Multi-layered non-woven insulating textile material

Abstract

A multi-layered non-woven hygroscopic fibrous textile material and method of making said material is disclosed. The fibres of the material extend across the thickness of the material and respectively opposite outer layers of fibres are fixed in a matted state relative to the inner fibres. The extent of matting is sufficient to increase thermal insulation per unit thickness relative to the inner fibres, whilst still permitting the outer layer fibres to allow air circulation between and through the outer fibres, to thereby permit moisture retention or release.

1 . A multi-layered non-woven hygroscopic fibrous textile material in which the fibres extend across the thickness of the material, respectively opposite outer layers of fibres being fixed in a matted state relative to the inner fibres, the extent of matting being sufficient to increase thermal insulation per unit thickness relative to the inner fibres, whilst still permitting the outer layer fibres to allow air circulation between and through the outer fibres, to thereby permit moisture retention or release. 
     
     
         2 . A textile material according to  claim 1 , wherein the textile material is comprised of fibres which have been loose needled felted prior to the respectively opposite outer layers being matted or compressed so that the inner fibres retain their relatively open nature. 
     
     
         3 . A textile material according to  claim 1 , wherein the matting or compression of the respectively opposite outer layers of the textile material is accomplished by hydroentanglement. 
     
     
         4 . A textile material according to  claim 3 , wherein the hydroentanglement uses respectively opposite water jets. 
     
     
         5 . A textile material according to  claim 1 , wherein the matting or compression of the respectively opposite outer layers of the textile material is accomplished using at least one of needle punching or chemical bonding. 
     
     
         6 . A method of making a multi-layered non-woven hygroscopic fibrous textile material according to  claim 1 , the method including the steps of orientating strands of hygroscopic fibres to form a relatively loosely bonded multi-layered fibrous material and thereafter matting or compressing respectively opposite sides of the material to produce an insulating textile material. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , further comprising matting or compressing the respectively opposite outer layers by the use of hydroentanglement. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , further comprising drying the material. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 6 , further comprising matting or compressing the respectively opposite outer layers by the use of at least one of needle punching or chemical bonding.