Changes

Jump to: navigation, search

Non-wovens

2,556 bytes added, 14:01, 31 October 2006
===Introduction===
'''Nonwoven''' textiles are those which are neither woven nor knit, for example felt. General use hyphenates the word, but industrial use spells it as one word. Non-wovens are typically not strong (unless reinforced by a backing or densified). In the recent years non-woven material has become an alternative to polyurethane foam. <br>
'''Non-woven''' fabric is typically manufactured by putting small fibers together in the form of a sheet(web) and then binding them either mechanically (as in the case of felt, by interlocking them with serrated needles such that the inter-fiber friction results in a stronger fabric), with an adhesive, or thermally (by applying binder(in the form of powder, paste, or polymer melt) and melting the binder onto the web by increasing temperature).

====Raw material====
Non-woven materials are nowadays mainly produced from man-made fibers. Two synthetic polymers dominate the market: polypropylene and polyesters (mainly PET). Nonwovens are often application-designated as either durable or disposable. Nonwoven used as a housewrap to prevent water infiltration is a durable nonwoven. Nonwoven used as a facing on a baby diaper is a disposable or single-use nonwoven.

====Application====
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
===Technical===
* Roll roofing and shingle reinforcement
* Insulation backing
* Battery electrode separators
* Vinyl flooring reinforcement
* Plastic surface reinforcement (veils)
* Wall coverings
* Honeycomb structural components
* Ceiling tile facings
* Circuit board reinforcement
* Electrical insulation
===Filter (chemistry)|Filters===
* Gasoline, oil and air - including HEPA filtration
* Water, coffee, tea bag
===Geotextiles===
* Soil stabilizers and roadway underlayment
* 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
* Thermal insulation|insulation (fiberglass quilting|batting)
* Pillows, cushions, and upholstery padding
* Batting in quilts or comforters
* Consumer and medical face masks
* Tarps, tenting and transportation (lumber, steel) wrapping
* Disposable clothing (foot coverings, coveralls)
Anonymous user