Question 16 (Textile Engineering & Fibre Science)
The nonwoven process which has the highest production rate is
| (A) | Needle punching |
| (B) | Hydroentangling |
| (C) | Melt blowing |
| (D) | Spunbonding |
Answer / Solution
[Show Answer]
Option D
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
What is a nonwoven fabric and examples?
A nonwoven fabric, also known as non-woven fabric or non-woven textile, is a type of textile material that is not formed by weaving or knitting, but rather by bonding or felting fibers together. Nonwoven fabrics are made by mechanically, chemically, or thermally interlocking fibers to form a cohesive web or sheet-like structure. This process results in a fabric that does not have a regular pattern of yarns or threads like woven or knitted fabrics.
Examples of nonwoven fabrics include:
Spunbond Nonwoven Fabric: This type of nonwoven fabric is made by extruding molten polymer filaments, typically polypropylene or polyester, onto a conveyor belt, then bonding the filaments together using heat and/or chemicals. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics are commonly used in applications such as disposable diapers, hygiene products, agricultural coverings, and geotextiles.
Meltblown Nonwoven Fabric: Meltblown nonwoven fabric is produced by melting polymer chips or pellets, usually polypropylene, and extruding them through tiny nozzles to form microfibers. These microfibers are then collected on a conveyor belt or drum and bonded together using heat, creating a fine, web-like structure. Meltblown nonwovens are used in applications such as air and liquid filtration, medical masks, and absorbent products.
Needle-punched Nonwoven Fabric: Needle-punched nonwoven fabric is made by mechanically entangling fibers using barbed needles that punch through the fibers and interlock them. This process creates a fabric with a three-dimensional structure and high strength. Needle-punched nonwovens are used in applications such as automotive interiors, carpet backing, and geotextiles.
Wet-laid Nonwoven Fabric: Wet-laid nonwoven fabric is produced by suspending fibers in a liquid, then depositing them onto a moving screen or belt to form a web. The web is then bonded together using heat, pressure, or chemicals. Wet-laid nonwovens are used in applications such as wipes, specialty papers, and filtration media.
Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric: Spunlace, also known as hydroentangled or spunlaced, nonwoven fabric is made by entangling fibers using high-pressure water jets. This process creates a fabric with a soft, cloth-like texture, and is used in applications such as wipes, medical dressings, and facial masks.
Nonwoven fabrics are known for their versatility, as they can be engineered to have specific properties such as strength, softness, flexibility, absorbency, and barrier properties, depending on the fibers and manufacturing process used. They are widely used in a variety of industries including hygiene, healthcare, automotive, agriculture, construction, and more.