Properties of PET Impregnated Nonwoven Fibers in Polyurethane Based on Lignin Modified with Polyvinyl Butyral

Abstract

This study impregnated polyurethane (PU) into a nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric. Polyurethane was prepared by a facile and green method using polyols with different ratios of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/(Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) + waste sodium lignosulfonate (SLS)) and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the non-woven PET-treated and untreated samples. The results indicated that the treated solution was successfully impregnated on the nonwoven polyester surface, which affected the morphology. Derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical properties, and antifungal properties were studied. The results depicted that the treated nonwoven PET became more thermally stable than untreated nonwoven PET with an increasing percentage of (PVB + SLS). The mechanical properties showed a noticeable improvement in tensile strength and Young’s modulus, while elongation decreased by increasing the (PVB + SLS) ratio. It was discovered that weight loss decreased after researching the impact of UV light. PU modified with PVB+SLS exhibited enhanced antifungal activity of nonwoven PET due to the natural antimicrobial properties of SLS. This modification not only improves the resistance of the material to fungal growth but also expands its application potential in various industries, including healthcare, construction, and consumer goods. The sodium lignosulfonate examined in this study exhibits promise for use as a reactive polyol component in the synthesis of PU.