Effect of lignin/water-borne polyurethane composite coatings on tensile strength and UV protection properties of PET/PA6 bicomponent nonwoven fabrics

Authors : Gülçin Baysal

Pages : 302-308

View : 13 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2025-04-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study involves the preparation of water-borne polyurethane (WPU)/lignin composite coating formulations at four distinct unmodified alkali lignin concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) and their application to polyester/polyamide (PET/PA6) bicomponent nonwoven fabrics. These formulations were applied to PET/PA6 bicomponent nonwoven fabrics using a coating applicator and subsequently thermally cured. The properties of the coated and thermally cured fabrics, including tensile strength, hydrophobicity, and ultraviolet light (UV) protection, were investigated. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze the cured films prepared from formulations with varying lignin concentrations. As the lignin concentration increased, there was a notable enhancement in both tensile strength and UV protection factors (UPF). While the hydrophobicity of the surface diminished due to the presence of WPU, higher lignin concentrations resulted in increased surface contact angle values. Despite the decrease in surface hydrophobicity due to the water-based polyurethane, elevated lignin concentrations contributed to higher surface contact angle values. The UV protection values of coated fabrics exhibited a significant improvement compared to untreated nonwoven fabric. The highest UPF value of 30.16 was achieved with the formulation having the highest lignin concentration (10%). This research introduces a straightforward method for creating environmentally friendly and sustainable multifunctional WPU/lignin coatings, offering promising applications in the textile industry.
Keywords : Bikomponent nonwoven, Su bazlı poliüretan, Lignin, Ultraviyole koruma