Development of an oil-absorbent web by the dry-laid method from polypropylene and chemically treated kapok
Research Journal of Textile and Apparel
ISSN: 1560-6074
Article publication date: 5 May 2022
Issue publication date: 18 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Kapok was well-known for its oleophilic properties, but its mechanical properties and morphology impeded it from forming suitable absorbent materials. This study aims to demonstrate the process of creating an oil-absorbent web from a blend of treated kapok and polypropylene fibers.
Design/methodology/approach
Kapok fibers were separated from dried fruits, then the wax was removed with an HCl solution at different concentrations. The morphological and structural changes of these fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy images. The blending ratios of kapok and polypropylene fibers were 60/40, 70/30 and 80/20, respectively. The fiber blends were fed to a laboratory carding machine to form a web and then consolidated using the heat press technique. The absorption behavior of the formed web was evaluated regarding oil absorption capacity and oil retention capacity according to ASTM 726.
Findings
The results showed that the HCl concentration of 1.0% (wt%) gave the highest wax removal efficiency without damaging the kapok fibers. This study found that oil absorbency is influenced by the fiber blending ratio, web tensile strength and elongation, porosity, oil type and environmental conditions. The oil-absorbency of the web can be re-used for at least 20 cycles.
Research limitations/implications
This study only looked at three types of oils: diesel, kerosene and vegetable oils.
Practical implications
When the problem of oil spills in rivers and seas is growing and causing serious environmental and economic consequences, using physical methods to recover oil spills is the most effective solution.
Originality/value
This research adds to the possibility of using kapok fiber in the form of a web of non-woven fabric for practical purposes.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Authors would like to thank Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM for the support of time and facilities for this study.
Citation
Truong, D.V., Le, S.T.Q. and Bui, H.M. (2024), "Development of an oil-absorbent web by the dry-laid method from polypropylene and chemically treated kapok", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 100-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-12-2021-0145
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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