Degradable jute plastic composites

A urethane prepolymer with an aliphatic chain, has been used to prepare a number of formulations, in the presence of plasticizers and monomers of different characteristics. Hessian cloth (jute product) is coated with these formulations and cured under u.v. radiation. Tensile properties (strength and elongation) of the jute plastic composite, thus formed with these formulations were found to increase. The treated jute products (composites) were buried in soil, semi-mud, mud and water in order to study the degradable character of the composite. It was found degradable in mud while the composite was not decomposable in water and soil. The composite was also treated under the simulated weathering conditions by alternating sunshine, and condensation and it was found that the composite was substantially decomposed under this condition. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited