Full metadata record
| DC Field | Value | Language |
|---|---|---|
| dc.contributor | School of Fashion and Textiles | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Li, Li (SFT) | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Hu, Hong (SFT) | en_US |
| dc.creator | Wang, Xue | - |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14372 | - |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | en_US |
| dc.rights | All rights reserved | en_US |
| dc.title | Development of sustainable and functional jute-based fabrics for innovative agriculture applications | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | In modern agriculture, effective water-saving irrigation and weed management are crucial for ensuring the availability of water resources and maintaining soil health. However, current management strategies are deficient regarding sustainability and ecological impact. Agricultural plastic use is dominated by film and irrigation pipes, which account for more than 90% of total consumption. For example, water-saving irrigation methods faced challenges such as irrigation pipe recycling, waste of non-renewable resources, and soil pollution. Weed control strategies were challenged with issues like chemical resistance, soil microplastics, and non-targeted damage becoming increasingly prevalent. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop multifunctional and fully biodegradable agricultural textiles that reduce plastic pollution and improve agricultural efficiency. Jute fabrics have emerged as a promising option for agricultural applications due to their durability, breathability, and biodegradability. However, research on environmentally friendly jute fiber-based multifunctional materials for agricultural applications remains limited. This study focuses on the development of multifunctional integrated agricultural textiles through the strategic design of materials, structures, and processing techniques in a simple and efficient manner. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Firstly, the basic characteristics of jute yarns before and after alkali treatment were systematically investigated. Mechanical strength and water absorption increased with longer treatment times. A sustainable composite seepage irrigation pipe based on eco-friendly and abundant jute fiber was proposed to explore its potential to replace the drip pipes. Jute fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites (JFPCs) and pipes were fabricated through an integrated knitting process and simple thermoforming technique. The adjustment of PLA content in JFPCs enhanced mechanical performance and allowed precise control of the seepage rate with tailored PLA film porosity. When increasing PLA content from 12.2% to 40.8%, JFPCs exhibited enhanced mechanical strength (3.1 MPa) and improved thermal decomposition temperature (376.9 °C), indicating better stability for maintaining material integrity or performance exposed to high temperature conditions. Seepage tests demonstrated JFPC pipes achieved controllable seepage rates ranging from 0 to 8.9 L/min with PLA film porosity adjusting. Sustainable analysis and degradation tests (showing a maximum 20.2% weight loss after 3 months) confirmed the environmental suitability and biodegradability of JFPCs for sustainable agricultural applications. A potential weed control fabric based on jute fiber was also demonstrated that reduces weed growth and minimizes the level of water evaporation. Structural and density modifications were applied to jute weed control fabrics (JWCFs) to achieve different levels of porosity. The optimization of microporosity improved the performance of the fabric in suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. Field experiments with JWCFs revealed a reduction of 61 %~100 % in weed growth, an average decrease of 1.6~4.3 °C in soil heat accumulation, 6.0 %~68.5 % suppression of water evaporation, and a 47.5 % weight loss after 40 days of degradation. At last, a one-year field experiment successfully verified the functional effectiveness of JWCFs in weed control, soil enhancement and yield improvement. JWCF maintained 100 % weed suppression, improved soil conditions, and reduced nutrient loss. JWCF-4 retained significantly more soil moisture and minimized nutrient loss. Yield increased by 22.2 %, with a 102.7 % higher output than the uncovered area, along with improved fruit quality and market value. JWCFs exhibited durability for at least a year and biodegraded naturally, enriching the soil. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | In summary, this work explored the feasibility of using jute-based fabrics as effective solutions for both controllable irrigation and weed control, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional irrigation and weed management methods. The work would also significantly contribute to the expansion of natural fiber applications, enhance the efficiency of agricultural production materials, and protect the soil environment. | en_US |
| dcterms.extent | xxvi, 158 pages : color illustrations | en_US |
| dcterms.isPartOf | PolyU Electronic Theses | en_US |
| dcterms.issued | 2026 | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | Ph.D. | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | All Doctorate | en_US |
| dcterms.accessRights | open access | en_US |
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