Thermal insulation properties of jute, polypropylene and recycled polyester nonwoven fabrics for automotive textiles

Three different nonwoven fabrics, namely jute, polypropylene and recycled polyester, have been produced using needle-punching method. The nonwoven fabric samples are then characterised by thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, air permeability, areal density and thickness. Objective and subjective evaluation are carried out for the fabric samples. The fibres are blended in various proportions and further converted into cross laid needle punched nonwoven fabrics. The thermal resistance of carded needle punched nonwoven fabrics are determined by using lee’s disc apparatus. Experimental results show that 100 % recycled polyester nonwoven fabrics thermal resistance behaviour is higher than the jute and polypropylene needle punched nonwoven fabrics. This nonwoven fabric can be used in the automotive field as a headlining material for the purpose of thermal insulation.