Technical Textiles Executive

Nonwoven fabrics are formed by the consolidation of fibres by mechanical, thermal or chemical means. The first step in production is to form a batt of loose fibres. This is achieved mechanically or by the action of air or water on preformed fibres. Alternatively, the batt may be made directly from molten polymer; again using air or mechanical action to form the batt. The fibres are then formed into a nonwoven using chemical or thermal bonding, or mechanical action such as needling or stitching, or by the action of water jets.

Due to high production speeds, many nonwovens are less expensive than other fabric constructions and are therefore used as disposables such as industrial wipes or as filters.

However, the construction and properties of nonwoven fabrics are extremely diverse and can range from loose fibre assemblies for air filtration and insulation; to strong hardwearing fabrics for use as papermaking felts or geotextiles.

	Web Dynamics have extended their range of innovative building materials with the introduction of "Thinsulex". This multi-foil insulator is the only product available on the market that complies with Part L of the UK building regulations which came in to force on 6th April 2006.[more info]
	GEOfabrics GHP3RT has been specifically developed to serve the demanding requirements of the rail industry. It has a full Railtrack approval certificate for use as track ballast separator and drainage wrap. [more info]
	TFP's Optimat surface veils can be used to provide composite structures with a very high level of conductivity and may be used for lightning strike protection and as EMI shields for avionics.. [more info]