The Effects of Gamma Radiation on Jute

Defatted jute was irradiated with Co 60 gamma rays up to 10 8 rads. Brightness dropped only above 8 megarads. Major structural changes were the formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups and chain cleavage. Copper number varied almost linearly with the dose up to 100 megarads. Hot alkali solubility at higher doses was very high. Loss of holocellulose content after 10 megarads was quite appreciable. Jute irradiated at 50 megarads and above gave higher apparent yields of lignin, probably due to some complex formation with hemicelluloses. Presence of lignin gave no radiation protection but rather caused deterioration, as in the case of photochemical action. Loss in tensile strength was appreciable only after 5 megarads. A slight unusual but definite increase in moisture regain value was observed at 100 megarads.