Transforming Textile Wastes: Innovative Design of Sustainable Composite Materials for Thermal Insulation in Buildings

The growing amount of textile waste presents a significant environmental challenge, requiring creative and sustainable methods for management and repurposing. Recycled and reused textiles are increasingly being utilized in the building industry, particularly as thermal and sound insulators. Effective thermal insulation is crucial for creating comfortable and energy-efficient buildings, especially in light of climate crisis and increasing energy expenses. In this study, the production of thermal insulation panels is achieved using textile waste through sustainable and innovative techniques. Cotton denim and polyester label selvedge waste are first converted into fibers and carded, then arranged into sandwich structures and formed into panels using a hot press method. The study involves experimental evaluations to determine the thermal performance of panels, with the aim of developing insulation panels that improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss in buildings. The research also emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of using textile waste for insulation, highlighting the thermal properties of these panels. The results show that double-layer cotton panels have the lowest thermal conductivity ranges between 0.026 and 0.028 W/mK among tested configurations, suggesting a superior insulation capability that could lead to significant energy savings in buildings.