jute based Air Filter media having Anti-Microbial & Odour Absorbing Properties

The objective of the project is to use jute nonwoven as textile substrate for filtration application.

Such filter media is expected to replace synthetic filter media as eco-responsible alternative.

H. Development of PLA Laminated Jute as Bio-Compostable Packaging Material

PP or HDPE/LDPE laminated jute fabric is being produced at commercial scale. Since

hydrocarbon based products are used, such jute laminated products are not completely bio-

compostable. The objective of the project is to replace the hydrocarbon based film former by a

bio-compostable polymeric material.

I. Development of Jute based Textile Preforms and Pultruded Composite Products

Pultrusion is a common manufacturing process of composite production. Jute tape prepared by

treating jute sliver has been intended to use as reinforcement for making pultruded composite

materials.

J. Feasibility Study of Oil-free Processing of Jute Fibres

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The project has started in January, 2017 to assess the feasibility of an alternate processing

technology of jute without using oils. Review of literature and procurement of CAPEX items are in

progress.

K. Design and Development of Continuous Damping, Calendaring and Cutting Machine for

Jute Fabric

Various sequences of operation for the continuous line have been conceptualized in consultation

with machinery manufacturer. The engineering design of the continuous line is under progress. The

prototype development will be commenced shortly.

L. Process Development, Automation and Pilot Scale Manufacturing of Jute Based Low Cost

Sanitary Napkins

Production of jute based core material for making Sanitary Napkin has been continuing at IJIRA

Chemical processing pilot plant (8.0 kg/day). Jute based pulp for Sanitary Napkins are being

dispatched to various WSHG.

A. Powerloom Service Centre (PSC) - Activities

Technical Consultancy: IJIRA-NERC & PSC has carried out technical consultancy as well as

AMC works at Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Guwahati and training on powerloom

technology has also been given to the final year student of the said Institute during this period.

Group Insurance Scheme (GIS )

134 powerloom weavers / workers have been enrolled under Group Insurance Scheme in the

decentralized powerloom Industry in NER.

Seminar/workshop & Exposure Visit program :

IJIRA-NERC&PSC in association with Regional office of the Textile Commissioner, Kolkata

have conducted three seminar programs on “Schemes / Initiatives of Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of

India for the development of decentralized Powerloom Sector in the North East Region”.

a) Guwahati, Assam on 12th January 2017

b) Shillong, Meghalaya on 13th February 2017

c) Aizawl, Mizoram on 29th

March 2017

Activities of IJIRA – NERC, Guwahati

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Snap shot of Seminar under Powerloom Service Centre activities

IJIRA-NERC&PSC, Guwahati has conducted one Exposure visit program to Navadwip in West Bengal

with Weavers/ Entrepreneurs from NER under the Integrated scheme for Powerloom Sector Development

(ISPSD).

B. Focused Incubation Centre (FIC) on Digital Printing

To set up facilities for digital printing on a wide range for Jute Diversified product, the process for

construction of Shed is in process within the campus. These FIC aims to make the technologies available

to small and medium scale Enterprises (SMSE) and to develop cost-effective coating technology to

improve design sharpness and colour fastness properties.

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C. Jute Raw Material Bank (JRMB)

IJIRA and National Jute Board had executed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for operating of Jute

Raw Material Bank Scheme (JRMB) at North East Regional Centre of Indian Jute Industries Research

Association, EPIP Campus, Amingaon, Assam. Procurement of Material is under process.

D. IJIRA at North East Textile Summit, Shillong

Dr. U. S. Sarma, Director, IJIRA along with Sh. Arvind Kumar, Secretary , National Jute Board, Shri Th.

Basanta Singh, Officer in Charge, IJIRA-NERC, Guwahati and Shri Arup Kumar Haloi, Technical

Officer, IJIRA – NERC, Guwahati have attended the North East Textile Summit, Shillong held from 29th

to 30th January 2017 at State Convention Centre, Pinwood Hotel Shillong.

The Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the 1st North East Investors’ Summit,

organized jointly by the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of DoNER, at the State Convention Centre,

in Shillong on 29th January 2017.

On the first day, the Union Textiles Minister, Smti Smriti Zubin Irani, along with the Chief Minister of

Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma and Union MoS for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated a

Textiles Exhibition at State Convention Centre, Shillong.

Presentation on IJIRA activities and also on Infrastructure Challenges of NER with remedies using Jute

Geotextiles has been delivered by Dr. U. S. Sarma, Director, IJIRA on the second day of the program.

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A. Quality Inspection of B. Twill Jute Bags

As an approved Inspection Agency of the Office of the Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of

India, IJIRA is presently carrying out Inspection of B. Twill jute bags for MARKFED-Chhattisgarh,

Haryana State Warehousing Corporation, Haryana Agro Industries Corporation, The Food Corporation of

India and Food & Supplies Division, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh

B. Integrated Scheme for Acquisition of Plant and Machinery (ISAPM)

IJIRA continues its work in ISAPM in association with National Jute Board. IJIRA is recently working

for the De-Novo registration of foreign Vendors under ISAPM.

Technical Lectures

IJIRA has been continuing to organise technical lectures on emerging technologies, products, processes,

etc. for jute sector. The details of topics have been presented during January 2017 to March 2017 are

available on the web site of IJIRA (www.ijira.org).

Services

Other Activities

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1. National Defence College Team

A team of 16 members led by Mr. Anwar Haleem, IFS, Joint Secretary; Ministry of External

Affairs (Foreign Service) have visited IJIRA on 21st March 2017. An interactive meeting was

organized in the IJIRA Conference Room. A detailed presentation was made before the team on

IJIRA’s various activities and its future endeavor.

2. Bangladesh Delegation

A team of 13 officials from the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) of the Government of

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh have visited IJIRA on 20th

March 2017. A presentation has

been made before the team on various research activities of IJIRA.

3. Interactive Meet with Cheviot Co. Ltd.

A team of 7 members led by Shri Utkarsh Kanoria, President, Cheviot Jute Co. Ltd. have visited

IJIRA on 28th

March 2017. After a brief presentation on current ongoing projects of IJIRA, an

interactive session of question and answers has been held. The personnel from Cheviot Co. Ltd.

have suggested IJIRA to give more emphasize on the development of machinery and its parts and

automation in jute industry.

198th

IJIRA’s Council Meeting was held on 24th March, 2017 at IJIRA.

Special Visits

Important News

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Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association 17, Taratala Road, Kolkata – 700088

Tel : +91 33 66269200/29/41, Fax : +91 33 66269204 / 227, E-mail : ijiraweb@ijira.org, Web : www.ijira.org

JUTE IS ECO – FRIENDLY AND RENEWABLE SOURCE OF ENERGY