Development of New Insulation Panels Based on Textile Recycled Fibers

Abstract

One of the main environmental problems for clothing sub-sector is the production of remnant waste derived from cutting processes of natural or synthetic fibers. This work is focused on the preparation and characterization of new materials made of waste derived from textile industry (polyester and polyurethane) by thermoforming. The final application is the manufacturing of heat insulation panels that could be used in the building sector in order to improve environmental protection and energy efficiency. FTIR characterization was carried out in order to assess the composition of waste used. Thermal transitions of waste material and degradation temperature were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis, respectively. Wastes were ground by a cutting mill with 4-mm sieve. Thermal insulation panels of 200 × 200 × 5 mm (long × with × depth) of different densities were manufactured in a thermoforming hot plate at 190 °C and constant pressure during 15 min. Thermal insulation properties were evaluated by guarded comparative longitudinal heat flow technique. Thermal conductivity of panels was obtained in a range between 0.053 and 0.041 W/mK, depending on the density. The obtained values were similar to other commercial insulation materials.