1873
Improving the Thermal Stability of Textile Fibers By Natural Fiber Welding

Wednesday, 3 October 2018: 16:20
Universal 9 (Expo Center)
D. P. Durkin (Department of Chemistry, U. S. Naval Academy), X. Tang (Natural Fiber Welding, Inc.), B. P. Frank (Johns Hopkins University), H. C. De Long (Physical Sciences Directorate, U.S. Army Research Office), L. M. Haverhals (Bradley University), and P. C. Trulove (Department of Chemistry, U. S. Naval Academy)
Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) is an Ionic Liquids (IL) based engineering process that can manipulate biopolymer matrices without destroying their underlying structure. It can be used to incorporate functional materials into the biopolymer matrix. In this study, we evaluate how NFW can be used to improve the thermal stability of natural textile fibers. First, a variety of synthesized and/or commercially available flame-retardant micro/nanomaterials are welded onto the surface of the fibers. Then, using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, we demonstrate how each coating can enhance the thermal stability of the textile yarn. In some cases, thermal stability improves by as much as 25 °C, primarily through delays in the onset of thermal decomposition and increased char yield. Our data reveal strong potential for NFW to be used to deliver fiber-welded textile yarns with improved thermal stability.