Biodegradable and Tensile Properties of Cotton/Cellulose Acetate Nonwovens

摘要

A possible candidate as an environmentally friendly nonwoven fabric is one that can be formed from the thermal calendering of a cotton/cellulose acetate blend. Our results focus on biodegradable properties of the fibers as well as tensile properties of the fabric. Cotton, which is a comfortable, absorbent, biodegradable fiber, is the base fiber in the nonwovens. Cellulose acetate, which is a thermoplastic, hydrophilic, modified cellulosic fiber, is used for the binder fiber. We examine the biodegradability of cellulose acetate, cotton, and these fibers in the blend using an ASTM standard procedure in which the amount of CO_2 evolved from the decomposition of cellulose acetate and cotton fibers due to microbial activity is monitored. Increased biodegra-dation rates in fiber blends are attributed to the synergistic effects of multi-enzyme systems. Opening, blending, carding, and thermal calendering processes are used to fabricate the nonwovens. Pretreatment with solvent vapors is introduced to modify the softening temperatures of the cellulose acetate and to lower the calendering temperatures. The success of this procedure is demonstrated in enhanced tensile strength of the nonwoven. In addition, modifying tensile properties with solvent vapor pre-treatment shows how enhanced strength can be obtained with lower calendering temperatures.