Classification of non-woven fabrics

Nonwoven fabrics are categorized based on the manufacturing processes used to create them. One of the most common types is spunlaced nonwovens, which are produced by using high-pressure water jets to entangle fibers in a web, resulting in a strong and durable fabric. This method is often used for applications requiring softness and strength, such as wipes and medical products. Another type is thermal bonded nonwovens, where fibers are combined with a thermoplastic adhesive—either in fiber or powder form—and then heated to bond them together. This technique is widely used in disposable products like diapers and sanitary napkins. Pulp air-laid nonwovens, also known as drylaid or clean paper nonwovens, are made by opening wood pulp fibers into individual strands and then using air currents to lay them onto a mesh. The fibers are then bonded together, creating a lightweight and absorbent material often used in hygiene products. Wetlaid nonwovens involve processing fibers in an aqueous environment. The fibers are broken down into individual strands, mixed, and then formed into a sheet through a wet process. This method is commonly used for making paper-like nonwovens that have good strength and texture. Spunbond nonwovens are created by extruding molten polymer into continuous filaments, which are then stretched and laid out into a web. The web is reinforced using heat, adhesives, or chemical bonding, resulting in a strong and versatile fabric used in packaging, agriculture, and filtration systems. Meltblown nonwovens are produced by extruding molten polymer through a die, where it is blown into fine fibers by high-velocity air. These fibers are collected on a screen and then bonded together to form a dense, fibrous layer, commonly used in face masks and filters due to their fine structure. Needlepunched nonwovens are a type of dry nonwoven fabric made by mechanically piercing a fluffy fiber web with barbed needles. This process entangles the fibers and strengthens the fabric, making it suitable for applications like carpets, insulation, and automotive components. Lastly, stitchbonded nonwovens are created using a stitching technique where warp-knitted stitches are applied to layers of fibers, yarns, or other materials such as plastic films. This method provides structural integrity and is often used in geotextiles and industrial applications.