Enhancing Textiles with Biochar

Enhancing Textiles with Biochar: A Sustainable Innovation

Biochar, a versatile carbon-rich material, has made a remarkable entry into the ever-evolving textile industry, revolutionizing the approach to textile production. This article explores the fascinating applications of biochar in textiles, delving into its ability to enhance fabric properties for functional clothing, provide thermal insulation, mask odors, and offer flame-retardant capabilities. Let's embark on a journey to discover how nature's black gold meets textiles.

Table of Contents

1. What is Biochar and How is it Produced?
2. Moisture Management and Functional Properties
3. Odor Masking and Deodorant Properties
4. Biochar for Fire-Resistant Coatings
5. Thermal Insulation for Functional Clothing
6. Conclusion

What is Biochar and How is it Produced?

Agronomy and farming generate thousands of tons of waste, which, if improperly discarded, pose environmental challenges (Filho & Franco, 2015). These wastes, originating from agriculture and other sources like forestry, animal production, and even textiles, can undergo thermochemical treatments such as pyrolysis to produce biochar (Ferreira et al., 2019).

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made by burning organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes (biomass) in a controlled process called pyrolysis (Batista et al., 2018). During pyrolysis, organic materials like wood chips, leaf litter, or dead plants are burned in a container with minimal oxygen, releasing little to no contaminating fumes. This process converts the organic material into biochar, a stable form of carbon. Additionally, the heat generated during pyrolysis can be harnessed as a clean energy source.

In terms of physical attributes, biochar is black, highly porous, lightweight, fine-grained, and has a large surface area. Approximately 70 percent of its composition is carbon, making it a potent material for various applications in construction, soils, and wastewater treatment.

Moisture Management and Functional Properties

Biochar can be used as a fabric additive to improve clothing performance and impart functional properties to textile materials. Researchers like Çay et al. (2019) have explored the potential of using biochar derived from textile waste to enhance textile materials. In their studies, various types of textile waste, such as cotton, cotton/polyester, and acrylic, were carbonized at low temperatures to produce biochar. This biochar was then applied to cotton fabrics using a conventional printing method.

The results were fascinating. The addition of biochar provided a slight hydrophobic effect on the printed face of the cotton fabrics, resulting in a dual-face textile structure with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. The biochar addition improved moisture transfer, accelerated drying time, and increased water vapor permeability.

Odor Masking and Deodorant Properties

Biochar enhances fabric performance by providing odor masking and deodorant properties. Çay et al. (2019) demonstrated that biochar-printed fabrics effectively mask unpleasant odors. Similarly, research by Lin et al. (2007) revealed that bamboo charcoal/polyvinyl alcohol fibers have heat preservation and deodorizing properties. Lin and Chang (2008) further showed that polyester filaments with 2% bamboo biochar improved thermal and breathing properties while reducing odor development from sweat.

Biochar for Fire-Resistant Coatings

Cotton fabrics, widely used in clothing and textiles, are highly flammable, posing safety concerns. Recent studies by Barbalini et al. (2020) and Cheng et al. (2022) successfully developed fire-resistant coatings for cotton fabrics using a combination of phytic acid (PA), chitosan (CH), and biochar (BC). These innovative coatings enhance the fabric's resistance to burning and maintain their flame-retardant properties even after washing.

In these studies, biochar played a crucial role in the flame-retardant system, acting as a protective layer that prevented oxygen and heat spread during combustion. Researchers found that adding biochar significantly increased the char residue, improving the fabric's thermal stability and reducing the peak heat release rate (pkHRR) and total heat release rate (THR).

The Layer-by-Layer Assembly Technique involves the sequential deposition of PA, CH, and BC onto the fabric's surface, ensuring uniform coverage. Integrating biochar into the coating enhances the fabric's fire-resistant properties, offering a sustainable and effective solution to flammability issues.

Thermal Insulation for Functional Clothing

Traditionally, natural fibers were the primary choice for thermal insulation in clothing. However, with technological advancements, synthetic fibers have gained popularity in thermal insulation products. Among these innovations, biochar has emerged as a promising solution due to its unique properties, including thermal insulation, deodorization, and hygroscopicity.

Many companies recognize the potential of biochar, such as bamboo biochar, and have developed various products incorporating it. Bamboo biochar powder or particles are commonly added to fibers, enhancing thermal properties. These innovative fibers find applications in underwear, knee pads, socks, and bedding (Lin & Chang, 2008).

In a study by Lin and Chang (2008), polyester filaments with 2% bamboo biochar improved thermal insulation and breathability. Biochar in fibers created a thermal barrier that effectively trapped heat, providing enhanced insulation. Furthermore, biochar's unique properties facilitated breathability, allowing moisture to escape and ensuring wearer comfort.

Conclusion

The convergence of biochar and the fashion industry presents exciting possibilities for textile production. By incorporating biochar into fabrics, researchers have observed improved moisture transfer, drying capabilities, water vapor permeability, and odor adsorption. Additionally, biochar has proven valuable in creating fire-resistant coatings for cotton fabrics, addressing the safety concern of flammability.

Overall, integrating biochar into the textile industry offers a sustainable solution for environmental protection. This combination of nature's black gold and fashion presents remarkable possibilities for a more sustainable and responsible approach to clothing and textile production.

Interested in Biochar? Explore Jord’s biochar made from sustainable C4 grass and learn how it can benefit your projects!

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