Nonwoven

Nonwoven fabrics are sheet-like materials made from fibers that are bonded together by mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes rather than by weaving or knitting. They are typically produced from staple fibers or continuous filaments and can be engineered to exhibit a wide range of properties, including strength, porosity, absorbency, and barrier performance.

Nonwovens arise from several production methods. Spunbond and meltblown processes form webs of extruded filaments, which are then bonded thermally or chemically. Spunlace, or hydroentangling, uses high-pressure water jets to interlace fibers. Airlaid fabrics are formed from loose fibers laid by air streams and can be bonded by thermal, chemical, or mechanical means. Wetlaid processes create webs from a slurry of fibers. Bonding methods include mechanical (needle punching, hydroentangling), thermal (calendaring, point bonding), and chemical bonding with adhesive resins.

Materials commonly used include polypropylene, polyester, and other polymers, as well as natural fibers like cellulose in certain grades. Nonwovens are produced in rolls or sheets and can be engineered to be highly porous for filtration or highly absorbent for hygiene products, or tailored to provide barrier properties for medical and industrial uses.

Applications are diverse: medical and hygiene products such as disposable gowns and diapers; wipes; filtration media for air and liquids; automotive and geotextiles; packaging; and various consumer products. Environmental considerations are important; many nonwovens are designed for single use, but recycling and biodegradability vary by material and end-of-life handling. Standards from ISO and ASTM cover performance tests such as tensile strength, burst strength, and absorbency.