The application of nonwoven products is continuously growing. These versatile materials can be categorized into disposables, durable consumer goods, and industrial products. Their affordability and adaptability to various needs are driving their increasing utilization across these sectors.
Disposable nonwovens are primarily designed for single-use, although some items, like dust cloths, can be washed and reused a limited number of times. Common applications include personal hygiene products such as diapers and sanitary napkins, medical items like surgical gowns and drapes, surgical and industrial masks, bandages, wipes, and towels. They are also used for bibs and costumes for special occasions, and recently, lightweight “fun” cloths have gained popularity, as they can be laundered multiple times.
Durable nonwovens have a broad range of applications. In the consumer goods sector, they are used in household items and home furnishings, including draperies, furniture upholstery, mattress padding, towels, tablecloths, blankets, and carpet backing, as well as in apparel like caps, linings, interlinings, interfacings, and reinforcement for other fabrics. Additionally, nonwovens serve various industrial purposes, including filters, insulation, packaging materials, roadbed stabilization sheeting, geotextiles, and roofing products.
Specialty Nonwoven Products
Fusible Nonwovens: A fusible nonwoven fabric features a heat-activated adhesive resin coating, making it a crucial component in apparel construction. Over half of the interfacings utilized in garment creation are fusible. These materials are inserted between layers of fabric to add body, shape, support, strength, and stability. The resin activates when heat and pressure are applied for a specific duration, bonding the interfacing to the outer fabric.
However, fusible interfacings come with some drawbacks. They can sometimes create a stiff or board-like texture; variations in shrinkage between the joined fabrics may lead to a rippled appearance in the garment; and if applied incorrectly, the layers may separate during cleaning.
Additionally, other specialized nonwoven products include film fabrics, coated fabrics, and synthetic suedes and leathers.
