22 Uses of Non-Woven Fabrics

Many of us used non-woven fabrics in day-to-day life without knowing that we use them. The first example of non-woven fabric is the carry bags we get while shopping for something from a retail store. Non-woven bags are alternatives to polybags and paper bags in shopping carry bags.

The second most used item made of non-woven fabrics post Covid-19 spread is disposable face masks.

Let me define non-woven fabric before I share various uses of non-woven fabrics. Textile fabric that is neither made by weaving in a loom nor by knitting method is called a non-woven fabric. There are a couple of processes used to make non-woven fabrics.

In this article, we will discuss the different uses of non-woven fabrics in various fields as below.

Apparel and clothing
Medicals
Personal hygiene products
Industrial usage
Home furnishing
Automotive industry
Construction fields
Geotextiles
Filtration
Agriculture

Apparel and clothing:

Nonwovens have a range of applications in the clothing industry, offering unique properties and advantages in specific garment categories.

1. Interlinings

Nonwovens are used as interlinings in garments to provide structure, shape, and stability. They are often applied in collars, cuffs, waistbands, and plackets to enhance the garment's appearance and durability. Nonwoven interlinings offer dimensional stability, ease of sewing, and improved garment performance.

2. Carry bags

Non-woven bags are now being used by a variety of businesses: grocers, department stores, gift shops, off-licenses, promotional companies, and many more. Non-woven carriers are the most environmentally friendly and the most versatile and practical bags in the marketplace today.

3. Face masks

Facemask is not a clothing item. But as it is used every day while we go out from home, I added this clothing item to this sub-category.

Fabric masks are made of spun-bond nonwoven polypropylene that can be washed and reused (by the same individual).

In Medicals

Non-woven made products used in hospitals in the following items. Non-woven fabrics are preferred in medicals for one-time use, due to their low cost and other benefits.

4. Surgical apparel

Nonwovens are extensively used in the production of surgical gowns, drapes, and caps. These nonwoven fabrics provide a barrier against liquids, bloodborne pathogens, and microorganisms, protecting healthcare professionals and patients during surgical procedures.

5. Surgical masks

Nonwovens are widely utilized in the manufacturing of surgical masks, N95 respirators, and general-use masks. The nonwoven filter media efficiently captures and filters out airborne particles, including bacteria, viruses, and pollutants, providing respiratory protection.

6. Absorbent products

Nonwovens are employed in the production of various absorbent medical products such as surgical sponges, wound care pads, and incontinence products. Nonwoven materials offer high absorbency, softness, and comfort for patient care and hygiene.

7. Wound dressings

Nonwovens are used in the production of wound dressings and bandages. Nonwoven wound dressings are sterile, highly absorbent, and provide a moist healing environment. They promote wound healing, prevent infection, and facilitate proper drainage.

Personal hygiene products

Nonwovens play a crucial role in personal hygiene products due to their softness, absorbency, and hygiene properties.

8. Disposable diapers

Nonwovens are a key component of disposable diapers. They are used in the top sheet, back sheet, and core of the diaper. Nonwoven materials provide a soft and comfortable surface against the baby's skin, while also offering high absorbency to keep the baby dry.

9. Sanitary pads

They are employed as the top sheet, absorbent core, and back sheet. Nonwoven materials in these products offer superior absorption, leak protection, and a soft feel against the skin.

10. Wet wipes

Nonwovens are utilized in the production of wet wipes for various personal hygiene applications, including baby wipes, facial wipes, and intimate wipes. Nonwoven wipes offer gentle cleansing, convenience, and effective removal of dirt, impurities, and bacteria.

Industrial use:

Nonwovens have numerous applications in industrial settings due to their versatility, durability, and performance characteristics. They are utilized in a wide range of industries for different purposes.

11. Cable Wrapping tapes

Cable wrapping tapes for binding separation water blocking heat barrier or partial conductors made from non-woven fabric because of the high flexibility non-frying, non-creasing, and highly porous nature of the nonwoven tapes are preferred over inexpensive woven or paper tapes.

12. Sound Insulation

Nonwoven Fabrics are widely used in sound absorption, especially in conference rooms, theatres, workspaces, and lecture halls are just.

13. Packaging

Non-woven fabric producers and converters for food packaging applications have been developing new products centered on sustainability.

Home furnishing:

Nonwovens have various applications in home furnishing due to their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

14. Upholstery

Nonwovens are used as upholstery fabrics for furniture such as sofas, chairs, and cushions. They offer softness, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Nonwoven upholstery fabrics come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, allowing for diverse design options.

15. Curtains and drapes

Nonwovens are utilized in the production of curtains, drapes, and window treatments. They offer light blocking, insulation, and sound absorption properties. Nonwoven curtain fabrics come in various styles and designs, allowing for customization, and creating desired atmospheres in living spaces.

Automotive industry:

Nonwovens are widely used in the automotive industry due to their versatility, durability, and functional properties. They serve numerous purposes and can be found in various components of vehicles.

16. Interior trim and upholstery

Nonwovens are employed in the production of interior trim components such as door panels, headliners, and carpeting. Nonwoven fabrics offer softness, sound insulation, and resistance to wear and tear.

17. Cabin air filters

Nonwovens are extensively used in cabin air filters, which are responsible for filtering the air that enters the vehicle's interior. Nonwoven filter media can effectively capture dust, pollen, allergens, and other airborne particles, improving the air quality inside the vehicle and ensuring a healthier driving environment.

Construction fields:

Nonwovens have several applications in the construction industry due to their unique properties and versatility. They are used in various construction-related activities to enhance performance, provide protection, and improve efficiency.

18. Roof decks

Glass fibre Matt and polyester spun bonded fabrics have proven quite successful in providing lightweight roof decks and the ability to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses.

Geotextiles:

Nonwovens play a significant role in drainage applications due to their permeability, filtration capabilities, and durability. They are commonly used in various drainage systems to effectively manage and control water flow.

19. Drainage

Nonwoven geotextiles are used as filter fabrics in subsurface drainage systems. These drainage systems are designed to remove excess water from soil and prevent waterlogging. Nonwoven geotextiles act as a filter to prevent fine particles from clogging the drainage system while allowing water to pass through.

Filtration:

Nonwovens are widely used in filtration due to their excellent filtration properties, high efficiency, and versatility.

20. Air filtration

Nonwovens are extensively used in air filtration systems, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) filters, automotive cabin filters, industrial air filters, and respiratory masks. Nonwoven filter media can effectively capture dust, pollen, allergens, and airborne contaminants, improving indoor air quality and protecting individuals from harmful particles.

Agriculture:

Nonwovens have various applications in agriculture due to their unique properties and versatility.

21. Crop covers and plant protection

Nonwovens can be used as crop covers or row covers to protect plants from adverse weather conditions, insects, and pests. These nonwoven fabrics act as a physical barrier while allowing air, light, and water to pass through, creating a favorable microclimate for plant growth.

22. Seed blankets and weed control fabrics

Nonwoven geotextiles can be used as weed barriers in agricultural fields. They are placed on the soil surface to prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight and creating a physical barrier against weed emergence. This reduces the need for herbicides and manual weed removal, promoting more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

References

https://www.textileschool.com/352/non-woven-fabrics/

https://www.textileworld.com/textile-world/features/2019/02/nonwovens-current-trends-opportunities/

https://www.textilesphere.com/2022/10/nonwovens-types-characteristics-and-applications.html