Low Stress Mechanical Properties of Hydroentangled Fabrics

Nonwoven fabrics are used in many different applications including wipes, incontinence products, interlinings, blinds, bed linen, protective clothing and others. However, the potential uses of nonwovens in traditional clothing outerwear (e. g. shirtings) are still limited. The low stress mechanical properties of fabrics (e. g. bending, extension, shear and recovery from extension) can be used as a measure of the suitability of fabrics to be used in clothing. In respect of the low stress mechanical properties of nonwoven fabrics, hydroentangled, fabrics have values that are most similar to woven fabrics used for apparel applications. Experimental hydroentangled fabrics produced using different conditions were studied and charactensed in terms of their low stress mechanical properties. It was established that if the specific energy applied remains constant, the jet profile used to apply the energy influences low stress mechanical properties. In general, alternating injectors (face and back) gave the most acceptable combination of low stress mechanical properties for clothing applications. Fabric area density, thickness and density were also found to affect the low stress dimensional and mechanical properties. An investigation of hydroentangled fabric geometry and its relation to the low stress mechanical properties of fabrics was carried out, Hydroentanglement of webs in both the MD and CD (in succession) produced fabrics having a lower shear rigidity compared to fabrics hydroentangled in the MD or CD only (which is the normal convention). Empirical models were produced to enable the prediction of the low stress mechanical properties of hydroentangled fabrics, based on the weight per unit area and the total applied specific energy.