Effect of process parameters on properties of polypropylene and kenaf fibres needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles

Effects of stroke frequency, depth of needle penetration and mass per unit area on properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced from polypropylene (PP), 50/50 PP/kenaf and kenaf fibres have been studied. Properties of fabrics, such as tensile strength, puncture resistance, pore size, water permeability and transmissivity are analysed. Results obtained show that the higher tensile strength and puncture resistance are achieved in fabrics produced from kenaf fibres at higher stroke frequency, depth of needle penetration and mass per unit area. Fabrics produced from kenaf fibres can be employed in geotextile applications, since they also possess bigger pore size and higher water permeability.