About Nonwoven Fabric

Among textile materials, some fabrics are produced for use across many industries. One of the most versatile among these is undoubtedly nonwoven fabric.

What is Nonwoven?

Nonwoven fabric is a technical textile material that is not knitted or woven and is specially produced for specific uses. It is low-cost depending on its usage duration. This special product is known for its absorbent or repellent qualities, durability, flexibility, softness, tension resistance, flame retardancy, filtering capacity, and resistance to bacteria.

These nonwoven products can be used in many application stages. Once you see the industries and products that utilize nonwoven fabric, you’ll understand how extensive its applications are.

Industries Where Nonwoven Fabric is Used

• Hygiene Industry
• Medical Industry
• Textile Industry
• Synthetic Leather Industry
• Automotive Industry
• Construction Industry
• Filtration

Products Made with Nonwoven Fabric

Hygiene Sector

• Wet Wipes
• Baby Diapers
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Dressing Gauzes
• Adult Diapers
• Disposable Towels
• Disposable Slippers and Shoes

Medical Sector

1. Stretcher Covers
2. Surgical Gowns
3. Caps
4. Masks
5. Surgical Drapes and Covers

Automotive Sector

• Trunk Carpets
• Roof Linings
• Floor Carpets
• Insulators
• Parcel Shelves

Textile Sector

• Under-collar Felts
• Piping Strips

Synthetic Leather Sector

• Upholstery
• Shoe Linings
• Bags

Construction Sector

• Drainage Systems
• Channel Construction
• Moisture and Water Barriers
• Frost Protection
• Soil Stabilization

Filtration Sector

• Water Filters
• Air Filters
• Oil Filters

Characteristics of Nonwoven Fabric

Machines used to manufacture nonwoven surfaces (e.g., carding and needling machines) are constantly evolving. Europe’s advanced textile machinery industry is based on over 70 years of technological know-how. Thanks to material science, very fine continuous fibers can now be produced. Unlike woven fabrics where threads intersect at right angles, fibers in nonwoven fabrics have a multidirectional and entangled structure, giving them isotropic characteristics (equal strength in all directions).

Generally, nonwovens are produced by layering fibers into a web and bonding them through thermal, chemical, or mechanical means. These fabrics increase production speed and reduce labor costs. Properties of nonwoven fabrics depend on fiber type, web thickness, and bonding methods.

Although earlier nonwovens were not visually or tactilely appealing, advancements have improved their properties. Still, they may not match woven or knitted fabrics in drape or softness. Adhesives used in bonding can also affect the fabric's flexibility.

Additional Expected Features Depending on End Use:
- Easy moldability
- Resistance to cleaning solvents (wet & dry)
- High absorbency
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
- Lint-free surface
- Abrasion resistance
- Dimensional stability
- Shape retention
- Limited wrinkle resistance

Nonwoven Fibers

In nonwoven production, polypropylene (62%), polyester (24%), and viscose rayon (8%) are most commonly used. Rayon has mostly been replaced by polypropylene in medical and interfacing products. Fiber characteristics directly impact performance, texture, and appearance. Both natural and synthetic fibers are used.

Fiber Classification

Fibers are categorized based on their origin:

• Animal-based: Wool, alpaca, cashmere, silk, etc.
• Plant-based: Cotton, flax, jute, hemp, kenaf, coconut fiber, etc.
• Mineral-based: Asbestos, basalt, and mineral wool.

Important Fibers in Nonwoven Technology:
- Rayon
- Polyester
- Cotton
- Polypropylene
- Nylon
- Wood pulp
- Glass
- Blended chemical fibers

Today, synthetic fibers dominate nonwoven usage due to cost, cleanliness, and consistent quality. However, cotton, wool, and jute are still used in some home textiles and flooring applications where their performance is unmatched.

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