Basalt fibers as functional additives in coating of textiles

Abstract

AbstractIn the presented study, basalt fibers are used as additives in polymer coatings applied onto textiles substrates. As basalt fibers, short fibers with diameters of around 13 µm and with lengths in the range of 0.16–4 mm are used. As the textile substrate, a cotton fabric is used. The polymer coatings are based on acrylate or polyurethane. As a further coating additive, the silicate compound Aerosil is also evaluated. The realized coated materials are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by optical spectroscopy in arrangement of diffusive reflection and transmission. The optical spectra are recorded in a spectral range from 220 to 1400 nm. By these optical measurements, it is demonstrated that the optical properties for UV-light, visible light and near infrared light are influenced by the basalt-containing coatings. The transmission for UV-light is drastically reduced. It is possible to decrease the transmission for infrared light drastically by use of these coating while the IR-reflectance stays on a significant level. In future perspective, these types of coatings could be used as protection against both UV- and IR-light. The surface topography of realized coatings is dominated by the applied basalt fibers. In the case of medium or high basalt fiber concentration, a parallel orientation of some basalt fibers occurs. This type of parallel arrangement could be used in future perspective for different types of applications, e.g., the development of new filter materials.