Fabric Construction: Non-Woven Fabric Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Fabric Construction: Non-Woven Fabric

Non-woven fabrics Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Non-woven fabrics are usually made in one of two ways. Bonded fabrics and felted fabrics. Fibres are turned into fabric without being spun into yarns as they are in knitted and woven fabrics. The fibres are arranged into layers, either randomly or uniformly which are then held together by felting or by bonding.

Felt Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Wool felt is the most common non-woven fabric. Facts about wool felt are as follows: It is produced by using short staple fibres from wool which are curly. These fibres have scales along them. When heat and moisture are applied to wool fibres they curl up and the scales lock together. This is why when you wash a natural wool jumper it shrinks in size and however hard you try you cannot stretch it back. Wool fibres have scales on them that lock together when they get wet and warm..

Bonded fabric Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics There are THREE ways of making bonded fabrics. Dry laid – a web of fibres is laid into a drum and hot air is pulled through the drum to soften the fibres and they then bond together. Wet laid – these are made like paper. A solvent is added to the fibres to soften them and release a sticky substance that glues the fibres together. The web of fibres is then laid out to dry. Direct spun – the fibres are spun onto a conveyer belt and glue is sprayed on. The web is then pressed. If the web is thermoplastic, then it can be bonded without glue.

Uses for felts Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Hats Jackets Coats Toys Snooker table covers

Uses for bonded fabrics Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Uses for bonded fabrics Disposable cloths Medical masks Disposable table linen Interfacings

Properties of non-woven fabrics Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Properties of non-woven fabrics Laminated fabrics: These are made by bonding two or more fabrics together. Some fabrics have foam bonded to them for extra warmth. Sometimes softer fabrics are bonded to pvc for comfort. Other bonded fabrics are breathable and waterproof. Not very strong Can be made in a range of weights Don’t fray Can be moulded into shapes Can be made from recycled fabrics Can be soluble Can be made to soften with heat and glue (bondaweb) Easily pill (bobble) Can be weaker when wet Can be made permeable Cheap to produce Can take some of the properties of the fibres used (felt is warm, polyester wadding is lightweight and elastic).

Non-woven fabrics and technology Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Non-woven fabrics and technology Some of the new vegetable fibres are used to make felted and bonded fabrics because the fibres are short and so are suitable for felting/bonding. Non woven fabrics are being used more in industry including filtration, medical uses and insulating. Many non woven fabrics can use micro-encapsulation technology with things like perfume. Lyocell is used to make non woven fabrics for things like medical swabs. Microencapsulation involves the production of microcapsules which act as tiny containers of solids or liquids. These containers release their core contents under controlled conditions to suit a specific purpose. Most microcapsules have diameters between a few micrometers and a few millimeters. Textiles can have microcapsules fixed to their surface that release perfume, or deodorant, or insect repellent for example. Micro encapsulation can also be used for antimicrobial or flame retardant finishes.

Key facts to remember The exam: Fabric Construction – Non-Woven Fabrics Key words: Felted Bonded Laminated Micro-encapsulation Key facts to remember Felted fibres are pressed together using heat, moisture and agitation Bonded – webs of fibres are pressed together using adhesives or heat. Laminated – two or more fabrics bonded together to enhance the properties Micro-encapsulation –substances that are fixed to the fibre or fabric and then can be activated, such as perfumes. The exam: You must be able to identify the appropriate use of non-woven fabrics particularly when the fabric is used as a component in a product to improve quality.