What is Nonwoven?

No definition of nonwoven is internationally agreed upon. International Standards Organization (ISO) and the Americal Society for Testing Materials had given two important definitions.

According to ISO 9092:1988 –

“A manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibers, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin.”

This definition is very narrow in its scope. ­Now, let’s look at the definition according to ASTM D 1117-80 –

“A nonwoven is a textile structure produced by the bonding or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by mechanical, chemical, thermal or solvent means and combinations thereof. The term does not include paper or fabrics that are woven, knitted, or tufted.”

Examples of Nonwoven

Some most common nonwovens are surgical masks, tea-bags, bath-wipes, wound dressings, face-cloths, etc.

Classification of Non woven Fabric

Several types of nonwoven are available according to their manufacturing process.

1. Spunlaid

2. Drylaid

3. Wetlaid

4. Airlaid

5. Heat bonded

6. Melt blown

7. Stitch

8. Acupuncture/ Needle punched