Nonwoven fabrics are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by mechanical entanglement, chemical, thermal, or other means. Unlike traditional fabrics, the fibers are not first converted to yarn and then woven or knitted into a fabric. Instead, a porous sheet or web is made directly from separate fibers. Nonwovens can, however, be designed to mimic woven and knitted fabrics, as well as many other materials. This module introduces the topic of nonwovens by comparing them with woven fabrics. That is followed by a brief discussion of nonwovens manufacturing techniques, history and product applications.
Learning Objectives
- Describe how a traditional woven fabric is made
- Describe two methods of making a woven fabric
- List the two basic process steps to make a nonwoven
- List the three types of web forming used to manufacture nonwovens
- List the three types of web bonding used to manufacture nonwovens
- Describe why nonwoven materials fulfill such a broad range of end uses
- List some of the categories of nonwoven products