ARS | Publication request: Thermal Insulation Properties of Non-woven Composite Materials Made from Naturally Colored Cottons

Submitted to: International Journal of Nonwovens
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 21, 2002
Publication Date: February 22, 2003
Citation: Yachmenev, V., Kimmel, L.B., Delhom, C.D. 2003. Thermal Insulation Properties of Non-woven Composite Materials Made from Naturally Colored Cottons. International Nonwovens Journal. (Winter):28-32

Interpretive Summary: Naturally colored cottons do not require chemical dyeing. This offers important processing advantages including less water, chemical and energy consumption. Brown, green, and white (Maxxa) cottons, all from domestic sources, were used to construct needlepunched nonwoven composites. Four different designs representing pure cotton, cotton scrim-reinforced, and Lyocell and Amicor-blend constructions were manufactured on laboratory-scale equipment. A Fox 200 Heat Flow Meter was used for measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal transmittance of samples of the nonwoven needlepunched batts. The data show that thermal insulation properties of nonwoven materials made from naturally colored cottons vary significantly, depending on the type of the fibers, design of the nonwoven composites, and the resulting density of the composites. These data will provide valuable information for the manufacturer to select the most suitable naturally colored cottons for nonwoven composite materials. Groups benefiting from this development include the textile industry, industrial and academic textile scientists and the consumer of such products.

Technical Abstract: Recycled polyester fibers and cotton fibers that require no chemical processing were used to produce a low-cost, semi-durable, nonwoven thermal blanket. Thermal blankets were finished with polycarboxylic acid to improve structural stability during use and laundering. In addition, four sets of composite blanket materials made from a variety of naturally colored cottons were manufactured and tested. These nonwoven materials do not require chemical dyeing, thus offering important processing advantages such as less water, chemical and energy consumption. Thermal insulation properties of cellulose-based nonwoven composite materials were evaluated by means of FOX-200 steady-state heat flow meter. The data show that thermal properties of these nonwoven materials vary significantly, depending on the type of fibers, design of the nonwoven composite, and the resulting density of the composite. Overall these "environmentally friendly" nonwoven blanket materials had good hand, excellent thermal and comfort qualities, and could offer an improved, economically viable product.