CELL 136 |
| Val G. Yachmenev, Linda Kimmel, and Chris Delhom. CTC, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 |
| 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 nonwovens 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. |
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Modified Fibers with Medical and Specialty Applications
1:30 PM-4:30 PM, Thursday, March 27, 2003 Hampton Inn Convention Center -- Antonine, Oral
Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials |