Jute Retting and Fibre Extraction
topic
Jute retting involves microbial degradation of pectin and hemicellulose in stem bark through water retting (10-21 days in stagnant water at 30-35°C, pH 7.0-7.5), ribbon retting (faster at 4-7 days with higher water exchange), or chemical/enzymatic retting using pectinase enzymes. Post-retting involves stripping, washing, drying to 10-12% moisture, and grading into 17 quality categories.
Role
Controlled retting is critical for fibre quality, yield (optimal retting achieves 6-7% fibre recovery from stem weight), environmental impact (water retting generates 150-200 L wastewater/kg fibre), and mechanical property preservation.