Introduction
Non-woven textiles are composed of fibers that are bonded together by physical, chemical, or mechanical means. They are distinct from woven and knitted fabrics, which are produced by interlacing threads. Non-woven textiles are often used in applications where durability, absorbency, and filtration are required.
There are many different types of non-woven textiles. The six most common examples are:
1. Airlaid Nonwovens
2. Meltblown Nonwovens
3. Spunbond Nonwovens
4. Wetlaid Nonwovens
5. Needlepunched Nonwovens
6. Stitchbonded Nonwovens
To learn more about these different types of non-woven textiles, continue reading!
What is a non-woven textile?
A non-woven textile is a fabric made of fibres that are physically, chemically or thermally bonded together. This type of fabric formation is distinct from woven, knitted, and other traditional fabric constructions. Non-woven textiles are used for a variety of applications, from upholstery and apparel to medical and technical fabrics. Non-woven textiles have unique properties that make them ideal for certain applications. They have a more open structure than woven and knitted fabrics, allowing for more air and water penetration. They don’t have yarns to separate and weaken, providing for greater strength. Non-woven textiles can be printed and colored easily, and their fibers are typically heat-resistant and fire-retardant.
The six most common types of non-woven textile
The six most common examples of non-woven textiles are:
Airlaid Nonwovens: Airlaid non-wovens are composed of long fibers that are bonded together without the need for chemical treatments or heat concentrations. This type of non-woven is capable of forming shapes, such as cups and filters. It’s also highly absorbent and is used in applications such as baby wipes and paper towels.
Meltblown Nonwovens: Meltblown nonwovens are composed of tiny fibers that are melted together to form a web of fibers. These non-wovens have unique properties, with a wide range of filtration capabilities, absorbency, and more. It’s often used in medical and technical fabrics, including wipes, masks, and cartridge filters.learn more(wikipedia)
Spunbond Nonwovens: Spunbond nonwovens are created when molten synthetic polymer filaments are spun and combined with binders. They are often comprised of multiple layers of small fibers, which makes them stronger and more durable than other nonwoven fabrics. Spunbond nonwovens have a wide range of applications, including medical supplies, protective clothing, and construction materials.
Wetlaid Nonwovens: Wetlaid nonwovens are made when cellulose fibers are mixed with a bonding agent and then formed into a sheet by using hot water, pressure, and vacuum. The resulting fabric has a wide range of applications, including upholstery, packaging, and disposable wipes.
Needlepunched Nonwovens: Needlepunched nonwovens are formed when fibers are mechanically entangled together using barbed needles. This type of non-woven fabric is typically used in automotive, construction, and insulation applications, due to its strength and durability.
Stitchbonded Nonwovens: Stitchbonded nonwovens are produced when fibers are stitched together with a yarn. This type of non-woven has a soft hand and is often used in medical and filtration applications.
The benefits of using non-woven textiles
Non-woven textiles have a variety of unique properties that make them ideal for a wide range of applications. They are light and durable, making them perfect for protective clothing and medical supplies. Non-woven materials are also absorbent and resistant to chemicals, making them great for cleaning and hygiene products, as well as filtration applications. Additionally, they can be tailored to a range of thicknesses and densities, giving manufacturers the ability to create fabrics that meet specific requirements.
The applications of non-woven textiles
Nonwoven textiles have a wide range of applications, from filters and disposable wipes to upholstery and apparel. In the medical field, they are used in surgical gowns, diapers, masks, and bandages. In the automotive industry, they are used as protective covers, air filters, and internal lining fabrics. In the home, they are used in furniture and bedding, carpets and rugs, and window treatments. They’re also used in a variety of other applications, including packaging, geotextiles, and agricultural textiles.
How are non-woven textiles made?
Non-woven fabrics are typically manufactured in one of four ways—airlaid, meltblown, spunbond, and wetlaid. During the airlaid process, fibers are scattered onto a conveyor belt and then sprayed with a bonding agent. The meltblown process uses a high-pressure air stream that forces molten thermoplastic fibers through a mesh, resulting in a web of tiny filaments. In the spunbond process, molten polymer filaments are spun and then combined with liquid binders and shaped into a sheet. And in the wetlaid process, cellulose fibers are mixed with a bonding agent and then formed into a sheet using hot water, pressure, and vacuum.
To wrap things up
Non-woven textiles are composed of fibers that are bonded together by physical, chemical, or mechanical means. They have a more open structure than woven and knitted fabrics, allowing for more air and water penetration. The six most common types of non-woven textiles are airlaid, meltblown, spunbond, wetlaid, needlepunched, and stitchbonded. Non-woven textiles have many beneficial properties, including lightness, durability, and absorption. They are used in a variety of applications, including medical supplies, protective clothing, automotive and construction materials, and furniture and bedding. Non-woven textiles can be produced using four different methods—airlaid, meltblown, spunbond, and wetlaid.Each of these methods has different benefits and drawbacks which make them more suitable for certain types of applications. Generally, non-woven textiles are extremely versatile materials with many uses and applications.
