nonwoveneiden

Nonwovens are sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally, or chemically. They are not manufactured by weaving, because they do not involve weaving together yarns, and therefore are not considered a fabric in the traditional sense. Nonwovens are made from a variety of materials, including natural fibers like cotton and cellulose, and synthetic fibers like polyester and polypropylene. The manufacturing process often involves laying down fibers in a random or oriented manner, followed by a bonding step.

There are numerous methods for producing nonwoven fabrics, including spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and air-laying. Spunbonding involves extruding thermoplastic filaments and then bonding them together. Meltblowing produces fine fibers that are then collected on a web. Carding aligns fibers into a web, which is then bonded. Air-laying disperses fibers randomly into a web. The choice of manufacturing method and raw materials significantly influences the final properties of the nonwoven material, such as its strength, absorbency, permeability, and softness.

Nonwovens have a wide range of applications due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. They are commonly found in disposable products like baby diapers, sanitary pads, wipes, and medical gowns, where hygiene and absorbency are crucial. In the automotive industry, they are used for insulation, sound dampening, and interior components. They also play a role in geotextiles for soil stabilization and drainage, in agriculture for crop protection, and in home furnishings for filters and cleaning cloths. The specific properties of nonwovens make them ideal for engineered applications where traditional textiles may not be suitable.