Size-Controlled Transparent Jute Fiber for Replacing Transparent Wood in Industry Production Area

Transparent jute fiber (TJF) was prepared from delignified jute fiber (DJF) and was subjected to various surface knitting densities (190 and 340 g/m(2)) before epoxy resin (ER) impregnation under vacuum. The preparation process and properties of TJF were evaluated. The mechanical properties and surface morphology of the jute fiber samples were also studied. The mechanical properties were compared with transparent coir fiber (TCF) and transparent balsa wood (TBW). Optical properties, such as surface color, optical transmittance, and visual haze, of natural jute fiber (JF) and TJF were measured to better understand the influence of delignification. The experimental results showed transparency of 51% even for dense jute fiber cloth, and the maximum transmittance was as high as 60% with a low surface density. TJF had similar tensile strength as TBW but was higher than TCF, indicating a maximum tensile strength of 43.25 MPa with a surface density of 340 g/m(2). These results suggest that TJF has the potential to meet the particular optical and mechanical properties of transparent wood. Transparent jute fiber can replace transparent wood for industrial production because of the simple preparation process and lower price.