Nonwoven fibers undertake an integral role in producing nonwoven fabrics. A nonwoven fabric product can consist of one or more nonwoven fiber layers.
Industries and individuals widely adopt nonwoven fibers as nonwoven filters. Automotive industries use nonwoven fibers to make a high-performance oil filter called cellulose fiber media. This nonwoven filter is very efficient, as it can trap about 97.5% of most contaminants in the oil.
Nonwoven fibers can be mechanically bonded (needle punch), thermally bonded, and chemically bonded into nonwoven fabric products. The type of nonwoven fiber used and the bonding process dictates the properties of nonwoven fabrics. For example, thermal bonding is carried out by using hot air. With this approach, you can reach a higher product thickness that makes the nonwoven fabric product more conducive for thermal and acoustic insulation.
When choosing a nonwoven fiber for your use, there are five key factors you should consider:
1. Temperature resistance: various nonwoven fibers ranging from cotton, polyester to rayon can be used to make nonwovens that temperature resistant. Chemically bonded nonwoven fibers have proved to be excellent for creating temperature resistant nonwovens. The chemical bonding procedure can engage the use of a chemical binder to join two fibers (like polyester and rayon) to give unique characteristics like temperature resistance.
2. Shape: for products that require shape retention, polyester nonwoven fiber offers the best option. Chemical bonding and bi-component nonwoven fibers can also be advantageous in bringing about characteristics like resistance to aging, high flexibility, and handling.
3. Strength: if strength is a vital characteristic your product should possess, synthetic fibers give a high tensile strength. You can mix a high strength synthetic fiber and a weaker fiber to make a quality bicomponent fiber nonwoven. A polyester blend fiber is also an option for strength because polyester nonwoven gives your product a high density. Nonwoven fabric products that need strength are those that medical products, construction materials, agricultural fabrics require.
4. Sustainability: naturally occurring nonwoven fibers are the most suitable options for a sustainable nonwoven product. Although natural nonwoven fibers tend to be more expensive, you can make them in a way that positions them to be competitive with synthetic nonwoven fiber products. You can achieve this by choosing an experienced supplier that makes environmentally friendly nonwovens.
5. Absorbency: if you are looking for excellent absorption and softness, cotton fiber is the most suitable nonwoven fiber for you. Rayon fiber is also okay for this cause. Nonwoven cotton and nonwoven rayon are the best materials for a product used for hygienic purposes.
