Water absorbency of jute needle-punched nonwoven fabric

Abstract

The water absorbency of jute needle-punched nonwoven fabric has been studied. Statistical models using central composite rotatable experimental design are developed for density of fabric, extrinsic sorptive capacity and extrinsic rate of sorption, depending on the three important parameters, i.e. needling density, depth of needle penetration and per cent oil applied. From this model and its contour diagrams, the effects of different parameters can be understood and prediction of sorptive capacity and rate of sorption can be made, knowing the values of independent parameters. The correlation coefficients between observed and predicted values are found to be significant in all the cases. An optimum extrinsic sorptive capacity has been achieved at around 160 punches/cm², 14 mm depth of needle penetration and 2-3% oil. The extrinsic sorptive capacity of fabric is highly correlated with bulk density, but there is poor relationship between extrinsic sorptive capacity and extrinsic rate of sorption as well as bulk density and extrinsic rate of sorption.