Impact of UV Radiation on the Physical Properties of 100% Raw Kapok Fibers Needle-punched Compound Nonwovens for Agrotextile Applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT Producing functional nonwovens from sustainable fibers can become a great challenge if the chosen fiber is kapok, as it has unique qualities but very low inter-fiber cohesion. From a very exhaustive work, a new innovative production method was developed with a patent application (patent application number PT 109924A). With this method, the production of 100% raw kapok fibers needle-punched compound nonwovens were carried out, these were evaluated before and after being exposed to accelerated aging. After degradation (QUV), these compound nonwovens increased its thickness more than double reaching 25.66 mm, they obtained good mechanical properties, reaching a tensile strength of 161.13 N and puncture strength of 182.60 N. There was a significant increase in the perforation peak height (hop ), with lower through-thickness damage and greater diameter of the plunger-lateral damage, increasing its thermal resistance and thermal conductivity. These compound nonwovens proved to be superhydrophobic with a contact angle of 180° and through the condensation effect they gained almost double in thickness and catching approximately 5 g of weight in water. After these tests, these 100% raw kapok fibers needle-punched compound nonwovens can be considered to have the functional performance required for agrotextile applications.