Custom Nonwovens – Material MatchingIf you are using a current product at container quantity, and are looking for a more cost-effective option, Great Lakes can match the material

Here is a list of applications where nonwovens are used in filtration:

Grinding DeburringCold Rolling Plating Extruding Polishing Wire DrawingLappingPart Washing WastewaterSanding Phosphate

BathSpray Booth Food and

Beverage

HoningQuenching Agriculture Pulp and

Paper

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , Machine Tool Coolants, , Phosphating Solutions, , Effluent, Water and Wastewater, Machine Automation, Cooling and Heating, Mining, Rolling Oils, Scrubbers, Part Washing Chemicals, Automotive, Quenching Oils, Steel,

GLF Filter Media replaces anumber of OEM filter media products,  including those produced by:

Oberlin Filtertech Flow-Pro Clearstream Hydroflow JR Schneider Filtra-Systems Barnes International Polytech Monlan Womack Mann & Hummel

Spunbond Polyester Filter Media

 A continuous filament composition media with no binders or contaminants to leach out during the filtration process, this media is ideal for many applications because of its purity and strength. Flatbond and pointbond web construction available to suit your application. 

High Strength No Chemical Binders High Flow Rates Weight Range 0.5 – 4.0 (oz/yd²)

Spunlace Polyester Filter Media This hydro-entangled web of polyester fibers produces a media that is uniform and dense. The increased fiber entanglement leads to increased strength and stability. 

Highly Efficient High Tensile Strength Economical Weight Range 1.0 – 2.0 (oz/yd²

Spunbond Polypropylene Filter Media Continuous filament composition thermally bonded to produce an economically practical media that is moisture and chemical resistant. Made of 100% polypropylene, with no binders or filler makes this media harmless to your health and does not pollute the environment. 

High Strength Exceptional Uniformity Chemically Tolerant Economical Effective Tramp Oil Removal Weight Range 0.5 – 2.5 (oz/yd²)

SMS Polypropylene Filter Media Continuous filament construction, which contains a percentage of melt-blown fibers, creates a very efficient, low micron-rated media with strength. 

Good Uniformity Acid and Alkali Resistant Extremely Efficient High Strength Chemically Tolerant Economical Effective Tramp Oil Removal Weight Range 1.5 – 2.75 (oz/yd²)

Meltblown Polypropylene Filter Media With its highly efficient and narrow mean pore distribution, meltblown is specifically used for high-performance filtration applications. The gradient density construction provides maximum dirt holding capacity and longer service life. 

Extremely Efficient Cost-Effective Effective Tramp Oil Removal Weight Range 0.5 – 12.0 (oz/yd²)

Composite Fabrics Filter Media Multiple base layers of polyester and polypropylene fabrics are sonically bonded to create a media tailored to your exact application. The bond creates a highly efficient particulate filtration media. 

Superior Uniformity Exceptional Depth High Strength Economical Effective Tramp Oil Removal Weight Range 1.0 – 5.0 (oz/yd²)

Rayon Filter Media Constructed from rayon and polyester fibers, this dry-laid unidirectional media is cost effective where strength is not a concern. Rayon filter media is suitable for many types and sizes of debris and can be used in gravity filters and filters with conveyor belts. 

Good Uniformity FDA Grades Available Economical Weight Range 0.6- 2.8 (oz/yd²)

 

 Polyester Blend Filter Media A wet-laid constructed web of polyester and cellulose fibers offers good uniformity with quality filtration characteristics. This construction forms a uniform media of high strength and durability that traps contaminants within the complete depth of the fiber. 

Highly Efficient Immense Wet Strength Effective Tramp Oil Removal Weight Range 1.0 – 2.5 (oz/yd²)

 

Choosing the Right Nonwoven

Step 1: Selecting the Right Fiber

Nonwoven fabrics begin with either synthetic or natural fibers in a staple fiber form or as continuous filaments.  Staple fibers are short, chopped fibers that can be blended with other fiber types.  Both staple and continuous filament fibers can be made with varying diameters.  Typically a fiber’s diameter is measured in D.P.F. (denier per filament). Fibers can be made from a single synthetic polymer, but they can also be combined to form a bi-component (sheath-core) or bi-constituent (side-by-side) fiber.  Even though round is the most common fibrous shape, fibers can be extruded in different cross-section shapes depending on desired functionality. Step 2:  Determining Web Forming TechniqueAll nonwoven fabrics start out in the same form:  loosely connected masses of fibers.  To convert this loose mass into a reliable end-product, the fibers are put through one of four web forming processes. Spunbond (or spunlaid)The initial stages of the spunbond process are similar to the principles of a spaghetti press or meat grinder where a lump of dough or meat is pressed through a grate.  The resulting resin is then melted and fed through a spinneret to create string-like filaments.  These strings are drawn down through an attenuation process to alter the denier (diameter) and jetted onto a moving conveyor belt to form the web.  There are various methods of attenuation and jetting which dictate the type of spunlaid fabric manufactured.  Meltblown is another type of spunlaid with extremely fine denier fibers.  Spunbond End Products: Medical drapes & gowns, dryer sheets, interlining, landscape fabric

 Nonwoven CardedIn this process, fibers are arranged so they lay parallel, then cylinders with wire “teeth” roll over the fibers creating a webbed structure.  Carded nonwovens tend to be stronger in the direction that the machine’s “teeth” roll, but can be reinforced to increase the strength or absorbency of the fabric by layering.  Carded End Products:  Cover stock, fabric softener, wipes, interlinings

 Nonwoven AirlaidUnlike carding, which relies on strict structure, air laying is a bit more erratic.  Specially engineered machines shoot short fibers in a jet-like air stream that collides with a moving screen.  The impacts caused by the moving screen meshes the short fibers into webbed formation.  Airlaid End Products:  Medical and industrial wipes, premoistened wipes, absorbent hygiene products

 Nonwoven WetlaidThis process takes staple fibers and puts them in aqueous slurry.  The slurry is then laid down on a mesh table and dried, leaving a loose mechanically-bonded web.  The most common wetlaid process is paper manufacturing.  Wetlaid End Products: paper, filtration media

 Step 3:  Bonding

Typically the web that is created through one of the forming processes above is held together by weak mechanical bonds.  There are several bonding technologies available to strengthen the fabric. Thermal BondingTypically synthetic fibers are thermoplastic, which means they soften and re-melt when heat is applied, providing an opportunity for adjacent fibers to bond together.  The main types of thermal bonds are: 1. Flat Bond - By applying heat and consistent pressure in the form of a flat calender across the web, flat bonding

creates a smooth surface where fibers are bonded to each other.2. Point Bond - Also known as pattern bond, point bonding is the process of applying a heated roll with a pattern

embossed in the roll. Fibers are bonded together only at the points of the roll.3. Thru-Air Bonding – This bonding process draws the web through a heated drum, creating bonds throughout

the fabric without applying specific pressure. Spunlace/Hydro-entangled BondingThis bonding process uses fine high-pressure jets of water sprayed down on top of the fabric.  The pressure from the jet causes fibers to become mechanically entwined through the depth of the fabric. Resin BondingThis bonding process coats the web with a specified type of resin, creating chemical bonds among the resin and fibers. Step 4:  Finishing ProcessBy the time the fabric undergoes the bonding stage, it is in finished form.  The only step left is to apply any desired finishing processes for additional functionality.Finishing Types  Coating – coatings can be in the form of aqueous dip, or knife coating or extruding a film on top of the fabric. Laminating – combining more than one layer of a nonwoven fabric together, usually by a calendaring process,

then applying heat and pressure to bond fibers from each layer.

Ultrasonic Welding – another process by which layers of fabric or substrates can be combined.  This technology applies ultrasonic vibrations and pressure to a point of the fabric.  The fabric absorbs the vibrations and melts, creating a weld.

Slitting – One of the real benefits of nonwovens is that they can be slit to custom widths without concern for fraying or unraveling.

 Fiberweb® Technical Nonwovens will engineer your material based on the necessary performance characteristics. For more information on Fiberweb Technical Nonwoven fabrics or to discuss the engineering of a custom fabric, visit our contact page.

Non-Woven Filtration Medias:

A T M – Sonic Bonded Composites

A T M is a proprietary product line developed and manufactured by Flo-Tec using our ultra sonic technology which bonds multi-layers and fibers together, providing excellent filtration capabilities due to depth of the media.Basis weight range: 0.7 oz to 9.0 oz per sq. / yd.SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet 

 

C P R – Layered Polyester

C P R is a low cost highly-effective media. Utilizing our ultra-sonic technology to layer the polyester fibers together, this media offers great strength and still remains fairly open to allow for great flow rates. C P R works well in straight oil applications where restricted flow is a problem and also provides good cake building characteristics.

Basis weight range: 0.5 oz to 2.5 oz per sq. / yd. SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet

 

F P B – Wet-Laid Polyester Cellulose

F P B is a blend of polyester (90%) and cellulose (10%) fibers with a chemical binder, which provides higher efficiency filtration than other non-wovens. This media has great multi-directional strength and is very tolerant of high tramp oil. F P B is recommended for filtering fluids in washer, grinding, honing, and certain gravity applications. It is also a preferred product for use in greenhouse filtration.

Basis weight range: 1.0 oz to 3.5 oz per sq. / yd.SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet

F T R – Chem-Bond Rayon

This media provides good uniformity and density and is widely popular for use on gravity filters. F T R is a popular product in the food and beverage industry and we do offer a full line of FDA approved food grade rayon. With a very low cost compared with other medias, F T R is a very good option when strength is not a major concern.Basis weight range: 0.7 oz to 3.0 oz per sq. / yd.SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet

L P P S – Layered Polypropylene

L P P S is a Flo-Tec manufactured product which utilizes our ultra-sonic technology to bond multiple layers of 0.5 oz polypropylene together. This media offers great depth filtration due to the fusion of fibers, yet still remains a low-cost alternative to specialized filter medias. This media is typically used in vacuum and pressure filters.Basis weight range: 1.0 oz to 4.0 oz per sq. / yd.SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet

 

S P P – Spun-Bond Polypropylene

S P P is manufactured using a spun-bond process using 100% polypropylene fibers. This media is generally used on vacuum and pressure filters. It has a very uniform fiber size throughout which provides for a high level of porosity. S P P is not recommended for fine filtration.Basis weight range: 0.5 oz to 3.0 oz per sq. / yd.SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet 

P W F – Power-Flo Depth Media

P W F is a special depth media ideal for filtering coolants used in metal, machining, grinding, drilling, honing, lapping, and polishing applications. This media is known for its special depth characteristics which provide for excellent dirt holding capacity and longer filter life. P W F also provides good chemical resistance.Basis weight range: 2.5 oz to 4.5 oz per sq. / yd.SPEC Sheet / MSDS Sheet

Hanes

At Hanes Engineered Materials, we supply various nonwoven materials used in the industrial air and liquid filtration industries. With locations spanning the U.S. and Canada, we can ensure you get quick service and response times at competitive prices. Our experience and processes enable us to recommend and produce the right products for your filtration needs – including applications involving pressure, vacuum, and gravity filters, as well as filter press and horizontal or vertical plate and frame filters. Markets served include most coolant applications, food processing, chemical, and various others.

TYPE OF FILTERS

Cut parts Roll media Composites Depth media

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR LIQUID AND AIR FILTRATION

Spunbond polyestero Flat bondo Point bond

Spunbond polypropylene Rayon and rayon blends SMS Laminates Composites Gradient structures FDA rayons and polyesters

Hanes Geo Components is a separate division of Hanes Companies that serves as a distributor and manufacturer of geosynthetics, erosion and sediment control materials, stormwater products, and various landscape/jobsite supplies. With over 30 stocking locations in the U.S. and Canada, Hanes Geo Components is a leading supplier to the highway/heavy-construction and erosion control industries. We’re committed to providing top-notch products, technical knowledge, exceptional customer service, and competitive pricing.

Our geosynthetics and other products include, but are not limited to:

GEOTEXTILES AND GEOGRIDSOur geosynthetics include TerraTex® geotextiles and TerraGrid® geogrids. The TerraCell® cellular confinement system and TerraDrain® geocomposite drains have been used in North America for close to 30 years.

EROSION CONTROL BLANKETSErosion control materials come in many forms. From grass seed to gabions, we have them all. We supply erosion control blankets, turf reinforcement mats, hydroseeding products, coir mattings, and jute mattings.

SILT FENCESOur sediment control materials meet environmental regulations. We make and distribute a broad line of silt fences, including pre-assembled, wire-back, logo-printed, and more. We offer dewatering bags, wattles, logs, silt socks, flocculants, and turbidity barriers.

INLET PROOur Inlet Pro® sediment bags are an important part of standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce surface water pollution from construction stormwater runoff. The bags retain sediment and debris, which are filtered out of the water.

SCOURSTOPWe manufacture ScourStop®, the industry’s original transition mat that protects against erosion and scour in a number of stormwater applications. Most of our geosynthetics and erosion and sediment control materials are used for stormwater.

Hanes Building Products – Your Source for Construction-Related Building MaterialsOur building materials and fabrics come in many varieties, so you can find what you need. We’re a leading supplier of blown insulation webbing and netting, such as our Insulweb®, which is known for its strength, durability, and reliable performance. We also provide components for engineered products in a range of building applications.Our high-quality product line-up includes:

BUILDING INSULATION ACCESSORIES

Our Insulweb® insulation is great for damp-spraying or dense-packing cellulose, blowing or loose-filling fiberglass, and other, similar applications.

Insuloc™ is the best choice for all dry, blown-in applications. Insulpac™ insulation recovery bags are designed for use in industrial insulation

collection, making clean-up a breeze. Visit insulation website  

ROOFING SYSTEMS

Cold emulsion roofing systems are available, using nonwoven polyester for reinforcement applications.

Our spunbond and needle-punched nonwoven reinforcement fabrics can be used with your proprietary products, such as shingles, ridge vents, underlayment, and single-ply roofing systems.

AUTOMOTIVEHanes Automotive – Your Leading Source for Automotive FabricsOur woven and nonwoven fabrics are used at multiple tier levels in the automotive market for seating, door panels, overhead systems, flooring, and other interior trim applications in vehicles. Hanes is certified in both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, so we can ensure you get the right combination of quality, value, and service.Our automotive and transportation construction fabric products include:

SEAT-TRIM COVER CONSTRUCTION FABRICS

Needle-punched polypropylene is perfect for attaching the seat cover to the seat frame and foam.

Spunbond polypropylene is available in black or white, and is the economical choice for backing and reinforcement applications.

FOAM-BACKING CLOTH FOR SEAT BOTTOMS AND BACKS

Needle-punch poly provides a thick, fuzzy surface texture that serves as a strong foam bond.

Laminated composites, including FoamGuard and Brigade, create a unique bond structure for excellent mold conformability and foam adhesion.

OVERHEAD AND FLOORING SYSTEM FABRICS

Spunbond polyester is a cost-effective alternative that provides the support and aesthetics necessary for many headliner and carpet-backing applications.

Hanes Furniture – Over 50 Years Servicing the Furniture IndustryWith a long-standing history of supplying fabric products to the furniture industry, we can be your top source for woven and nonwoven products. We create value through innovative design while maintaining a high level of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from us. With a dye and finishing mill just sixty miles from our processing plant, we can offer superior products at competitive prices.

SEE US FOR YOUR FURNITURE RELATED NEEDS:

Seat decking Cushion wraps Dustcovers Inside backs and arms And more!

Carnegie

Acrylics Bleached Fabrics Burlap Canvas Cheesecloth Cleanroom Fabrics 

Cotton Dacron Dacrons Denim Diaper Cloth Drills Duck Filter Cloth & Felt Flannel Flitration Fabrics Impregnated Fabrics Knitted Fabrics Linens Mesh Mil-Spec Fabrics Muslin Muslins Nainsook Naugahyde Nonwoven Textiles Nylon Nylon Mesh Peit Plastics Polyethylene Film Ribbons Sheetings Silk Synthetics Terry Cloth Towellings Twill Unbleached Fabrics Vinyl Webbing Wool

Executive Overview Nonwoven textiles sounds like an oxymoron to many people who think of textiles as the traditional knitted or woven fabric, but in reality, nonwoven textiles are ubiquitous in daily living. A variety of manufacturing processes enables nonwoven textile manufacturers to create a product with a unique combination of performance characteristics that meets the needs of medical, agricultural, surgical, consumer product, food and beverage, industrial, construction, automotive and municipal users.

Basic Description of Nonwovens Nonwoven textiles are fabrics created through a bonding process rather than through the traditional interlacing of fabric threads or yarn. While a nonwoven fabric may be constructed of entangled fibers, the fibers are bonded through mechanical, chemical or thermal

methods. Traditional textiles consist of fibers spun into yarn and then knitted or interwoven in a structured pattern. Nonwoven fabrics often include a chemical or plastic additive that changes the properties of the finished product. The additives may impart additional strength or absorption to the textile or it may affect the appearance or feel of the finished product. The ability to affect the characteristics of the finished fabric through the choice of process and additives enables nonwoven textiles to be effective in a variety of uses. Uses include disposables, such as wipes or surgical masks, or applications that require strength and durability, such as furniture cushions or carpet backings. In general, the right combination of fiber, additives and process can create a unique textile with a specific balance of any of the following characteristics: • Washability • Softness or stiffness • Barriers to insects or bacteria • Strength and stretch • Padding or cushioning • Resilience and abrasion resistance • Flame retarding or heat resistant • Resistance to mold or mildew • Absorbing or repelling liquids • Permeability The almost infinite variability of the characteristics of nonwoven textiles makes them suitable for a variety of medical, agricultural, consumer and industrial processes, but ensuring that the nonwoven fabric has the optimum characteristics for a particular purpose requires a detailed knowledge of the process’ possibilities. Engineers charged with specifying nonwoven textiles for any application should ensure that they work with a nonwoven textile company that provides excellent customer service and advice.

Processes The process of creating nonwoven textiles varies depending on the desire characteristics of the finished fabric.

Staple Process The length of the fiber affects the properties of the finished fabric. For the staple process, fiber lengths vary from approximately ¼ inch to 4 inches in length, depending on the fiber properties such as weight or stiffness, and the desired characteristics of the final product. Longer lengths tend to produce stronger materials due to the greater entanglement of the fibers. After cutting to length, the fibers are bundled into bales. Using either carding or a wetlaid process, the manufacturing process spreads the fibers evenly across the conveyer belt. As the belt moves the fibers, they may be mixed, overlaid or sprinkled with polymers or powdered chemical additives that impart the desired characteristics to the finished product. The belt moves the fibers through a press or roller, which bonds the fibers using either pressure, heat or a combination of both to form the finished textile

What you need to know about NONWOVEN TEXTILES What You Need to Know about Nonwoven Textiles

Processes Felting Felting is an ancient process that bonds fibers by punching them rapidly and continuously with notched needles until the fibers become fully matted and entangled. Felting results in nonwoven textiles with a wide variety of characteristics depending on the material and the degree of felting. Felting may be done as either a wet or a dry process. Felted materials offer excellent sound and shock absorption, so they are often used in machinery to deaden noise or absorb vibration, or in packaging and cushioning to prevent damage due to shock. Felted materials are also used in musical instruments, apparel and crafts.

Spunlaid Spunlaid textiles are manufactured in a continuous process from fibers that are blown by air or deflectors onto a conveyor. Spunlaid textiles are often cheaper and faster to produce because of the simplicity of the process, and the resulting textiles have virtually unlimited uses. Spunlaid textiles are used in surgical gowns, consumer disposables, linings and interfaces for clothing and a variety of other products. In some cases, spunlaid textiles undergo further processing to bind them to meltblown nonwovens, resulting in a hybrid product known as SMS textiles. SMS textiles combine superior strength and filtration capabilities, making them ideal for use in many products.

Meltblown Meltblown nonwovens involve extruding polymer or other chemicals through the fibers using a spinet or die that applies the polymer in a specific pattern. This results in long fibers, which are cooled and stretched as they pass from the conveyer. Meltblown textiles work well where strength is not as important as fine filtration. Meltblown nonwovens work well for facemasks, where they can filter bacteria or fine particulate without impeding the flow of air. They are also used in a variety of agricultural and industrial processes as disposable filters.

Bonding Almost all nonwoven textiles undergo heat or chemical bonding that determines the ultimate characteristics and uses. These may include: • Oven curing • Calendering (or spunbonding) • Heat sealing • Hydroentanglement • Needle punching • Ultrasonic bonding • Chemical bonding The specific process used will vary depending on the ultimate purpose for the textile as well as the manufacturer’s capabilities.

Additional processes

After bonding, most nonwoven textiles will be rolled or baled. One advantage of nonwoven textiles is that although they can be made in very wide widths, they can be easily cut down to adapt to the capabilities of additional processing equipment used to create the finished product. When selecting a nonwoven textile partner, you will want to be sure they offer the process and products you need, as well as the additional services necessary to prepare the nonwoven textile for processing in your facility. In general, a high-quality nonwoven manufacturing partner will offer the following additional processes to prepare your non-woven textiles. • Die-cutting • Perforating • Slitting • Commission thermoplastic adhesive coatingFiber Dyanmics, Inc. | 2

What you need to know about NONWOVEN TEXTILES What You Need to Know about Nonwoven Textiles

Best Uses Depending on the process, the coatings and the bonding, nonwoven textiles may be used for almost any purpose. Many lay people and even engineers are surprised at the variety of use cases for nonwoven textiles. Examples include: • Vacuum cleaner filters • Frost protection • Clean room filters • Insulation • Allergy air filters • Surgical drapes and covers • Oil and gasoline filters • Furniture cushions and decorative pillow casings • Water filters for home and camping use • Disposable diapers • Coffee filters • Surgical scrub suits • Tea bags • Batting for quilts and coverlets • Dehumidifiers • Tablecloth backing • Adhesive bandages and medical packing • Napkins • Automotive parts, including vibration and • Capet backing noise abatement devices • Feminine hygiene products • Musical instruments • Caps and bill or brim stiffeners • Mattress pads and protectors • Industrial wipes • Anti-dust mite or bedbug bedding materials • Medicinal wipes • Isolation gowns • Baby wipes • Linings and interfacings for clothing and apparel • Impregnated cleaning products such as • Surgical mesh stainless steel or granite cleaner wipes • Erosion control and soil underlayment • Medical packaging • Drainage systems • Personal hygiene wipes • Surgical gowns • Industrial filters • Consumer and medical face masks • Roofing underlayment • Mailing envelopes • Whole house wraps • Tarps, tenting and transportation wrapping • Packaging and shipping materials • Disposable clothing • Dairy and food filtration • Weather resistant house wrap • Frost protection • Cleanroom wipes • Municipal water supply filtration • Clean room clothing • Dusting, floor cleaning and furniture polishing • Disposable tarps for painting • Nail polish and makeup removal pads • Picture framing backing materials

Resources Several industry organizations and professional educational consortiums exist to help educate engineers and practitioners on the nonwoven textile manufacturing process. You may find additional information about nonwoven textiles, or training in the processes from the following organizations:

INDA INDA is the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Located in Cary, NC, INDA offers a variety of resources to people interested in nonwoven textiles. Resources range from basic explanations of the various nonwoven production processes to a glossary of relevant terms. They also post information about pending legislation, industry issues and industry conferences or education programs. One of INDA’s most valuable offerings is their research on the nonwoven textiles market.Fiber Dyanmics, Inc. | 3

What you need to know about NONWOVEN TEXTILES What You Need to Know about Nonwoven Textiles

The Nonwovens Institute: The Nonwovens Institute is a research facility at NC State University. It sponsors the world’s first academically accredited program in nonwoven textile technology. The NWI has a fully functioning research lab with state of the art equipment for extrusion, polymer research and meltdown, needle punching, hydroentangling and other advanced technologies. The NWI makes its facilities available for pilot testing of new processes and offers a variety of educational programs for engineers or anyone interested in nonwoven textiles.

Conclusion With the incredible variety of uses that nonwoven textiles can fulfill, you more than likely come into contact with a nonwoven textile product several times each day. If you are wondering whether a nonwoven textile can solve a problem that requires absorbance, filtration, sterility, strength, softness, abrasion resistance or a host of other characteristics, the answer is more than likely yes. By varying the process and the characteristics of the product, nonwoven textiles offer a range of capabilities that make them an ideal solution for many design problems. They are cost effective, non-polluting and readily available. All that remains is to talk to a knowledgeable nonwoven textile manufacturing company about exactly which grade of material best meets your needs.Fiber Dyanmics, Inc. | 4

ApparelNonwoven Fabrics in Apparel

From SWAT teams to firefighters to everyday people in exercise wear or sneakers, almost everyone is touched in one way or another by nonwoven fabrics in the clothes they wear. Nonwovens have important benefits in apparel for all types of facilities: clean rooms in manufacturing, laboratories, hospitals, and so much more.

In exercise wear nonwoven fabrics can wick moisture away from your body and keep you cool or warm.

For clean rooms durable nonwoven fabrics are used in Hazmat suits to provide a protective barrier to keep dangerous pathogens and microbes from coming into contact with workers.

For first responders nonwoven fabrics are used to make bulletproof vests, firefighting suits and military apparel. Nonwovens provide extreme durability, high tensile strength, fire-retardant properties, water resistance and breathability, not to mention cost-effectiveness.

Nonwoven fabrics are even found in shirts–look at the cuffs, collar and lapels. They’re often reinforced with nonwovens to provide stiffness and help retain shape.

More Examples of Nonwovens in Apparel

Aprons

Capes & wraps (cosmetic, dental & restaurant use) Gloves & glove liners Imitation fur Industrial (laboratories & clean rooms) Interlinings & interfacings Medical & surgical apparel Military apparel Outerwear, sportswear & swimwear Protective clothing Shoe linings & insoles Sleepwear Underwear, bras & shoulder pads

Automotive / TransportationNonwoven Fabrics in Automotive and Transportation

Everyone has ridden in some type of transportation . . . automobile, plane, train or bus. You are surrounded by nonwoven fabrics every single time. Whether it’s a cabin air filter, seat trim, floor mats or a trunk liner, they are all made from nonwovens. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the automotive/transportation market. Here are a couple of examples.

Automotive Carpets. Nonwovens are used for the primary and secondary backings in automotive carpets. They offer excellent moldability and the durability demanded by today’s drivers.

Take a look at the trunk liner in your car. They, too, are made from nonwovens. Durable, easily molded and lightweight, they fit stylishly into the trunk area, protecting it from normal wear and tear.

Nonwovens are also used to reinforce tires. They extend the life of the tire, provide strength and durability, and are lightweight and cost-effective. Tire reinforcements offer better handling (by giving the tires a sturdier structure) and fewer instances of flat spotting of tires.

Where else can nonwovens be found in the automotive/transportation market?

Click to see an image of where nonwovens are used in cars.

Examples of Nonwovens in Automotive/Transportation

A, B, C column padding Acoustic/thermal insulation Anti-rattle pads Backing for tufted carpeting Battery separators Boat furnishings Boats Bodywork parts

Car mats Carpets/carpet reinforcement Console/storage box linings Covering for molded seats, seat belts, seat belt anchorage Covering material, padding for sun visors Dash insulators Decorative fabric Door lower coverings Door panel trim Door trim facing fabrics, pads, reinforcements Exterior wheel-well acoustic materials Filters (air cleaning, cabin air, carburetor, oil) Headliner backings, covering, facings, reinforcements, substrates Headrest covers Hood liner facings Instrument panel trim Insulation materials Lift gate coverings Load floors for SUVs/station wagons Loudspeaker cover, housing Molded fuel tanks, trunk liners Muffler wraps Package tray covering Polyurethane coated backing Rear shelf cover fabrics, panels Reinforcements for trunk liners Saloon roof Seat back fabrics seat bolster fabrics Seat construction reinforcements Seat slip agents Seat trim Sound-proofing Sunroof Throw mats Tire reinforcement Toe kick fabrics Transmission tunnel Trunk floor covering, reinforcements Trunk liners, trim Upholstery backing Vinyl backing for seat covers Vinyl roof Window frames

http://www.inda.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Nonwoven-CAR.jpg

Consumer ProductsNonwoven Fabrics in Consumer Products

Do you drink coffee or tea? Have you ever used a softener sheet in the clothes dryer? If you said yes to either question, then nonwoven fabrics are part of your life. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the consumer products market.

Nonwovens are ideal for tea bags and single-serving coffee bags because they have no odor or taste and are extremely strong when wet, so you don’t have to worry about tea leaves or coffee grounds floating in your beverage.

Dry floor cloths provide convenience and performance. These nonwoven sheets are thick enough to conform to any surface to better trap dust, dirt and hair.

Chances are, you have used a laundry dryer sheet at least once. These thin anti-static sheets are made from durable nonwoven fabric and can stand up to high temperatures inside the clothes dryer. Dryer sheets can also be manufactured to slowly release scents and softeners during the drying cycle.

Examples of Nonwovens in Consumer Products

Abrasive pads & sheets for scouring Baby bibs Cheese wrap Coffee & tea bags Coffee filters Cosmetic applicators & removers Envelopes, tags & labels Filters Floor dusting cloths Laundry dryer sheets Reusable bags Vacuum cleaner, laundry & garment bags

ElectronicsNonwoven Fabrics in Electronics

From computers to cable wrap to batteries, you’ll find nonwoven fabrics in places you probably never imagined. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the electronics market, just a few of which you’ll discover below.

More than likely, you’ve used plenty of small batteries in your life. What you probably didn’t know is that battery separators are needed between the cathode and anode in every one. Nonwoven separators

are thin and lightweight enough to allow ions to move freely from one electrode to another, and inexpensive enough to be cost-effective.

The same can be said for circuit boards found in computers. Nonwoven fabrics can be engineered to allow currents to flow freely, without impeding product design.

Nonwovens have also been used for decades in cable and wire insulation. In fact, certain nonwovens are so water-resistant, they can even be used for wires or cables that are buried underground and exposed to the elements.

Examples of Nonwovens in Electronics

Battery separators Cable wrap Circuit boards Electrical insulation Fuel cells Heat & sound insulation

FiltrationNonwoven Fabrics in Filtration

Nonwovens offer many advantages in all types of filtration. Whether a filter is designed to keep the air in your home clean, an operating room sterile, or to remove dirt and grit from the oil in your car before it reaches the engine, nonwoven fabrics get the job done.

Anyone who suffers from allergies already knows that having a good heating and air conditioning filter in the home can help immeasurably in clearing the air. Air filters capture pollen, allergens, mold spores, and other microscopic particles to reduce symptoms and help everyone breathe easier.

Medical filters made from nonwovens are key in any operating room to keep out pathogens, bacteria or microbes that might otherwise contaminate a sterile environment.

Oil filters are an important component in your car. The nonwoven fabrics in the filters help remove contaminants from the engine oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil and lubricating oil.

Examples of Nonwoven Fabrics in Filtration

Air, gas & dust Food Home HVAC Liquid, non-food Medical

Furnishings / BeddingNonwoven Fabrics in Furnishings and Bedding

Whether you are at home or in the office, nonwovens surround you. Are you sitting on a chair or a couch? There are nonwovens underneath them called dust covers. Are you walking on a carpet? Nonwovens are used as a carpet backing. Your mattress contains nonwovens, and they are used in various places throughout its construction. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the furnishings/bedding market. Here are a few examples:

You’ve sat on chairs, couches, and futons and not given nonwovens a single thought. But, if you were to flip a chair, couch or futon over, you would see a piece of fabric (usually stapled or glued) on the bottom. This is a durable, cost-effective, yet lightweight, answer to the problem of bugs or rodents taking up residence under your furniture.

Nonwovens are used as carpet backing. You walk on carpets every day and probably don’t even realize that there is a nonwoven supporting the underside of the carpet. Nonwoven carpet backing can provide noise reduction, comfort, a moisture barrier, and help with high traffic wear.

The most popular use of nonwovens in mattresses is to provide a flame retardant or flame resistant barrier fabric. That mattress you sleep on every night is keeping you safe.

Examples of Nonwovens in Furnishings and Bedding

Acoustic ceilings Bedding sheets Blankets, quilts, quilt covers, bedspreads, mattress covers Carpet backings Carpet under-paddings Carpets Cushion internal ticking Decking & breather fabrics Drapery & drapery liners Drapery pleating Dust covers Flanging Floor coverings Furniture Futons Ironing board pads Lamp shades Mats (bath, door, place) Mattresses & ticking Napkins Pillows & pillowcases Pleated shades Pull strips Rugs Scrims

Slipcovers Spring insulators Spring wrap Tablecloths Tickings Upholstery backings, scrims Vertical blind components Wall coverings Window shades

Geotextiles / ConstructionNonwoven Fabrics in Geotextiles and Construction

How many times have you seen road construction? Houses being built? How about those huge rolls of black fabric on the land beside highways and interstates? Nonwovens are an integral part of construction whether on the road or in a building or in your home. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the geotextiles/construction market. Here are some examples . . .

Geotextile nonwoven fabric is used in roadway construction. Geotextiles have multiple advantages when used in roadway projects. They can extend the life of the paved road by helping to reduce the number of potholes. Using these nonwovens have the potential to significantly reduce the number of times roads need to be repaired.

Geotextile nonwoven fabrics are also used for erosion control. Road crews use it for the land beside highways and interstates to help prevent erosion from the rain, snow and wind.

Examples of Nonwovens in Geotextiles and Construction Materials

Artificial turf Capillary mats Covers & seed strips Geotextiles, drainage & erosion control Greenhouse shading Insulation Modified bitumen roofing Pavement overlays Roadway reinforcements Roofing components Soil stabilizers

HygieneNonwoven Fabrics in Hygiene

Have you ever changed a diaper? Put training pants on a toddler? If you’re a woman, you’re probably familiar with feminine hygiene products. All of these, plus incontinence products, all contain nonwovens. Nonwoven fabrics offer many advantages in the hygiene market. Here are a couple of examples.

Have you ever wondered how a diaper can absorb all that liquid? Well, it’s due to the combination of superabsorbent polymers, wood pulp and the nonwoven fabric inside the diaper. Liquids are dispersed efficiently and absorbed quickly, keeping it away from baby’s skin.

Diapers and training pants also have a thin nonwoven fabric that comes in contact with the skin providing a smooth comfortable fit.

Feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary napkins, pantyliners and incontinence products use a combination of superabsorbent and nonwoven fabrics as well. All have an unmatched advantage in being able to absorb bodily fluids and dispersing quickly to keep your loved one’s skin dry.

Examples of Nonwovens in Hygiene Products

Diapers Feminine hygiene Incontinence products Nursing pads Toddler training pants

Medical / HealthcareNonwoven Fabrics in Medical and Healthcare

Have you ever watched a medical drama on TV? Or had surgery at the hospital or out-patient clinic? -Hospital operating rooms are filled with nonwovens and you’ve either seen them on TV or up close in person. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the medical/healthcare market. Here are a couple of examples . . .

Operating room personnel wear single-use nonwoven surgical gowns when they are in the operating room. Nonwovens are also used to make surgical drapes. The advantage for using nonwovens is protection from the patient’s blood, bodily fluids, and they are sterile.

Millions of people all over the world acquire HAI (Hospital Acquired Infection) resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities every year. There are many causes for acquiring infections in the hospitals, one of them being during surgery (commonly referred to as SSI – Surgical Site Infection). Nonwoven medical drapes and gowns can help prevent the spread of bacteria and microbes during surgery, thereby reducing the risk of SSIs/HAIs.

Band-aids are something most everyone has used at one time in their lives. You get a cut and put on the band-aid. That little nonwoven fabric in the middle protects the wound and speeds healing by keeping the area moist and free from infection.

Examples of Nonwovens in the Medical and Healthcare Industries

Bandages Cast paddings & covers Surgical drapes Dressings Surgical gowns Packs Sterile packaging Sterile overwraps Surgical masks Swabs Underpads

PackagingNonwoven Fabrics in Packaging

Packaging isn’t something most people think about. They tend to think about the product inside the package. Almost everyone has bought meat that is shrink-wrapped on a tray with a small white absorbent pad under the meat. That small pad is made with nonwoven fabric. Those reusable bags you bring with you to the grocery store (not the canvas ones)? Nonwoven fabric. Nonwovens offer many advantages in the packaging market. Here are a few examples.

Not all envelopes are made from paper. Some envelopes are made from nonwovens and provide strength, durability and lightness to protect the materials you are mailing.

Reusable bags have become extremely popular with consumers as part of the earth-friendly movement. And most of these bags are made from nonwovens. They are lightweight, sturdy and cut down on the number of plastic bags being used.

Examples of Nonwovens in Packaging

Beverage packing Breathable bags Canisters Confectionary packaging Envelopes/file folders Flow wraps Flower wrap Food pads Fruit liners Hazmat transport aids Individual packets Industrial bags Insulator materials Meat packaging trays

Medical sterile packaging Separator sheets Tubs Vegetable packaging trays

WipesNonwoven Fabrics in Wipes

Do you clean your counters with wet disinfectant wipes? How about your mirrors with glass wipes? Have you used wipes on your baby?

There is an ever growing number of wipes. Wipes’ use around the world has increased as well. From your home to your office, to the shop floor to the hospital, wipes have made a huge impact on the way we live and work. They are durable, easy-to-use, cost-effective and lightweight.

Examples of Nonwovens in Wipes

Baby Bathroom Cleanroom Dusting Floor cleaning Household (dry, wet) Industrial Medical Personal, cosmetic

Woven Geotextiles

Nonwoven Geotextiles

Drainage Fabric

House Wrap

Sythetic Roofing Underlayment

Multilayer Composite Fabrics

Coated Woven Fabrics

Non woven fabrics

Flooring underlayment

Nomex Felt Rolls

Needle punched Felt Rolls

GeoTex

Ellepot Paper

Knoll

Paramoll

HR Black

Durr

Oberlin

Filtertech

Flow-Pro

Clearstream

Hydroflow

JR Schneider

Filtra

Barnes

Polytech

Monlan

Womack

Mann Hummel

+ Paper or + Media

Nonwoven Types for Keywords

Rayon

Spunbond

Spunlace

Dry laid

Pointbond

Flat Bond

+Hanes+Filter+Paper

Hanes Ray

Hanes Regiment

Hanes Hydroguard

Hanes Polypoint

Hanes Pureflo

Hanes Surefil

Hanes Regal

Hanes Microplex

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