Definition Of Nonwoven Fabric
Nonwoven fabric is a fabric like material made from long fibers, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. The term is used in the textile manufacturing industry to denote fabrics, such as felt, which are neither woven nor knitted. Nonwoven materials typically lack strength unless densified or reinforced by a backing. In recent years, nonwovens have become an alternative to polyurethane foam.
Applications
Nonwoven fabrics are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn.
Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics that may be a limited life, single-use fabric or a very durable fabric. Nonwoven fabrics provide specific functions such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering, bacterial barrier and sterility. These properties are often combined to create fabrics suited for specific jobs, while achieving a good balance between product use-life and cost. They can mimic the appearance, texture and strength of a woven fabric and can be as bulky as the thickest paddings. In combination with other materials they provide a spectrum of products with diverse properties, and are used alone or as components of apparel, home furnishings, health care, engineering, industrial and consumer goods.
Non-woven materials are used in numerous applications, including:
Hygiene
baby diapers
feminine hygiene
adult incontinence products
wipes
bandages and wound dressings
Medical
isolation gowns
surgical gowns
surgical drapes and covers
surgical scrub suits
caps
Filters
gasoline, oil and air - including HEPA filtration
water, coffee, tea bags
liquid cartridge and bag filters
vacuum bags
allergen membranes or laminates with non woven layers
Geotextiles
soil stabilizers and roadway underlayment
frost protection
agriculture mulch
pond and canal water barriers
sand infiltration barrier for drainage tile
Other
carpet backing, primary and secondary
composites
marine sail laminates
tablecover laminates
backing/stabilizer for machine embroidery
packaging - to sterilize medical products
insulation (fiberglass batting )
pillows, cushions, and upholstery padding
batting in quilts or comforters
consumer and medical face masks
mailing envelopes
tarps, tenting and transportation (lumber, steel) wrapping
disposable clothing (foot coverings, coveralls)
