Swelling of Jute: Heterogeneity of Crimp Formation

Different degrees of crimp were developed in three jute samples when they were treated with 18% (w/w) sodium hydroxide solution. Better crimp formation of the fiber was accompanied by larger longitudinal contraction of the fiber, larger longitudinal shrinkage, and greater swelling of the ulti mate cells of the fiber. Loss in weight and inward swelling of cell-wall materials (typical when jute was treated with 18% (w/w) alkali) may not be considered as the dominant factors responsible for crimp formation of the fiber.