Investigation of the Effects of Accelerated Weathering Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Recycled and Original Cotton/Polyester Outdoor Upholstery Fabrics
Project no. 32577 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2024
Summary
<p>Upholstery fabrics have a wide range of uses in indoor and outdoor furniture and are expected to meet some specific performance specifications. Fabrics used in outdoor furniture, in particular, are exposed to external factors such as sunlight, rain, and moisture, which can negatively impact the fabric's durability and performance. This project investigated the mechanical properties of recycled, sustainable upholstery fabrics suitable for use in home-style outdoor garden furniture by subjecting them to accelerated weathering tests simulating natural environmental conditions. The fabrics were exposed to UV-A radiation for three cycles, each lasting 72 hours, to simulate natural environmental conditions. They were then washed once before and after each accelerated weathering cycles.</p><p>The study investigated the effects of accelerated weathering on the mechanical properties of the fabrics under laboratory conditions simulating outdoor exposure. The weightloss and thicknessloss percentages after abrasion, tensile strength, and circular bending rigidity values of accelerated weathered recycled and original fabrics were compared with the untreated references, demonstrating the performance differences between woven fabrics made from recycled and original yarns. Thus, scientifically based data has been obtained regarding the performance of sustainable home-style outdoor upholstery woven fabrics made from recycled yarns.</p><p>The study results provide concrete evidence that the use of recycled fibers not only provides sustainability benefits but also exhibits acceptable mechanical performance when supported by appropriate fabric structures and yarn types. Furthermore, the use of fabrics made from recycled fibers for upholstery in outdoor applications can be a sustainable alternative to virgin fibers. Therefore, it is thought that the project outcomes will contribute to the literature and encourage the industrial preference for recycled fabrics over virgin fabrics within the context of sustainability.</p>