Spunbond Fabric
Mu Jin Yuan Spunbond fabrics are known for their exceptional performance in many applications. With years of experience in Spunbond fabric manufacturing, Lianyi we guarantee 100% high performance fabric.
- High-performance continuous filament
- Available in biodegradable options
- High tear strength
Spunbond Fabric
Spunbond fabric is a type of fabric manufactured from laying continuous filaments into sheets, spinning them, interjoining the fibers into a web and finally binding the webs together. The method of binding can be mechanical, chemical or thermal.
Advantages of Spunbond fabric
Cost-effectiveness – Spunbond fabric is relatively cheaper to produce compared to woven fabrics, making it an economical choice for many industries.
Versatility – Spunbond fabric can be engineered to suite different weights, colors, and widths requirements. This makes it suitable for use in several applications.
Fast Production – The manufacturing process of spunbond fabric involves the use of many automatic machines, allowing for fast production and quick turnaround times.
Easy Customization – Spunbond fabric can be easily customized by adding additives or coatings to enhance its properties.
Eco-friendly – Some spunbond fabrics are made from recycled materials while other are biodegradable hence contributing to sustainability efforts.
Spunbond Fabric vs Meltblown fabric
Spunbond fabric and meltblown fabric are two commonly used fabrics and are often used in combination. However, they differ in some characteristics. Below is a comparison of the two fabrics:
| Comparison | Spunbond fabric | Meltblown fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Production Method | Spunbonding is the manufacture method of the spunbond fabric and involves extruding polymers that have been laid in a desired pattern and then joining them together. | Meltblown fabric is produced through a process called meltblowing. In this process polymers are melted, extruded and then bonded together. |
| Fiber Diameter and Structure | Spunbond fabric has larger diameter fibers compared to meltblown, resulting in a relatively coarser texture and a more open structure. | Meltblown fabric, on the other hand, consists of much finer microfibers, resulting in a highly compact and tightly woven structure. |
| Tensile strength | Spunbond fabric provides good resistance to tearing and stretching. | Meltblown fabric offers less resistance to forces that may cause its tearing and stretching. |
| Filtration | Spunbond fabric has lower filtration efficiency compared to meltblown fabric. | The fine microfibers create a dense structure with a high surface area, enabling efficient filtration of particles. |
How spundbond fabrics are Made
Spunbond fabrics are made from polymers which are fundamentally the parent resin. The polymers go through several stages before finally being bound to make the fabric. Let us discuss these stages step-by-step:
Polymer Extrusion – This stage starts with selecting a suitable polymer. The polymers are then put in layers and a force is applied on them. They are then heated at very high temperatures to form a viscous liquid.
Filament Formation – The molten polymer is then forced through a metal plate with numerous holes. The plate has a specific pattern to control the filament formation. As the polymer passes through the plate, it forms continuous filaments of uniform diameter.
Quenching – The filaments are rapidly cooled using a stream of cool air or water to solidify them. This cooling process is called quenching and helps in maintaining the shape and structure of the filaments.
Formation of Webs – Once solidified, the filaments are placed in a conveyor belt that moves at desired speed. The filaments are randomly arranged and overlap each other to form web-like structures.
Bonding – To give strength and stability to the fabric, the collected web of filaments goes through a bonding process. Bonding can be achieved through various methods:
- Thermal Bonding: The web is heated in very hot ovens. The heat will melt the polymers at their junctions making them fuse together when cooled.
- Chemical Bonding: The polymers are mixed with certain chemicals that react with them to bind them together.
- Mechanical Bonding: The polymer filaments can be bound through mechanical processes such as punching with needles or high-pressure water.
Finishing – After bonding, the spunbond fabric may need other steps to enhance its properties and aesthetic value.
Materials Used in Spunbond fabric
Spunbond fabric is manufactured using thermoplastic polymers as the parent resin. The most commonly used polymer is polypropylene (PP). However, other polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), and polylactic acid (PLA) can also be used, depending on the desired characteristics and applications of the fabric.
Let us discuss these materials in more details:
- Polypropylene (PP): The most common material used in spunbond fabric production due to its excellent strength, resistance to harsh chemicals and affordability. They perform efficiently in the manufacture of textiles used in medical applications.
- Polyester (PET): Provides high strength and durability, often used in applications requiring superior resistance to heat and UV radiation.
- Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene provides great resistance to moisture and is excellent for applications where waterproofing is essential. Polyethylene spunbond fabrics are great electrical insulators.
- Polyurethane (PUR): Polyurethane is used in the manufacture of highly elastic spunbonded fabric and is relatively expensive compared to other polymers used in spunbond fabric production.
- Polyamide (Nylon): Polyamide, commonly Nylon 66 and nylon 6, is used in the manufacture of spunbonded fabric meant for packaging applications.
Difference between Spunlace Fabric vs spunbond fabric
Spunlace fabric and spunbond fabric are both very common fabrics with different characteristic and uses. It is important for you to understand these key differences as they are crucial when you are deciding on the right fabric to purchase. Let us briefly discuss some of these differences:
| Key difference | Spunbond fabric | Spunlace fabric |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Manufacturing process | Spunbond fabric is manufactured by bonding the webs mechanically, chemically or thermally. | The bonding method used in the manufacture of spunlace fabric involves using water jets at high pressure. |
| 2. Water absorption | Spunbond fabric is made to be moisture resistant. | Spunlace fiber absorbs moisture. |
| 3. Tensile strength | Spunbond fabric provides more resistant to breaking and shearing forces. | Spunlace fabric is softer, has lower tensile strength and is therefore less durable. |
| 4. Costs | Spunbond fabric is commonly manufactured from polypropylene hence lower costs are incurred. | Spunlace fabric is commonly manufactured from polyester, cotton and viscose hence more costs are incurred in its manufacture. |
| 5. Temperature resistance | Spunbond fabric is highly resistance to extreme temperature and can operate over a wide range of temperatures. | Spunlace fabric is less resistance to high temperatures and may deform when used in such environments. |
Applications of Spunbond fabric
Characteristic of spunbond fabric
Spunbond fabric has properties that make it unique and efficient in performing its applications. Let us take a look at some of the key characteristics:
Tensile Strength
Spunbond fabric is known for its high tensile strength, making it resistant to tearing and stretching.
Durability
Spunbond fabric is engineered to withstand repetitive use without wearing out. This durability makes it suitable for applications that require a fabric capable of withstanding heavy usage and frequent cleaning.
Breathability
Spunbond fabric allows air to circulate and pass through it making it comfortable to wear and use in applications where breathability is crucial.
Lightweight
Despite its strength, spunbond fabric is light in weight, making it ideal for applications where weight is a factor. This light weight enhances ease of handling, the comfort of the user and its transportation.
Chemical Resistance
Spunbond fabric offers good resistance to chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it suitable for industrial applications. This property ensures that the fabric does not unergo deformation when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Drapeability
This is the quality of the spunbond fabric to be bent in any direction, allowing it to form drapes. This allows the fabric to conform to irregular surfaces.
Permeability
Spunbond fabric are manufactured to be water proof hence exhibit low permeability.
Are Spunbond Fabrics Breathable?
Yes, spunbond fabrics are breathable. Spunbond fabric are manufactured with openings that allow air to circulate it. This enhances user comfort where the fabric is used to make apparel.
Can you Recycle Spunbond Fabric?
Yes, you can recycle certain spunbond fabric that are manufactured with recyclable materials. However, you may not be able to recycle spunbond materials that have been coated with certain unrecyclable additives. You need to check the recycling guidelines of a specific fabric when purchasing it.
Is Spunbond Fabric Waterproof?
Spunbond fabric is manufactured to be resistance to water. However, it is not permanently waterproof and may need to be laminated with certain materials to enhance its resistant to water.
What ae the Disadvantages of Spunbond Fabric?
Spunbond fabric have certain constraints that may be a draw-back to their performance. Some disadvantages of spunbond fabric include;
- Limited resistance to heat
- Lack of stretchability
- Potential pilling in certain applications which results in constant inspection
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