A fabric consisting of an assembly of textile or natural fibres (oriented
in one direction or in a random manner) held together
(1) by mechanical interlocking; (2) by fusing of thermoplastic fibres, or (3) by
bonding with rubber, starch, glue, casein, latex, or a cellulose derivative or synthetic
resin is termed as non-woven fabric. |
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These are produced by using one or a combination of the above mentioned
basic techniques of fibre entanglement and bonding like, thermal bonding, needle punching,
stitch bonding, air laying, hydro-entanglement, etc. |
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The new non-woven technologies that have been
developed during the last few decades enable the production of useful and novel materials
in shorter processes and at considerably faster rates than those attainable with
conventional textile processes. Furthermore, non-woven techniques impart into the final
product certain features that cannot be obtained by weaving or knitting. Owing to their
specific properties coupled with lower costs of manufacture, non-wovens opened up new
markets and gained strong foothold in numerous household, industrial and technical end-use
applications. |
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These are produced in the form of felts (a special variety of fabrics), a basic
material for composites. The majority of non-woven is produced from synthetic fibres, but
to make it environment-friendly and to incorporate recyclability and programmed
biodegradability, jute and other plant fibres are being used. |
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Jute non-wovens can be produced in a variety of
forms with properties varying in wide ranges. Some of the important advantages of jute
non-wovens are: |
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Stiffness |
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Higher frictional properties |
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Coarseness |
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Easy rot / biodegradability |
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Higher moisture absorption characteristics |
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Jute non-woven products are being used in the automobile and foot wear
industries. Non-woven products are also used as insulation material. |
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Jute felt is a value added product made from jute wastes. Jute felts have good prospects for being used in
insulation, acoustics and air-conditioning works. These
may also be used as underlay of carpets, cushions and mats. |