The effect of chitosan on the characteristics of the ramie rope as fishing gear material

The creation of environmentally friendly fishing gear is one of the focuses of the fisheries today. The use of natural materials as an alternative material for fishing equipment is one solution that can be taken. One natural material that has been widely used is ramie fiber, but information on the physical and mechanical properties of ramie rope is still very limited. In this study, chitosan was used to coat the ramie rope, in order to improve its mechanical properties. This study aims to determine the physical and mechanical properties of ramie rope and determine the opportunity for its use as fishing gear. This research was conducted in September-December 2017, located at the Laboratory of Fishing Gear Technology, of Fisheries Resource Utilization Department, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science Technology, Bogor Agricultural University and Laboratory of Wood Building Engineering and Design, Department of Forest Products Technology, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor Agricultural University. The research method used is an experimental laboratory. Ramie rope used was ±3 mm in diameter, and length of sample of 35 cm. The physical properties observed were color, stiffness, and impression of touch. The mechanical properties observed were breaking strength and elongation. The results showed that the ramie rope uncoated with chitosan in yellowish white, the texture was rough and stiff. Meanwhile, ramie rope has a creamy color, smooth surface texture and not too stiff. The breaking strength of ramie ropes with chitosan and without chitosan was significantly different (P value (1.6 x 10-5)0.05). The elongated ramie rope coated by chitosan has an average of 17.93 mm, while the ramie rope without chitosan 17.72 mm. The breaking strength of ramie rope after being immersed for 42 days experienced a decrease in strength of 42.23%.