Investigation of the performance of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics using Triumfetta cordifolia and thermoplastic fibers, compared to other commercial bast fibers used in preformed biosourced composites

Abstract In an attempt to increase biodiversity in natural plant fiber nonwovens, new sources of natural fibers must be discovered. Nonwoven fabric is a promising commercial product for upgrading the new bast fiber Triumfetta cordifolia (TCF) and giving it an opportunity to be used in composite nonwoven applications. Two types of TCF nonwoven mats blended with polylactide fibers for one and polypropylene fibers for the other at a mass ratio of 50 : 50 were manufactured using carding and needling