Kenaf nonwovens as substrates for laminations

Abstract

Laminated products are used universally in the manufacture of furniture, kitchen cabinets, fixtures, wall-coverings, displays, and various other products. Laminates are usually made of two layers, the underlayer or substrate and a decorative upper layer, made of vinyl, polyester, melamine, etc., that is bonded to the substrate. These substrates can be made of many different types of natural or synthetic fibers. Kenaf's mechanical properties makes it an excellent fiber-source for nonwoven textile materials. Kenaf nonwoven substrates can be used in wall-coverings, upholstery covers, edge banding materials and other laminates. The purpose of this study is to show the feasibility of making nonwoven textiles with kenaf fibers that can be used in laminated products. Therefore, kenaf fibers were blended with polypropylene at a ratio of 80:20, and batts were prepared using a modified cotton card in regular widths. The batts were either calendered or needlepunched and cured in an oven to make the substrates. These substrates were then laminated with various kinds of overlays such as polyester wood grain, phenolic resin impregnated kraft paper, and decorative vinyl.