Effect of Meerschaum Stone Powder on Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Properties of Polyester Nonwoven

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop thermal and acoustic insulation materials using textiles. To achieve this aim, each polyester nonwoven fabric was coated with meerschaum stone powder at different rates (10, 20, 30, and 40 %) using a polyurethane-based material. After the coating process, the thermal conductivity and sound absorption coefficients of the samples were measured and then compared with regard to the amount of meerschaum stone powder. According to the results, meerschaum stone powder improved thermal conductivity and sound absorption coefficients of the samples. Furthermore, the results show that the properties of samples concerning acoustic and thermal insulation increase with the increasing concentration of meerschaum stone powder. As the materials obtained in this study are quite lightweight, thin, and cheap, they can be used as insulation materials in buildings.