Determination of Mesh Breaking Strength of Polyamide Fishing Nets

Abstract

This study deals with the determination of breaking strength of polyamide cage fishing nets under the exposure of salt, light and varying environmental pollutants such as benzine and detergent. A series of experiments under varying conditions was carried out in order to determine breaking strength that is of a great importance in ensuring correct performance of a particular gear. Breaking strength values of the 39/14 fishing net samples which were held in benzine, detergent and dry salt at room temperature for 1 to 5 months are found to decrease with time. Loss of breaking strength values with detergent, benzine and dry salt resulted respectively as 10.09%>6.475%>3.39%. According to results, it can be generalized that detergent is the most abrasive pollutant. In laboratories conducting tests on fishing nets using detergent, benzine and salt the duration of the test should be lasted at least 5 months. No remarkable change with a slight loss of strength value of 0.36% observed in 36/18 fishing net samples which were exposed artificial sun light for 300 hours (Equals 2700 hours of sunlight exposure). It can be concluded that this result proved the fact of PA nets are very durable against sun light. The results of this study point out that the test conditions in laboratories duration and chemicals have a great impact on the results of tests. Pollutants such as detergent and benzine can noticeably decrease the strength of fishing nets and affect the productivity and Effectiveness of Fishing Operations.