Using recycled high-strength polyester and Kevlar® wastes to reinforce sandwich-structured nonwoven fabric: Structural effect and property evaluation. (10th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Ting Ru; Lin, Ting An; Lin, Mei-Chen; Lin, Yan-Yu; Lou, Ching-Wen; Lin, Jia-Horng
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 267(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-10
• Subjects: High-strength polyester staple fibers -- Recycled Kevlar® fibers -- Recycled selvage -- Nylon fiber -- Sandwich structure; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121899
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The rise of fast fashion results in excessive waste and the redundant clothes cause environmental pollution due to the fact that synthetic fibers cannot be decomposed. Therefore, the disposal to textile waste becomes a critical issue in all countries. On the other hand, the majority of studies related to personal protective equipment commonly used high modulus fibers and manufacturing processes to strengthen the protection. As a result, the body armor that retains a certain weight and lower satisfaction from comfort interferes with the mobility of the wearers. Featuring comfortable texture and ease of processing, nonwoven fabrics can also be adjustable to suit the protection requirements. In this study, recycled Kevlar® fibers, nylon fibers, and low-melting polyester (L-PET) fibers are manufactured into the surface layers. Next, the surface layers enclose high strength polyester fibers ( i.e. the interlayers) to form a sandwich structure. The tensile strength test, tear strength test, and burst strength test are conducted to examine the sandwich-structured composites. Specifically, when the content of L-PET fibers is 300 g/m 2 and the needle punch depth is 15m, the composites exhibit optimal burst strength being 1957N and the optimal tensile strength being 425N, which demonstrates good mechanical performances. Proven by the test results, the recycled fibers still preserve their original high mechanical properties despite the finishing process, which helps to achieve the goal of reclamation without causing unnecessary pollution, and are a good candidate to the production of personal protective gear. Graphical abstract: Image 1