Critical factors affecting the properties of thermal-bonded nonwovens with special reference to cellulosic fibres

The ability to engineer the feel and functional requirements in lightand medium-weight goods without contributing to environmental pollution makes the thennal bonding process an interesting technology of nonwoven production. The manufacturing conditions, processing pardmeters, and the characteristics of binder fibres have a large bearing on the properties of nonwoven products. Higher calender roller pressure makes the nonwoven product more compact and stiff and increases the strength up to a point. Higher binder fibre concentration also makes the nonwoven more compact and stiff but decr~ases elongation and crease recovery angle. Studies on the mechanism of bonding reveal that the polymer flow under the influence of temperature and pressure is a complex phenomenon and is also influenced by the process speed. Quench rate has a significant bearing on the properties of thermal-bonded nonwovens. Hence, the critical processing parameters such as binder fibre content, temperature, pressure and speed are to be optimized for the cellulosic blends to achieve the fabric requirements for applications such as interlinings, medical and wipes. Cellulosic thennal-bonded nonwovens with their superior absorption characteristics are ideal for next-to-skin applications.