What is nonwoven fabric?

Nonwovens is the term used in the textile manufacturing industry to denote fabrics, such as felt, which are neither woven nor knitted. Non-woven materials typically lack strength unless densified or reinforced by a backing. In recent years, nonwovens have become an alternative to polyurethane foam. Nonwovens are typically manufactured by putting small fibers together in the form of a sheet or web, and then binding them either mechanically (as in the case of felt, by interlocking them with serrated needles such that the inter-fiber friction results in a stronger fabric), with an adhesive, or thermally (by applying binder (in the form of powder, paste, or polymer melt) and melting the binder onto the web by increasing temperature).

Non-woven materials are nowadays mainly produced from man-made fibers. Two synthetic polymers dominate the market: polypropylene (PP) and polyesters (mainly PET). Nonwovens are often application-designated as either durable or disposable. For example, nonwovens used as housewraps to prevent water infiltration are durable nonwovens. Nonwovens used as facings on baby diapers are disposable or single-use nonwovens. Horticultural applications include both frost and insect protection. Non-woven materials are used in numerous applications, including :Hygiene, Medical, Filters, Geotextiles, disposable and so on.