Introduction of raw palm fibers in the textile industry by development of nonwoven composite materials based on Washingtonia palm fibers

In this study, three new needle-punched nonwoven composites were successfully developed by mixing raw palm fiber with cotton, wool and polyester fibers at a ratio of 70:30 by weight. Each fiber and nonwoven material developed has been characterized physical, structural, mechanical and thermal properties. The results showed a weak adhesion between wool, cotton, and polyester fibers with palm fiber, this was confirmed by SEM analysis. In addition, the high diameter of the palm fibers resulted in high porosity of nonwoven materials. The thermal resistance is therefore enhanced. Maximum porosity is observed for nonwoven Palm/Wool (89.51%) compared to other nonwovens. Their thermal conductivity is then the lowest (36.84 mW/m.K at 25 degrees C). On the other hand, the highest tensile strength (162.30 N) was achieved by nonwoven Palm/ Polyester with a thermal conductivity of 38.76 mW/m.K at 25 degrees C. Furthermore, nonwovens' tensile strength did not significantly change after the climatic ageing test.