Why are non-woven fabrics divided into soft and hard?
As a non-woven fabric material, non-woven fabrics present various physical properties, including different degrees of softness and hardness, due to their unique production process and raw material selection. This article will explore the reasons for the softness and hardness of non-woven fabrics and their application scenarios.
1. Differences in raw materials of non-woven fabrics
The main raw materials for producing non-woven fabrics are polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), viscose fiber, etc. Polypropylene fiber is usually used to produce relatively stiff non-woven products due to its high strength and good wear resistance. Polyester fiber is often used to make soft non-woven materials due to its good elasticity and softness. Different raw material combinations and ratios will directly affect the hardness and softness of non-woven fabrics.
2. Influence of production process
The production processes of non-woven fabrics include meltblowing, spunlace, needle punching and hot rolling. For example, non-woven fabrics produced by meltblowing are usually softer, while hot rolling may make non-woven fabrics stiffer. Spunlace uses high-pressure water to pierce the fiber web, making the fibers entangled with each other, which can produce non-woven fabrics that are both soft and have a certain strength.
3. Physical properties of fibers
The physical properties of fibers, such as fiber thickness (denier), fiber cross-sectional shape, and fiber surface treatment, will affect the softness or hardness of non-woven fabrics. Fine fibers can usually produce softer non-woven fabrics, while coarse fibers may produce harder materials.
4. Application scenarios
The hardness and softness of nonwoven fabrics vary according to the needs of their application scenarios:
Medical and health industry:
Soft non-woven fabrics: often used to make disposable surgical gowns, masks, sheets, medical dressings, etc. The materials are required to be soft and comfortable to reduce friction and irritation to sensitive skin.
Hard non-woven fabrics: may be used to make surgical drapes, protective clothing, etc. These products require a certain degree of stiffness to maintain shape and prevent liquid penetration.
Household items:
Soft non-woven fabric: suitable for bedding such as sheets, pillow cases, tablecloths, etc., providing soft touch and comfort.
Hard non-woven fabrics: Upholstery fabrics that may be used for furniture or wall coverings that need to maintain a neat shape and appearance.
Agriculture:
Soft non-woven fabrics: Used as covering materials for plant growth in gardening, they need to be soft for easy spreading and handling.
Hard non-woven fabric: It may be used to make sunshade nets or thermal insulation curtains, which require a certain degree of stiffness to support the structure.
Personal care and hygiene products:
Soft non-woven fabrics: used in sanitary napkins, diapers and other products that require softness to provide better personal comfort.
Hard non-woven fabric: In some cases, such as packaging materials for wet wipes, a certain stiffness may be required to maintain the shape of the package and facilitate use.
Industrial applications:
Soft nonwovens: In filter materials, softness may help provide greater surface area and better filtration efficiency.
Hard nonwovens: In insulating or wear-resistant materials, stiffness can provide better mechanical strength and durability.
Packaging materials:
Soft non-woven fabric: used to make shopping bags, gift bags, etc., which need to be soft and easy to fold.
Hard non-woven fabrics: May be used to make packaging boxes or packaging structures that need to maintain shape and provide certain support.
Auto industry:
Soft nonwovens: Soundproofing materials used in automotive interiors that need to be soft to facilitate installation and provide comfort.
Hard nonwovens: In protective covers or structural parts of certain components, a certain amount of stiffness may be required to provide protection and support.
5. Conclusion
The softness and hardness of non-woven fabrics are mainly affected by the type of raw materials, production process, fiber characteristics, application requirements, etc. Manufacturers will adjust the raw material ratio and production process of non-woven fabrics according to different application scenarios and performance requirements to produce products that meet specific needs. Through continuous technological innovation and material improvement, the application scope of non-woven fabrics will be further expanded, providing more diversified solutions for all walks of life.
