In order to apply these jute-based biocomposites in various industrial applications for noise control some of its important properties like mechanical strength, fire re­tardant properties, acoustical properties, chemical stability at extreme temperatures need to be known and understood, among many other important physical properties. Here a brief description of the properties is presented along with some of the values of the properties measured at the various experimental facilities available at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

In general, jute fibers have an aspect ratio (length/diameter) above 1000 and thus can be easily woven and can be spun into coarse and strong threads. These fibers are mostly used for fishnets, sacks, bags, ropes and as a filling for mattresses and cushions. In general, bast fibers (skin fiber collected from plants) have good thermal and acoustical insulation properties. There are, however, few drawbacks associated with the application of jute fibers. The primary one is lack of consistency in fiber quality due to presence of hydroxy and other polar groups in various constituents.

Another one is high moisture absorption, which brings the dimensional instability to the composites. The compatibility between matrix and fiber is poor, which require surface or alkali treatment.

Limitation in performance of jute-based fiber composites can be greatly im­proved through chemical modification techniques5.