Backqround Art : Geotextiles being permeable textiles are used in conjunction with solis or rocks. as an integral part af a man-made project. Geotextiles are classieed as natural and synthetic Geotextiles. The basic functions of Geotextiles are categorized as separation, reinforcement, fi « on and drainage.

The reports of isolated applications of Geo-textiles is evident as early as 1926.

However, only during the early 1970s impact of its application has become significant. The growth of Geotextiles mostly represented by synthetic Geotextiles (-98%) has been continuing, to the extent of 300-400 million Sq. metre (approx.) being used now world-wide per year in more than 100,000 different projects. Present production of a ! l kinds of Geotextiles represents about 1% of the entire industrial <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> fabric market, or about 0. 25% of @ of the whole textile market. Consumption of Jute Geo- textiles , being one of the emerging diversified jute products, has also been increased severaf folds (20. Q lakhs sq. metre, approx.) in the last five years. Geotextiles thus have a good market potential in the years to come.

The synthetic GeotexMes, manufactured from by-products of petroleum, are becoming costlier and moreover, ecological considerations do raise doubts about the long term effect of indiscriminate application of such synthetic materials. Natural Geotextiles to this extent is ecologically safe as they are biodegradable and leaves no residue to environment, apart from being less costly.

Out of several available natural Geotextiles, Jute Geotextiles (JGT) is of prime importance due to various reasons. Hydraulic ,tensile and construction survivability properties like Grab tensile strength, Trapezoidal tear strength, porosity and permeability etc. of Jute Geotextiles are more or less comparable with synthetic Xtextiles. Other special characteristics of natural Jute Geo-textile are its

biodegradability, in plane drainage, water absorption capacity and drapability etc. which are lacking in synthetic Geotextiles.

Considering the above advantageous properties/benefits, Jute Geo-texfiles as a natural fibre geo-textiles find its use in different areas which include (i) erosion control of soil and ist protection through subsequent vegetation establishment (ii) for agronomical functions of mulching, moisture retention, weed control etc. (iii) land development in desert like areas (iv) in home and institutional lawn and gardening v) in high way engineering application (vi) construction of haul roads (unpaved) for improving their load carrying capacity (vii) in the maintenance of railway tract associated with ballast and soil interface problem (viii) water related engineering (ix) river bank protection (x) slope protection (xi) for draining pore water (drainage) during consolidation of soil and (xii) pavement protection of roads by way of retarding Us reflecfive cracking etc. importantly, life of JGT with respect to its physical existence and functional properties is either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the situation specific end use. For example, short fife of JGT becomes an advantage in case of mulching (agricultural application) whereas short life of JGT becomes a disadvantage in applications such as consolidation of soft soils, soil sub-grade support, slope protection of highway and railway embankment, erosion protection of river banks etc.

Thus, there are some very important Geo-technical applications where the functional requirement of JGT cannot be adequate ! y met due ? the short eHecSve life of the jute geo-textiles than its actual requirement for such application. To improve the life of Jute Geo-textile and make it suitable for applications requiring an extended Me of the geo-textiles such as in civil engineenng applications, the current practice is to treat the base geo-jute fabric with copper based sals as rot-proofing material and bitumen as inert coating material. However. copper based treatment on JGT at around 1% (w/w) level has been considered eco-toxic (Indian Eco-level of heavy metals including copper for textiles, 10 ppm) as it perhaps cause ground water contamination in various ways. Bituminization of jute Geotexfiles apart from being not eco-friendly, badly affects the porometry, permitivitty and flexibility of JGT and also makes them heavier etc. Even, the life of copper-treated and bituminized JGT (existing woven JGT product), embedded under differen natural soils has been observed to be poor and do not meet the desired life (durability) of such jute geo- textiles,

Objects of the invention : It is thus the basic object of the present invention to provide rot resistant durable natural fibres and/or products based thereon such as geo-textile especially jute geo- textiles whic would have an extended effective life than conventionally known/available natual fibres/jute geo-textiles in terms of delayed bio-deterioration and even better than the presently available copper treated and bituminized jute geo-textiles to thereby provide for varied and wider long term end use/applications of such natural fibres and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide rot resistant durable jute geo- textiles, which would be eco-friendly and retain the desired characteristic of a natural fibre based geo-textiles such as permeability, flexibility (drapability), light-weight and cost-effective.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to provide a simple and cost- effective process for praducing rot resistant durable jute fibres/ jute geo-textiles having relative longer life which would be eco-friendly and importantly avoid the use of ecologically unsafe chemicals like copper based safts and bitumen.

Yet another object of the present invention is directed to providing rot resistant durable natural fibre/ JGT which would be flexible, lighter and cheaper to thereby provide jute geo-tesdi ! es with desired strength and durability.

Yet further object is directed to manufacture of rot resistant durable jute fibrestgeo- textiles involving the use of textile friendly materials (non- metallic and non- bituminous).

Yet further object of the present invention is directed to manufacture of rot resistant durable jute fibre/jute geo-textiles which would be simple, easily adaptable and environmentally safe and also cost effective.

Summary of the Invention : Thus according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided rot resistant durable natural fibre anå/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles composing of natural fibre/jute fibre/fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainab!e antimicrobial with durable and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

Selective treatment media retained by the fibric includes selective non-metallic antimicrobials such as Benzothiazole derivatives, lsothiazolinones, Dithiocarbamates , benzoic acid esters, Perborates, Sorbates, Biguanides, Butylitin maleates,

Quaternary ammonium compounds, Phenyl phenates and lodinated sulphones preferably biguanides. The treatment media can be the aforesaid antimicrobials only or in combination, with water at different concentrations. Importantly, as apparent from the above the rot resistant fibre/fabric of the invention can involve the treated fibres or fabrics /textiles of natural fibres such as jute geotextiles thus treated.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising of natural ttbute fibre/fabric treated with selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainable antimicrobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

The present invention advantageously proposes selective natural fibrerute fibre/fabric treated with treatment media which does not involve the use of environmentally hazardous chemicals such as copper based safts and bitumen used in the known art. Preferably, the treatment media includes selective textile friendly anti-microbials both leachable and non-teachable type adapted to MM the microRora in natural fibres especially jute. Non-leachable type of anti-microbiais are preferred as they are expected to impart durable rot- resistant property to Jute Geo-textile.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising of natural fibre/jute fibre/fabric treated wiht selective non metallic and fibre/fabric retainable antimicarobials with durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retaining natural fibre / fabric /getexEle$ characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material.

The protective layer can be any suitable film forming material such as silicone wax emulsion, acrylate co-polymers etc.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres/fabrics/textiles comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/tesrtile retainable antimicrobials to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material.

Preferably the synergis rot resistant treatment media can be selected from a combination of non-metallic antimicrobials preferably selected from Benzothiazoles (AM4), Isothiazolinones(AM5),Biguanides (AM9), Tri-n-butylitin maleate (AM10) and

2-Phenyl Phenate (AM13). in accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided a rot resistant treatment media adapted for treating natural fibres/fabrics/textiles comprising a synergistic combination of non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antirnicrobials of Benzothiazoles (AM 4) and Biguanides (AM 9) to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibra/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics with or without a protective layer/film forming material.

In the above disclosed synergistic combinetion of non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobials the said Benzothiazoles (AM 4) is used in an amount of 0.02to 1. 0 % and Biguanides (AM 9) is used in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0 % In accordance with yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable natural fibre and/or products based thereon such as geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising selectively treating the natural fibre and /or product based thereon including geotextiles with a rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobial to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibrejfabdc and also retain natural fibr / fabric /geo-textiles characteristics.

Preferably the synergistic rot resistant treatment media used can be selected from a combination of non-metallic antimicrobia preferably selected from Benzothiazoles (AM 4),Isothiazolinones(AM5),Biguanides (AM9), Tri-n-butylitin maleate (AM10) and 2-Phenyl Phenate (AM13).

More preferably the rot resistant treatment media dadpted for treating natural fibres/fabries/textiles used in the above process composing a synergistic combination of non me and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobials of Benzothiazoles (AM 4) and Biguanides (AM 9) In the above synergistic combination of non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobials used the said Benzothiazoles (AM 4) is used in an amount of 0. 02 to 1. 0 and Biguanides (AM 9) is used in an amount of 0. 01 to 1.0 % In n accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-textiles comprising selectively treating the natural fibre for the manufacture of the geotextile and /or geotexlile with the rot resistant treatment media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobial to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural

fibre/fabric geo-texiles charactertics.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-tetes comprising : (i) selectively treating the natural fibre for the manufacture of the geotextile and /or geotextile with the rot resistant treatrnent media comprising selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antirnicrobial; and (ii) applying a film forming material at fabric stage of the geotextile, to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles charateristics.

In accordance with yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of a rot resistant durable geo-textiles preferably jute geo-texfiles comprising : selectively treating the geotextile with the rot resistant treatment media compnsing selective non metallic and fibre/fabric/textile retainable antimicrobial ; and a film forming material at fabric stage of the geotextile, to impart durability and strength more than that of natural fibre/fabric and also retain natural fibre / fabric /geo-textiles charactenstics.

The film forming material used can be preferably silicone-wax emulsion, acrylate co- polymer and the like.

It is thus possible by way of the invention to not only improve upon the durability of natural fibre/fabric/geootextiles and the like by imparting rot resistant characteristics but a ! so maintain the desired natural fibre characteristics for favourable application vis-a-vis synthetics and knoM natura ! fibres and products thereof. Moreover, such rot resistant treatment is found to be compatible with other protective treatments such as water repellant films etc which add to the end characteristics and value of the product of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention : It is thus possible by way of the above process of the invention to provide durable jute geo-textiles having relatively longer life than conventional Jute Geo-textiles and even more than the environmentally hazardous copper treated and bituminized Jute Geo- textiles.

Basically, the invention would invclve the following materials and forms of treatment to achieve the durable natural fibre/jute geo-textiles.

(a) Woven Jute Geo-textile fabric ;

(b) Non-metallic antimicrobials preferably Benzothiazole , derivatives, lsothiazolinones, Dithiocarbamates , benzoic acid esters, Perborates, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> Stems, Biguanides, Butylamin maleates, Quaternary ammonium compounds. Phenyl phenstes and lodinated sulphones etc.

(c) Film forming materials prefen : ably Silicone-wax emulsion, Acrylate co-polymer etc.

In accordance with a preferred aspect the process of manufacture of the rot resistant geotextile involves the following steps : (i) Preparation of antimicrobial solution and application : Textile friendly antimicrobials (both leachable and non-leachable type), selected to kill the microllora present in Jute and to impant durable rot- resistant property to Jute Geo-textiles, are dissolved in definite proportion either alone or in combination in water at different concentrations , pH of the solution adjusted to 6.0-6. 5. After addition of antimicrobials the solution is preferably stirred. Anti-microbial treatment may be done either at fibre stage or at fabric stage, however, tabac stage application is preferred.

(ii) Application of Film forming materials as a protective layer : Film forming materiai may be applied on Jute Gel-tex only at the fabric stage.

Combined treatment of anti-microbials and film forming materials at fabric stage is also possible.

(iii) Fabric : Jute Geo-textiles ( iv) Fabric : Liquor = 1.0 : 2. 5 (v) Treatment : Pad-Dry-Cure method (vi Weight pick-up : SO-70 %, o.w.f ( on the weight of fabric ) ( vii ) Drying @ At 110-120° C for 5-10 minutes in a drying range ( viii ) Curing : At 140 ° C for 1-2 minutes The invention, its objectives and advantages are explained hereunder in greater detail in relation to non-limiting exemplary illustrations as per the following examples Examples : Materials Used : (a) Woven Jute Geo-textile fabric (20 KN/m ) of specifications : 102 x 39/dm, 76 em width was used as the basic control alongwith the same fabric treated with both Cu and Bitumen as further contro ! (Grey JGT fabnc + Cu + Bitumen) to demonstrate the rot resistant treatment and its benelits on a widely prevalent geotextile variety (Grey JGT fabric). The specifications of the above controls used are given in Table 1 hereunder Table 1 Specifications of Woven Jute Geo-textiles Used Properties Different Woven Jute Geo-textiles Plain Weave type@ A B Weight at 20 % M.R 760 1200 ( gm per sq.metre ) Threads / dm, 102x39 102x39 ( MDXCD) Thickness (mm) 2 2 Width (cm) 76 76 Strength ( kN/ m) ( MDXCD) 20x20 21x21 (b) Non-metallic antimicrobials tried were Benzothiazole

derivatives,lsothiazolinones, Dithiocarbamates , benzoic acid esters, Perborates, Sorbates, Biguanides, Butylitin maleates, Quaternary ammonium compounds, Phenyl phenates and lodinated sulphones etc. Details of the antimicrobials used are provided in Table 2 hereunder: Table 2 List of Non-metallic Anti- microbials used for obtaining durable lute Geo-textiles SL No Name of the Non-metallic Anti-microbials used Concentrations *Used ( % , o .w . f ) to treat Jute Geo-textiles ( Range) AM I Para hydroxyl Senzok aced esws AM 2 2,4- hexa dienoic acid - potassium salt 0.2 - 1,5 AM 3 Sodium perborate 0.05 - 1,5 AM 4 Benzothiazoles 0.02 - 1.0 AM 5 Isothiazolinones 0.01 - 1,2 AM 6 Dithiocarbamates 0.05 - 1.0 AM 7 3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl -dimetilyl- octadecyl- 0.01 - 1.0 antmonmm-chtorMe AM 8 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl -ether 0,01 - 1,5 AM 9 Biguanides 0,01 - 1,0 AM 10 Tri-n-butylitin maleate 0.02 - 1,2 AM 11 Iodinated sulphones 0,2 - 1,5 AM 12 Myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromlde 0,1 - 1,5 AM 13 2-Phenyl Phenate 0,2 - 1,5 . O.W.F =On the weight of the fabric

(c) Film forming matrials preferably Silicone-wax emulsion, Acrylate co-polymer etc were used as detailed in Table 3 hereunder Table 3 List of Coating Polymers used for developing durable Jute Geo-textiles a7' °'9 ! d t ; =ihL.'. EJ L ! uL 6es'. yNiUt, 1 ur', !"tudi, e4 ° f ; : ws'=-u : . _ Ti : G, Q,. e'". = ; i4p . 7. 'a w-8 (%, o. N)'. irjto Jt <Ses- (% t o. S. f f GB tNfflz I I CP I, I Vfz,, z =M,-r ! zfva 1 0. 1-2. to c 1 S X W ; ESX WE E ID. « CP'SMsas-W eaiaB ! sma'M-S. 9 CP2"""RMSMsareasSE-M @ CP = CoaUng Polymer The process of manufacture followed involved the following steps : (i) Preparation of rot resistant antimicrobial solution : Textile friendly antimicrobiais (both leachable and non-leachable type), selected to kill the microflora present in Jute and to impart durable rot- resistant property to Jute Geo t s, are dissolved in definne proporfion either abne or in combination in water at different concentraSons as detailed in Table 2. pH of the solution was next adjusted to 6. 0-6. 5. After addition of antimicrobials, solution was stirred for 5 - 10 minutes with a stirrer (50-100 r. p. m).

(ii) Treatment of fibre/fabric with rot resistant antimicrobial : Anti-microbial treatment can be done either at fibre stage or at fabric stage, however, fabric stage application is preferred.

(iii) Application of Film forming materials as a protective layer : Film forming material may be applied on Jute Geo-textiles only at the fabric stage .

Combined treatment of anti-microbials and film forming materials at fabric stage is also possible.

(iv) The treatment procedure /specifications followed was as hereunden (a) Fabric : Liquor = 1. 0 : 2. 5 (b) Treatment : Pad-ure method (c) Weight pick-up : 50- 70 %, o.w.f ( on the weight of fabric) (d) Drying : At 110-120 ° C for 5-10 minutes in a drying range (e) Curing : At 140 ° C for 1-2 minutes

invoking the above procedure the following exemplary trials were carried out : Example I Under the exemplary illustration a woven Jute Geo-textiles 102x39/dm, 76 cm fabric width - 760 gm per Sq. metre was mostly used for the study .

Example 2 The woven Jute Geo-textile of the specifications as in Example 1 was used .

However, the Jute Geo-textiles was subjecled to copper and bitumen treatment in accordance with the conventional art of providing durable Jute Geo-textile.

Example 3 Under this example the same variety of woven Jute Geo-textile as in Example 1 was used and subjected to the treatment as per the present invention as discussed here <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> under .<BR> under.

Studies on Durable Jute Geo-textiles : Some of the basic physical properties , Tensile properties , Hydraulic properties , construction survivability properties along with Durability properties of Jute Geo- textiles obtained as per the Examples 1 to 3 were studied as per standard methods and for the purpose the following protocols were followed : Properties of IGT Tested Standard Methods followed Tensile strength ASTM D 4632 / ASTM D 751 / ASTM 4595 Tear strength ASTM U Z33 f IS : 14293 Burst strength ASTM D 3786 / BS 4768 % elongation at break IS : 2Me ASTM D 4491/ IS : 14324 Mass per unit Area ASTM D 3776 Durabirity IS : 1623-1992 ( Biological Resistance) Apparent opening size( AOS) ASTM D 475/ IS : 14294 Drapability ASTM D 1388 Puncture resistance ASTM D 4833 / IS : 13162 Part 4 The effect of the selective non-metallic anti-microbials as rot resistant media on the basic jute fabric was determined and compared with the controls as detailed in Table 4 hereunder : Table 4 Effect of non-metallic Anti-microbials and Coating Polymers on Jute Geo-textile

Jute Geo-Textile (JGT) Fabrie Samples@ / Microbial Profile of JGT Life of JGT Treatments Under Enriched soil (IS : 1623) after 21 days T.B.C T.F.C % Retention in Strength Grey JGT Fabric - Untreaterd (Control 7.0 x 10@ 3.8 x104 5-10 Grey JGT Fabric + CU (1%, o.w.f) 2.0 x 103 .05 x 102 24-28 Grey JGT Fabric + Cu _ Bitumen ND ND 40-46 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 1 2.0 x 105 1.2 x102 33-39 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 2 3.5 x 104 0.8 x102 40-45 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 3 1.8 x 104 1.6 x103 30-38 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 4 4.2 x 103 NIL 68-74 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 5 NIL 2.6 x102 63-70 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 6 1.1 x 102 1.8 x103 50-54 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 7 0.7 x 104 1.3 x102 53-57 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 8 NIL 2.7 x104 50-56 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 9 2.0 x 102 NIL 80-85 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 10 1.4 x 103 NIL 60-65 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 11 3.0 x 103 2.4 x103 45-50 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 12 5.0 x 104 NIL 48-55 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 13 1.0 x102 55-60 *JGT Fabnc SpeoScation : 102 x 39 / dm, 760 gsm - 76 cm width (20 KNIM) NO = Not determined T, 8. C : Total Bacterial count, T. F. C: Total Fungat count As would be apparent from the above Table 4, Grey Jute Geo-textile fabric is associated with a good numbers of microbes represented mosHy by bactena and fungus and its life is very poor under enriched soil. Known art of treatment of JGT with either copper alone or in combination with bitumen as coating material for enhancing the life was was to be not sufficient ( Table 4 ). The effect of the selective non-metallic anti-microbials on microbial profile and life of Jute Geo-textiles have been shown in Table 4. All the non-metallic antS als seleSely identified and used reduced the microbial load of Jute Geo-textile fabric by several

times. Treatment with copper also reduced the microbial load of JGT. However, when treated JGT were placed to enriched soit (As per IS : 1623, accelerated degradation protocol) to check the efficacy of rot-resistant treatment, imparted by different anti-microbial agents as per list given in Table No, 4, it was observed that in case of AM 4, AM 5, AM 9, AM 10 and AM 13 treated JGT fabrics, retention in strength of JGT was 60 % and above. Both in case of Copper treated JGT fabric and nd Copper treated and bituminized JGT fabrics, retention in strength was below 50 %. Maximum retention in strength was observed in case of AM 9 treated JGT fabric ( > 80 %) and hence AM 9 was further identified as an active treatment media.

Further studies were carried out to determine the effect of combinations of the selective treatment media in rot resistance of jute geo-textiles. The results obtained are provided in Table 5 hereunder.

Table 5 SELECTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL COMBINATION/ COATING POLYMERS FOR CURABLE JUTE GEO-TEXTtLES SL No : JGT *+ Combination of Concentration used ( Life of treated JGT under Antimicrobials/ Coating polymers %) enriched soil (As per- IS: 1623) % Retention in Strength after 21 days 1.Grey JGT- Untreated control 05-10 2. Grey JGT+ AM 4 + AM 5 AM 4 = 0.02- 1.0 80-84 3.Grey JGT+ AM 4 + AM 9 AM 5 = 0.01 - 1.2 94-98 4. Grey JGT+ AM 4 + AM 10 AM 9 = 0.01 -1.0 70-75 5. Grey JGT+ AM 4 + AM13 AM10 = 0.02 -1.2 62-67 6. Grey JGT+ AM 5 + AM 9 AM13 = 0.2 -1.5 87-90 7. Grey JGT+ AM 5 + AM10 CP 1 = 0.1-2.0 65-70 8. Grey JGT+ AM 5 + AM13 CP 2 = 0.05-1.0 60-65 9. Grey JGT+ AM 9 + AM10 85-87 10. Grey JGT+ AM 9 + AM13 84-88 11. Grey JGT+ AM 10 + AM13 70-75 12. Grey JGT+ AM 9 + CP 1 82-85 13. Grey JGT+ AM 9 + CP 2 83-88 14. Grey JGT+AM 4 + AM 9 + CP 2 95-98 # JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN /m) As clearly apparent from the above results obtained, a combined action of AM 4 and AM 9 was found to be most suitable to impart durable rot - resistant property to JGT ( better than either AM 4 or AM 9). The resuits further demonstrate that application

of coating polymers along with anti-microbials did not adversely affect the life of JGT. Thus the treatment media was also found to be compatible with coating medias such as water repellent coatings etc if used in geotextiles and the like. <BR> <BR> <P>To check the durability of combined anti-microbial actions (AM 4 + AM 9) on JGT,<BR> both treated and untreated JGT fabrics were incubated at 100 % R.H for 90 days and the durability charactenstics noted as shown in Table 6 hereunder.

Table 6 DURABLE ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT TO JUTE GEO-TEXTILES SL No. / Sample of JGT* Microbial Profile of JGT at 100 % % Loss in Strength at R.H **after 100 % R.H - after 30Days 60 Days 90 Days 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days s grey JGT Fabric T.B.C = T. B. C ='6'. B. C = - 7.5 x 106 3.0 x 107 5.2 x 107 4.0 MJ2 2 16.6 Unseated control T.F.C = T.F.C = T. F.C = 4. 1 x104 4.8 x104 6.0 x104 2. Grey JGT Fabtic + AM 4 + AM 9 NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL (DurabX JGT) *JGT specification : 102x39 / dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm. width (20 KN/m) At 100 % R. H Jute absorbs about 35 % moisture and is prone to microbial attack and subsequent damage As apparent from the results it was observed that in untreated JGT, microbial growth increased with time with a simultaneous reduction in strength (16.6 %) of the fabric.

In case of treated durable JGT no microbial growth appeared even after incubation at 100 % R. H for 90 days and there was no strength loss with time. This itself indicates that the anti-microbial treatment imparted was durable in nature and hence beneficial for JGT.

Next, jute Geo-textiles, both treated and untreated, were kept in natural atmospheric condition in presence of sunlight, air and rain etc. and their loss in strength were monitored at different time intervals to ascertain the efcet of the treatment in actinic deterioration. Actinic deterioration rate of both untreated and treated durable JGT is shown in Table 7 hereunder.

Table 7 ACTINIC DETERIORATION OF JUTE GEO-TEXTLES (Effect of Weathering**)

SL no./Samp ! e& of JOT* % OetenctaNon in Strength aHeF S9 Cas9 Ba@9C'Si C-9 D, 317Z C,, l en-", qo . X. W... _ i. Ow JGT fabriç-UntreGed ntoX 7. 2 15. 4 28. 2 2. JGT Pabric- !- Cu Btiumen'6'89"t3. 8 treated 3. CfJGTFabnc-f-AM4AMS'M'&2- ! 4. 3 treatise (Durabt Jute Gec-td ! ! es) ..

* JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN/m) **Months : April - June It was found that actinic deterioration rate of Untreated Jute Geo -textiles was high 28 % with in 90 days ) whereas in case of durable Juter Geo-textile actinic detenoration rate was low and almost 50 % of the untrerated one. Therefore, treatment given to produce durable JGT, reduced its actinic deterioration rate- another advantage of durable JGT.

The effect if any, of the treated fabrics in leaching with water was next studied and for the the purpose both control JGTs and durable JGT fabric samples were leached out under water as per IS : 1623 and subsequenoy air dried before put them under enriched soil for 21 days. The results are provided hereunder in Table 8 : Table 8 LEACHABILITY STUDY OF DURABLE JUTE GEO- TEXTILES (As per IS: 1623, 1992) SL NO. JGT samples * after leaching Life under enriched soil after 21 days % Retention in strength 1 Grey JGT Fabric - Untreated control 3 - 5 2 Grey JGT Fabric + Cu + Bitumen 38-0 3 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 4 + AM 9 87-92 (Durable Jute Geo-textiles) # JGT specification: 102x39/dm, 760gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN/m)

Test results showed that in durable JGT there was no substantial loss in strength even after leaching in water and there by indicate that the anti-microbials bind to the JGT fabrics permanently and improve their biological resistance under soil.

After confirming the rot resistant characteristics of the treated jute geotextiles <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> according to the invention the same was subjected to rtests to ascertain its physical<BR> and constructional survivability properties. The results obtained are detailed hereunder in Table 9: Table 9 PHYSICAL AND CONSTRUCTION SURVIVABILITY PROPERTIES OF JUTE GEOTEXTILES Properties of JGT JGT SAMPLES Fabric Grey JGT Fabric- Grey JGT Fabric Durable JGT Fabrc Untreated control + Cu + Bitumen 1. Weight (gm per sq. metre) 760 1200 749 at 20% Regain 2. Tear strength (N) Warp- W% 240 - 248 162- 182 260- 270 12. 6 15. 9 7. 8 Weft- CV% 309 266 402 13. 4 14. 9 11.2 3. Bursting strength KN/ m2 765-775 800-820 836-844 CV % 6.7 7.4 4.1 4. Puncture- Resistance 370-380 400-410 393-405 (N/c) CV % 5. 6 6. 9 4. 8 5. Elongation % at 8.0-9.0 4.0-6.0 10.6-11.8 break

* JGT specification: : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN /m) As apparent from the above results durable Jute Geo-textile of the invention was

lighter and having construction survivabilRy propetties such as tear strength, bursting strength and puncture resistance well comparable to control JGTs. This result indicates that treatment with anti-microbiats does not negatively affect the physical properties rather improve them to some extent. Jute Geo-textiles after Copper treatment and bituminiztion become heavier and stiffer Even the porometry, permittivity and strength of the treated jute geotextile was found to be favourable vis- à-vis the controls as further detailed in Table 10 hereunden Tala 10 Porometry, Permittivity, Drapability & Strength of Jute Geotextiles JGT Sample Porometry (A.O.S) Permittivity (cm / Drape Tensile * (Micron) Sec) Co-efficient Strength % (KN / metre) 080 M/D C/D A 80 1.64 x 10-3 84.4 27.0 24.2 B 150 0.66 x 10-3 100.0 28.1 24.8 C 405 1.89 x 10-3 82.9 26.7 23.5

* Fabric Specification : 102 x 39 / dm, 760 gsm - 76 cm width.

A : Untreated JGT (Control) B : Copper & Bitumen treated JGT C Durable JGT (Non-copper & non- bituminous) A. O. S: Apparent opening size Further the durability of durable Jute Geo-textiles was observed in différent types of soils such as sandy soil ,,garden soil and enriched soil vis-à-vis control geotextiles .

The results are reproduced in following Tab, 12 and 13.

Table11 DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF IES OF JUTE GEO-TEXTILES IN SANDY SOIL So Type/ Samples of JGT * % Retention in Strength after Composition 21 Days 45 Days 90 Days Sandy soil A : ereyJGTFabnc-45-4S27-32S-12 Untreated Sand : 96% B : Grey JGT Fabric 74-77 63-68 51-53 Silt : 00% + Cu +Bitumen Clay : C:DurableJGTFabric96-9891-94 90-93 JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN/m)

Durable Jute Geo-textiles was found to retain its strength (92 %) in sandy soil even after 90 days of incubation unlike control JGTs . Selected anti- microbial treatment thus assures Me of JGT in sandy soit by way of delaying its rate of bio-deterioration .

Durable JGT is a non- copper and non-bituminous product.

Table 12 DURABILITY PROFERTIES OF JUTE GEO-TEXTILES IN GAROEN SOIL Soil Typel Samples of JGT * % Retention in Strength after Composition 21 Days 45 Days 90 Days Natural Garden A : Grey JGT Fabric- 38 - 40 20 - 24 05 - 08 soil Untreated B : Grey JGT Fabric 63 - 67 52 - 56 37 - 40 Sand : 58% + Cu +Bitumen Silt : 34% C : Durable JGT Fabric 93 - 96 90 - 92 88 - 90 Clay : 08%

* JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN/ m) Durable Jute Geo-textiles retains its strength ( 90 %) in Garden soil even after 90 days of incubation unlike control JGTs, Seiected anti-microbia ! ttieatment thus assures life of JGT in Garden soil by way of delaying its rate of bio-deterioration.

Table 13 DURABILITY FROPERTIES OF JUTE GEO-TEXTILES IN ENRICHED SOIL (AspertS : 1623, 19) Soil Typel samples of JGT * % Retention in Strength after Composition 21 Days 45 Days 90 Days Enriched soil A : Grey JGTFabric- 05-08 00 00 Sand : 64% Untreated Sift : 31% B : Grey JGT Fabric 45- 48 30- 35 22- 25 Clay : 05% +Cu+Biiumen C: Durable JGT Fabric 93-98 90-92 86-88

* JGT specification : 102x39 /dm, 760 gsm- 76 cm width (20 KN/m) Durable Jute Geo-textiles retains its strength (88 %) in enriched sod even after 90 days of incubation unlike control JGTs. Selected anti-microbial treatment thus

assures life of JGT in enriched soil by way of delaying its rate of bio-deteriorafon.

Further a newty developed JGT fabnc was treated Wh same rot resistant anti- microbial treatment media to see its efficacy on other thick construction of JGT.The results are provided hereunder in Table 14.

Table 14 DURABILITY FROPERTIES OF A NEW JUTE GEO-TEXTILES (40 KN/m) UNDER ENRICHED SOIL (As per IS: 1623, 1992) SL NO. JGT samples* Life under enriched seil after 21 days % Retention in strength 1 Grey JGT Fabric-Untreated control 4 - 6 Grey JGT Fabric + AM 4 + AM g 92 46 (Durable Jute Geo-textiles) * JGT specification : 49x49/dm, 900gsm- 100 cm width (40 KN/m) Durable Jute Geo-texiles was found to retain its strength (96 %) in enriched soil even after 21 days of incubation unlike control JGTs. Selected anti- microbial treatment thus assures life of JGT of thicker construction in enriched soil by way of decaying its rate of baa-deterioratton.

The above clearly demonstrate that the rot resistant durable Jute Geo-textiles obtained in accordance with the invention achieved enhanced life / durability of Jute Geo-textiles. Durable Jute Geo-textile is bund to have longer life under sandy soil, natural garden soil and enriched soil and suitable for functioning for prolonged period in different natural soi ! conditions. In addion, modfied JGT are found to have improved functional properties such as drapability, permeability and are also lighter and cost effective (40 % of copper treated and bituminized JGT).

The durable JGT of the above invention with improved functional properties would thus serve as a cost effective substitute to synthetic Geo-textiles and should have wider applications to solve various Geo-technical problems especially with respect to environmental aspects