Work

Hygro-Thermal and Acoustic performances of recycled textile-based materials for building applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents an experimental investigation of the heat transfer and acoustic properties of semi-finished panels obtained from post-consumer textile waste. Their different compositions (mostly polyester, mostly cotton, and mixed fabric) and different densities, in a range from 50 to 150 kg/m 3 , were considered. The transient “hot disk” method was used for thermal conductivity and diffusivity measurements and a Kundt's tube for sound absorption . Moreover, hygroscopic characterizations of moisture absorption and its kinetics were carried out. Overall, good thermal insulation (thermal conductivity between 0.042 and 0.062 W/K/m) and medium acoustic performances (sound absorption classes C and D) were observed, suitable for building applications. Thermal conductivity was found to linearly increase with the density and to increase with the relative humidity , in line with the analysed hygroscopic behaviour of the porous matrix . On average, the polyester-based panels showed the lowest thermal conductivity , followed by the mixed fabric.

Source: Developments in the Built Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.dibe.2025.100657

Authors: Alessandro Dama, Shiva Khoshtinat, Andrea Alongi, Claudia Marano, Adriana Angelotti

Institution: Politecnico di Milano

Language: English

Topic: Hygrothermal properties of building materials

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,230