Plain spunlace nonwoven fabrics are produced by entangling fibers together using high-pressure water jets. The fibers used in the production of plain spunlace nonwoven fabrics can vary depending on the specific application and desired characteristics of the final product. Common types of fibers used include:
Natural fibers:
Cotton: Cotton fibers are widely used in spunlace nonwovens due to their softness, absorbency, and biodegradability. They are commonly used in products like wipes, medical dressings, and hygiene products.
Wood pulp: Wood pulp fibers are derived from wood and are often blended with other fibers to enhance absorbency and strength.
Synthetic fibers:
Polyester: Polyester fibers are durable, strong, and have excellent wrinkle and abrasion resistance. Spunlace nonwovens made from polyester fibers are used in various applications such as wipes, medical gowns, and filtration materials.
Rayon/Viscose: These fibers are derived from natural sources like wood pulp but are processed chemically to create a synthetic fiber. Rayon spunlace nonwovens are soft, absorbent, and can be used in wipes, medical applications, and clothing.
Polypropylene: Polypropylene fibers are lightweight, water-resistant, and have good chemical resistance. They are commonly used in hygiene products, geotextiles, and filtration applications.
Nylon: Nylon fibers provide strength and abrasion resistance. They can be used in automotive and industrial applications, as well as in filtration.
Blended fibers:
Often, spunlace nonwovens are made from blends of different fibers to combine their properties and create materials with specific characteristics. For example, a blend of cotton and polyester fibers can offer both softness and strength.
The choice of fibers depends on factors such as the intended use of the spunlace nonwoven fabric, cost considerations, desired properties (e.g., softness, absorbency, strength), and environmental considerations (e.g., biodegradability). Manufacturers may customize the fiber composition to meet the requirements of specific industries and applications.