Spunlace nonwoven fabric is an essential material widely used in various industries, including medical, hygiene, automotive, and household applications. With the increasing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective fabric alternatives, spunlace nonwoven fabric has gained significant attention due to its excellent properties, such as softness, durability, and absorbency.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about spunlace nonwoven fabric, including its manufacturing process, applications, pricing, and how to check its quality. Whether you're in the textile industry or simply curious about this versatile material, this comprehensive guide will provide all the necessary insights.
Spunlace nonwoven fabric is a type of fabric created through a unique hydroentanglement process, which involves high-pressure water jets that interlace fibers to form a strong and durable web. Unlike woven or knitted fabrics, spunlace fabric does not require weaving or knitting, making it more cost-effective and versatile.
Soft and Comfortable: Due to the absence of chemical binders, spunlace nonwoven fabric remains soft and skin-friendly.
High Absorbency: It has excellent liquid absorption properties, making it ideal for wipes and medical applications.
Durability: The hydroentanglement process enhances its strength, allowing it to be used in various industrial applications.
Eco-Friendly: Many spunlace fabrics are biodegradable or recyclable, making them an environmentally sustainable choice.
Breathable: The open structure of the fabric allows air circulation, preventing discomfort when used in clothing or medical applications.
Polyester Spunlace Fabric: Known for its strength and durability, often used in industrial applications.
Viscose Spunlace Fabric: Made from natural fibers, offering excellent absorbency and softness, commonly used in wet wipes and hygiene products.
Bamboo Spunlace Fabric: A biodegradable option with antibacterial properties, ideal for eco-friendly applications.
Cotton Spunlace Fabric: Provides natural softness and high absorbency, perfect for baby wipes and medical applications.
The spunlace nonwoven fabric manufacturing process involves multiple steps to ensure high-quality production. Below is a detailed breakdown of how spunlace fabric is made:
Different fibers, including polyester, viscose, cotton, and bamboo, are selected based on the intended application. The fiber composition determines the final properties of the fabric.
The chosen fibers are carded into a web using either a dry-laying or wet-laying process. This web serves as the foundation for the spunlace nonwoven fabric.
High-pressure water jets are used to entangle the fibers, creating a strong and uniform fabric. This step enhances the spunlace fabric's durability without using chemical binders.
After hydroentanglement, the fabric undergoes drying and additional treatments, such as embossing or coloring, to meet specific requirements.
The final spunlace nonwoven fabric is inspected for quality, then cut into rolls or sheets for distribution.
Due to its versatility, spunlace nonwoven fabric is used in various industries. Below are some of its primary applications:
Surgical Gowns and Drapes: Provides a sterile and breathable barrier.
Face Masks: Ensures filtration and comfort.
Wound Dressings: Soft and absorbent, preventing infections.
Wet Wipes and Baby Wipes: Highly absorbent and skin-friendly.
Cleaning Wipes: Used for surface cleaning and dust removal.
Cosmetic Pads: Soft and gentle for skincare applications.
Disposable Towels: Used in salons and spas.
Oil Absorbent Wipes: Used in workshops and factories.
Car Interior Linings: Provides insulation and comfort.
Filtration Media: Used in air and water filtration systems.
Tea Bags and Coffee Filters: Due to its breathable nature.
Agricultural Covers: Protects crops from environmental damage.
The price of spunlace nonwoven fabric varies depending on several factors:
Polyester Spunlace: $2.5 – $4.5 per kg
Viscose Spunlace: $3.0 – $5.0 per kg
Bamboo Spunlace: $4.0 – $6.5 per kg
Cotton Spunlace: $3.5 – $6.0 per kg
Lightweight (30-50 GSM): $2 – $4 per kg
Medium Weight (50-80 GSM): $3 – $5 per kg
Heavyweight (80-120 GSM): $4 – $6 per kg
Fabric prices can vary based on regional costs, with China, India, and Turkey being major producers of spunlace nonwoven fabric.
To ensure you are getting high-quality spunlace nonwoven fabric, follow these quality-checking methods:
A good spunlace fabric should feel soft and gentle, especially for hygiene and medical applications.
High-quality spunlace nonwoven fabric should quickly absorb liquids without breaking down.
Try stretching the fabric. Premium spunlace fabric should be strong and resistant to tearing.
Inspect the fabric under light; it should have a uniform pore structure, ensuring even performance.
For certain applications, spunlace nonwoven fabric should be able to repel water or allow controlled permeability.
Spunlace nonwoven fabric is an innovative material offering a balance of strength, softness, and absorbency. Its applications span across multiple industries, from medical and hygiene to automotive and agriculture. When selecting spunlace fabric, factors such as fiber composition, weight, and quality should be carefully considered to meet specific needs.
As the demand for eco-friendly and high-performance fabrics grows, spunlace nonwoven fabric remains a leading choice due to its versatility and sustainability.
1. What is the difference between spunlace and spunbond nonwoven fabric?
Spunlace nonwoven fabric is made using high-pressure water jets, while spunbond nonwoven fabric is made using heat and extrusion processes. Spunlace is softer and more absorbent, whereas spunbond is stronger and more rigid.
2. Is spunlace fabric biodegradable?
It depends on the fiber composition. Viscose and bamboo spunlace fabrics are biodegradable, while polyester spunlace fabric is not.
3. Can spunlace nonwoven fabric be reused?
Most spunlace nonwoven fabric is designed for single-use applications, but some heavier variants can be washed and reused multiple times.
4. How does spunlace compare to cotton fabric?
Spunlace fabric can mimic the softness of cotton but is more cost-effective and customizable based on industrial needs.