Desenvolvimento de um nãotecido à base de fibra kapok e poliacetato de vinila

Abstract

The use of synthetic materials to manufacture surgical mask filters is extremely common in the textile industry. However, with the search for environmentally friendly and sustainable raw materials, there is great interest in using these materials in nonwovens. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop a kapok and polyvinyl acetate nonwoven fabric and evaluate its effectiveness as a filtering material for surgical masks. A 1:4 solution of distilled water to PVAc was prepared by stirring for 15 minutes, then impregnated and sprayed onto the different mats formed. The filters were consolidated by pressing for 24 hours and dried at 60°C for 2 hours. Chitosan was also added to some samples to evaluate the bacterial effect of its insertion, aiming to guarantee effectiveness in nationally approved tests. However, the results showed that only kapok and PVAc nonwovens had positive responses in inhibiting bacterial proliferation, while other nonwovens made of kapok, PVAc and chitosan had no effect. Air permeability and grammage tests were also carried out in the laboratory with satisfactory results for all filters. It is found that the smaller the amount of kapok fiber, the greater the strength and elongation of the nonwovens. Analyzes such as XRD, FTIR and SEM-FEG were also carried out to observe the morphology and structure of the developed materials.