Spunlace nonwoven fabric is a type of nonwoven material produced through a mechanical process that entangles fibers together. This process results in a fabric with a soft, cloth-like feel and is often used in various applications such as wipes, medical products, and hygiene products. Here's an overview of how spunlace nonwoven fabric is manufactured and the primary raw materials involved in the process:
Manufacturing Process:
Fiber Preparation:
The process begins with the selection of raw fibers. Common fibers used in spunlace nonwoven manufacturing include natural fibers like cotton, viscose, and wood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester and polypropylene.
Carding:
The selected fibers are carded, which involves separating and aligning the fibers to create a web. Carding helps to form a uniform and continuous fiber web that will be used in the subsequent stages.
Web Formation:
The carded fibers are laid out to form a loose web. This web acts as the starting material for the entanglement process.
Hydroentanglement:
The key step in the spunlace process is hydroentanglement. The loose fiber web is passed through a series of high-pressure water jets. These jets entangle the fibers by rearranging them and mechanically bonding them together. The entanglement process creates a cohesive and durable fabric.
Drying:
After hydroentanglement, the fabric is typically passed through drying ovens or other drying mechanisms to remove excess moisture.
Finishing:
The finished spunlace fabric may undergo additional finishing processes depending on the intended application. This can include treatments to enhance softness, absorbency, or other specific properties.
Rolling:
The final product is then rolled into large rolls for transportation and further processing.
Primary Raw Materials:
The primary raw materials used in the production of spunlace nonwoven fabric include:
Fibers:
Natural fibers: Cotton, viscose, wood pulp, etc.
Synthetic fibers: Polyester, polypropylene, etc.
Water:
High-pressure water jets are a crucial element in the hydroentanglement process. Water is used to entangle and bond the fibers without the need for chemical binders.
Additives (Optional):
Some spunlace fabrics may include additives or treatments for specific performance characteristics. For example, antimicrobial agents, softeners, or other chemicals may be added during the finishing process.
Spunlace nonwoven fabric is known for its softness, strength, and versatility. The choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of different applications, ranging from medical and hygiene products to industrial wipes and apparel.