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Textile Research Journal
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Biodeterioration of Nonwoven Fabrics

Wilton R. Goynes

USDA, ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, U.S.A.

Jerry P. Moreau

USDA, ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, U.S.A.

Anthony J. Delucca

USDA, ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, U.S.A.

Bruce F. Ingber

USDA, ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, U.S.A.

The use of nonwoven fabrics in disposable, convenience products generates high quantities of wastes that are not biodegradable. Synthetic fibers provide a major source of materials for these disposable products. Because synthetics are generally less bio degradable than natural fibers, it appears that for maximum degradability, natural fibers are a likely choice of materials for disposable goods. To compare rates of bio deterioration for natural and synthetic fibers, we examined changes in the structure and strength of nonwoven fabrics containing cotton and polypropylene, a synthetic fiber widely used in nonwovens, after controlled exposure of fabrics to fungi normally found in soil. Fungi grew extensively only on cotton fibers. Fungal growth rates were highest on 100% cotton and decreased to zero on 100% polypropylene. Significant losses in strength occurred only in samples with a high cotton content. Progression of cotton fiber deterioration was followed using the microscope until only polypropylene . fibers remained in the fabrics.

Textile Research Journal, Vol. 65, No. 8, 489-494 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/004051759506500809
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