Experiment 2: Quantitative Analysis of Jute Fiber: Determination of Moisture Content, Fatty and
Waxy Substances, and Alpha Cellulose.
Theory:
Jute is a natural lignocellulosic fiber composed mainly of cellulose, along with hemicellulose,
lignin, waxes, and moisture. To evaluate the quality and usability of jute in various industrial
applications, it is essential to analyze its chemical composition. This experiment focuses on
determining three key parameters: moisture content, fatty and waxy substances, and alpha
cellulose percentage. Moisture content plays a significant role in influencing the fiber’s weight,
mechanical properties, and storage conditions. It is measured by drying the fiber at 105°C and
calculating the percentage loss in mass. High moisture levels can promote microbial growth and
reduce fiber stability. The surface of raw jute also contains fatty and waxy substances which are
hydrophobic in nature and can interfere with dyeing, chemical treatments, and fiber-matrix
adhesion. These substances are removed using petroleum ether, and the residue left after solvent
evaporation gives the fatty/waxy content. Alpha cellulose is the most stable and pure form of
cellulose present in jute, which provides strength and structural integrity. It is isolated by treating
the fiber with 17.5% NaOH, which dissolves hemicellulose and lignin, leaving alpha cellulose as
an insoluble residue. The final dried and weighed residue represents the percentage of alpha
cellulose in the sample. Higher alpha cellulose content is desirable in applications such as
textiles, pulp, and composites. Overall, this analysis provides valuable information about the
fiber's composition, helping assess its quality, processing behavior, and end-use potential.
Chemicals Required
1. Benzene
2. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 17.5% solution
3. Acetic acid (1M solution)
4. Distilled water
5. Acetone
Apparatus Required
1. Analytical balance
2. Hot air oven
3. Desiccator
4. Dry crucibles
5. Beakers (100 mL – 250 mL)
6. Magnetic stirrer with stir bars
7. Filter paper and funnel
8. Measuring cylinder / pipette
9. Watch glass.
Procedure:
1. Determination of Moisture Content (%)
1. Weigh approximately 2.0820 grams of raw jute fiber using an analytical balance →
record this as initial weight (W₁).
2. Place the fiber sample into a clean, dry crucible.
3. Dry the sample in a hot air oven at 105°C for 1.5 hours to remove all moisture.
4. After drying, cool the crucible in a desiccator to prevent moisture reabsorption.
5. Weigh the dried sample → record this as dry weight is 1. (W₂).
6. Calculate the moisture content (%) using the formula:
W 1−W 2
Moisture Content (%) ¿ ×100 %
W1
2.082−1.9283
¿ × 100 %
2
¿7.42%
🔹 2. Determination of Fatty and Waxy Substances (%)
1. Take 1.9283 grams of oven-dried jute fiber and place it in a 250 mL beaker.
2. Add 100 mL of Benzene (or other non-polar solvent).
3. Stir the mixture on a magnetic stirrer at room temperature for 30 minutes to extract
surface waxes and oils.
4. Filter the mixture using filter paper and collect the filtrate.
5. Transfer the filtrate to a pre-weighed glass dish.
6. Evaporate the solvent on a hot plate or under a fume hood until dry.
7. Dry the residue further in an oven at 105°C for 15 minutes.
8. Cool in a desiccator and weigh the dish again.
9. Calculate the fatty and waxy substance (%) using:
Weight of dry residue
Fats and waxes content% ¿ ×100 %
1.9283
1.5101
¿ ×100 %
1.9283
¿ 78.31 %
3. Determination of Alpha Cellulose (%)
1. Take 1.9283 grams of dewaxed jute fiber (from previous step).
2. Place it in a clean 250 mL beaker.
3. Add 100 mL of 17.5% NaOH solution (~4.375 M).
4. Stir on a magnetic stirrer at room temperature for 30 minutes to remove hemicellulose
and non-cellulosic matter.
5. Then 3 times Stir on a magnetic stirrer to remove hemicellulose and non-cellulosic
matter.
6. Filter the sample and wash the residue thoroughly with distilled water until pH is neutral.
7. Treat the residue with 100 mL of 1M acetic acid for 5 minutes to neutralize any
remaining alkali.
8. Wash again with distilled water.
9. Dry the final residue in an oven at 105°C for 1 hour.
10. Cool in a desiccator and weigh.
11. Calculate the alpha cellulose (%) using:
dry weight of residue
Alpha Cellulose %¿ ×100 %
1.9283
1.3167
¿ ×100 %
1.9283
¿ 68.28 %
