Innovation in textile has brought alternative plant based fibers such as bamboo into the spotlight and as a replacement to petrochemical based synthetic fibers. Bamboo as a raw material is a remarkably sustainable and versatile resource but the manufacturing process is where the debate really gets heated and the sustainability and green image of bamboo is tarnished. Products made from bamboo are often labeled as ‘eco-friendly’, ‘bio-degradable’ and ‘anti-microbial’ irrespective of their method of manufacturing. The claims may not always portray the products authenticity and true environmental impact. By far, viscose process is predominantly used to create fibers from bamboo but the properties of natural bamboo fibers in such bamboo viscose products have been lost. However, bamboo textiles are not yet achieved their full potential and cleaner production processes are appearing. With abundant sources of raw material, relatively low cost; and unique performance of bamboo fiber it is only a matter of time to develop green and pure bamboo textiles. This paper analyses the prospects of bamboo fibers providing a view on bamboo as a plant and processed fiber, facts regarding the antimicrobial properties of bamboo fibers, its chemical properties, morphology, anatomy, historical overview, patents and modern bamboo textile industry.

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SynopsisFibers prepared from poly(ethy1ene terephthalate) (PET) and poly@utylene terephthalate) (PBT) blends show a sharp decrease in tensile strength and modulus when blends are on the verge of phase segregation. The modulus values differ for homopolymers for their differences in chain configuration and methylene groups and that of the blends are in proportion. The experimental strength values are higher than the predicted values according to Paul's model for incompatible polymers. At 90/10 PET/PBT blend, the modulus is high, which may be a relative factor to the smaller crystal size of the components.

SYNOPSISBlends of polycarbonate (PC) with poly(buty1ene terphthalate) (PBT) were characterized using density measurements, DSC, IR, and TGA. Addition of PBT increases the density values of blends linearly. All the blends show a single glass transition temperature, indicating the miscibility of the two polymers in the amorphous phase. With more than 6% addition of PBT to PC, PBT crystallizes as per its own crystal structure. The addition of 4% PBT to PC improves the thermal stability at higher temperature than does pure PC. IR studies shows that addition of PBT improves the intermolecular forces in PC, in particular, on the endgroup and the C-CH3 and C = O groups as indicated in the frequencies 1020, 1370, and 1770-1790 cm-'.

The structural and thermal properties of solvent-induced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) polyester have been investigated. Flat, high twist and spun yarns were treated with trichloroacetic acid-methylene chloride (TCAMC) mixed solvent for 5 min at about 25 °C. The treatment influenced the solvent- induced crystallisation in PET, and the high interacting power of TCAMC with PET was substantiated. An increase in X-ray crystallinity was observed in the treated flat yarn but the orientation was reduced. The variation in crystallinity was measured by X-ray and DSC techniques and is discussed. The melting and recrystallisation behaviour of the crystallites were indicated by DSC measurements. The treatment improved the crystallite stability and perfection. Flat yarn exhibited a distribution of the more stable crystals with higher heat of fusion than the respective spun and high twist yarns. The study shows that the crystalline structure reorganises to a more stable and uniform form as a result of the treatment. Double melting peaks were seen in the DSC of the high twist treated samples.

The isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization behaviour of blends of poly(ethy1ene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(tetramethy1ene terephthalate) (PBT) is investigated at low percentage of the second component. The melting behaviour of the isothermally crystallized sample shows that the crystallization behaviour in the blend is governed by the mobility of PBT. Below 200 "C the crystallization process is hindered, whereas above 200 "C the PET crystals are larger in case of added PBT. The non-isothermal crystallization behaviour shows that the crystallization process is hindered when the PBT content in the blend is less or higher than 6 wt.-'70.

Major peninsular rivers debouching into the Bay of Bengal through 2729 km long east coast of India, carry enormous inland flow and sediment from their alluvial basins. Present climate changes, storm irregularities and tsunamis have changed the hydrology of the coastal rivers. The hydrologic interventions for human need have reduced the sediment flow of the rivers resulting in sinking the deltas. Twelve important river basins in the east coast of India were identified. Linear and nonlinear regression equations were developed by stochastic approach of their annual flow and yearly sediment influx (1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012) for the 12 rivers at their delta head. As results, the annual flow of the rivers from Subarnarekha to Godavari followed rational curves except the Brahmani River and Gaussian models for rivers from the Godavari to south except the river Vaigai. Similarly, the curve fitting models of time series for sediment had shown a change in curve pattern, the river Godavari being the line of demarcation. Gumbel II and Log Pearson type III methods were used to predict the flow and the sediment at various probabilities. Sediment prediction by Gumbel method had shown lower values than Log Pearson Type III methods for planning and design of hydraulic structures. The disparities in geologic formation of the central India and Deccan Plateau can be emphasized based on the statistical interpretations.