Fluid handling and fabric handle profiles of hydroentangled greige cotton and spunbond polypropylene nonwoven topsheets

Abstract

Wettable nonwoven topsheets are traditionally spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabrics. The fluid handling performance of hydroentangled greige cotton nonwovens was studied to determine their suitability for topsheet applications based upon analysis of fluid rewet, strikethrough, and acquisition properties; and the relative contributions of nonwoven cotton's cellulosic and wax components to hydrophobic and hydrophilic fluid transport properties are addressed. It was observed that mechanically cleaned greige cotton nonwovens exhibit certain fluid handling properties that are similar to polypropylene spunbond-meltblown topsheets, partly as a result of the residual wax content.Subsequently, the surface polarity, swelling, and moisture uptake of 100% greige cotton and 50:50 blends of greige cotton and polypropylene hydroentangled nonwovens were studied in comparison with the performance of a commercially available 100% polypropylene spunbond-meltblown topsheets. The surface polarity, swelling, and wettability values obtained from electrokinetic and water contact angle analysis were found to be in agreement with the hydrophobic polypropylene topsheets. Additionally, comfort assessment was undertaken based upon fabric handle profiles using the Leeds University Fabric Handle Evaluation System, which is an objective evaluation based on the quantification of fabric buckling deformations. Of the fabrics studied in this work, 50:50 greige cotton/polypropylene hydroentangled fabrics were the softest as determined by the Leeds University Fabric Handle Evaluation System and exhibited fluid handling properties consistent with the requirements of commercial topsheets.

Preparation and Activity of Hemostatic and Antibacterial Dressings with Greige Cotton/Zeolite Formularies Having Silver and Ascorbic Acid Finishes

“…In this regard, it is notable that materials with contact angle measurements from ninety degrees to one hundred and twenty degrees have a high degree of hydrophobicity. As demonstrated previously, fabrics having at least 30 percent of greige cotton and 20 percent of polypropylene give rise to contact angles that indicate hydrophobicity [35,36]. This is seen to some extent in this study, but in fabric finishes such as ascorbic acid, the nonwoven's fibrous web porosity and the zeolite formulation application decreased the contact angle to below the threshold of hydrophobic character.…”

Interrelationships between cotton fiber quality traits and fluid handling and moisture management properties of nonwoven textiles

“…It has previously been suggested that fiber diameter and arrangement within the fabric structure contribute to the moisture wicking rate through the size of interstitial channels formed by these fibers. 41,44,[50][51][52] In our study, for both heavyweight and lightweight spunlaced fabrics, fineness showed a strong positive correlation with the top and bottom spreading speeds as well as the OMMC. In the 24-mesh samples produced at different pressures, the fiber micronaire displayed a strong negative correlation with the first runoff event.…”

Interrelationships between cotton fiber quality traits and tensile properties of hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics

“…For example, lighter weight HE fabrics may not require high tensile strength in less physically rigorous applications such as diaper, incontinence, and other hygiene components where fluid handling properties are of greater importance. 43 However, lightweight HE fabrics utilized for disposable wipes applications, disposable apparel or hospital bedding require higher tensile strength to prevent structural failure during usage. Of particular interest was the increase in tensile strength of heavyweight nonwoven fabrics produced from coarse cotton fibers.…”