Use of cottonseed protein as a strength additive for nonwoven cotton

Abstract

Nonwoven fabrics have grown in popularity in recent years due to their overwhelming usage in a wide range of consumer products. Cotton-based nonwovens are of particular interest because of their ability to be recycled and reused, resulting in a more environmentally friendly product compared to their petroleum-based counterparts. The current research characterized the use of cottonseed protein as an additive to increase the dry strength of cotton-based nonwovens. The tensile strength of nonwovens was found to increase as the concentration of protein applied was increased. At 11% protein concentration, the tear strength and burst strength increased significantly (relative to the nonwoven by itself) by 288% (machine direction) and 295%, respectively. Further characterization by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy suggested that cottonseed protein interacted with the cotton fiber in the nonwoven fabric to produce the increased dry strength.

Effect of Nanocellulose on the Properties of Cottonseed Protein Isolate as a Paper Strength Agent

“…Hydrogenbonding between the amide I carbonyls and cellulose substrates has been previously observed between cellulose and cottonseed protein [30,31] and between nanocellulose and amide carbonyls of polyacrylamide [46]. This hydrogen-bonding could potentially account for some of the increased strength observed in the treated samples (vide infra) [30].…”

“…Several proteins have been previously reported as binders and strength agents in paper products, such as soy protein [23][24][25][26][27], gelatin, zein, and hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein [28] and cottonseed protein [29]. Related work has shown that CSP isolate served as an effective strength agent for nonwovens [30]. In an adhesive study, improved performance was observed when CNCs and CNFs were used as strength additives with CSP [31].…”

A Review of Cottonseed Protein Chemistry and Non-Food Applications

“…In another application, cottonseed protein was used as an additive to increase the dry strength of cotton-based nonwovens [128]. The tensile strength of the nonwovens was found to increase as the concentration of protein applied increased.…”

Bio-adhesives from unfolded soy protein reinforced by nano-chitosan for sustainable textile industry

“…4,5 Therefore, developing effective and green textile adhesives to substitute petro-based adhesives attracts more and more interest . 6,7…”

“…4,5 Therefore, developing effective and green textile adhesives to substitute petro-based adhesives attracts more and more interest . 6,7 With annual production of around 170 million metric tons, soy meal is readily available in large quantities as a co-product from edible oil and biodiesel production, is low cost ($0.18-0.25 per lb), and possesses benign biodegradability. 8 Soy protein isolates (SPI) from soy meal have good biodegradability and filmforming properties, and have been widely used in the field of membranes, textile sizes, adhesives, and biomaterials.…”