A research on thermal insulation properties of nonwovens produced with recycled jute and wool fibres

Nonwovens materials are porous materials consisting of fibers and an interconnected void. Due to their unique fibre orientation and porous structure, nonwovens are ideal materials for insulation applications. In this paper some physical thermal insulation properties of single and double layered needle punched nonwovens produced with recycled jute and wool fibres were investigated. The use of recycled fibres is of high importance not only for cost reduction but also in means of environmental aspects. Polyester, wool and recycled jute (R-Jute) and recycled wool (R-Wool) fibres were used for the production of single and double layered needle punched nonwoven structures in this study. In the latter stage fibre fineness, basis weight, thickness, air permeability, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance properties were tested. The results were analysed statistically by using SPSS software in 95% confidence interval. Results have shown that wool and recycled wool inclusion in single and double layered nonwoven structures enhance the thermal insulation properties. And also it was found out that recycled fibres can be used in insulation applications without sacrificing from thermal properties. Nonwoven structures are good candidates to be used as low cost and environmental friendly insulation materials not only in buildings but also in automotive, furniture and clothing industries.