Multi-criteria optimization of properties of non-woven construction thermal insulation from wool fiber

Introduction. Currently, there are urgent issues of providing production facilities with domestic materials that are not inferior in quality to imported analogues. Materials for construction, including thermal insulation materials, are required for the building and restoration of damaged property and social facilities in the new regions of Russia. Sheep wool thermal insulators are environmentally friendly, easily recyclable and renewable. They should be treated with appropriate preparations at the finishing stage during production to ensure fire and bio-resistance. Materials and methods. A non-woven thermally bonded material composed of coarse and semi-coarse wool fibers and bicomponent polyester fiber as a binder was chosen as the object of research, which is a promising direction in the development of environmentally friendly and efficient thermo- and acoustic insulation materials. A key role in the formation of their operating ability is played a porous structure, in particular, the presence of a nanostructure – nanopores and channels. An experiment was conducted using the KONO-2 planning matrix, regression models of non-woven fabric properties were obtained. Optimization was performed for each model using MathCAD environment, then multi-criteria optimization was performed using the method of constructing a integrated efficiency indicator, an experiment was conducted to impart incombustibility and fire resistance to an optimal non-woven fabric sample. Results. A technology for producing volumetric non-woven thermal insulation sheets for construction purposes has been developed. Multi-criteria optimization has been performed to determine the sample with the best performance properties: increased breathability, strength, and sufficient stretchability. Conclusion. The results obtained confirm the applicability of using multicriteria optimization methods for the analysis of textile processes, the use of a complex dimensionless indicator made it possible to select optimal parameters for the production of non-woven construction thermal woolen insulation, ensuring compliance with the required performance characteristics according to the main indicators.