Role of Fiber Finish in the Conversion of Fiber to Nonwovens — Part 1: Need for an Unconventional Method to Evaluate Finish Performance as a Mechanical Process Aid

Abstract

The processing of fibers in a free, non-bound state gives rise to a range of frictional behavior for a given process. The basic laws of fiber friction are reviewed. The finish treatment to the fibers mainly act as a lubricant and anti static agent. A critical review of the requirements of the finish treatment and the methods used to evaluate fiber friction and static charge generation are presented. The requirements of the finish treatment with respect to carding and needlepunching are also discussed. The ineffectiveness of conventional methods to evaluate performance of finish in such process and the need to measure performance of finish and optimize it for each of these processes is highlighted. Methods to evaluate the finish performance in carding and needlepunching will be presented in Parts 2 and 3.

Are Geotextiles Silent Contributors of Ultrashort Chain PFASs to the Environment?

“…86 Lubrication is very important in needle-punching and weaving operations. 87 Point contact exists between needles and fibers during needle punching when preparing nonwoven geotextiles and between fibers at crossover points during the stretching and bending of woven geotextiles. Hence, an additional function of a lubricant is to reduce friction during fiber processing, a function that assumes greater importance as fiber production speeds rise 87,88 because excess heat generated by friction can cause softening or even melting of the fibers.…”

“…Point contact exists between needles and fibers during needle punching when preparing nonwoven geotextiles and between fibers at crossover points during the stretching and bending of woven geotextiles. Hence, an additional function of a lubricant is to reduce friction during fiber processing, a function that assumes greater importance as fiber production speeds rise , because excess heat generated by friction can cause softening or even melting of the fibers . Additionally, a finish that provides low fiber to metal friction for easy release of fibers from manufacturing equipment enables more efficient processing on high throughput web-forming equipment and minimizes wear of the reverse-barbed needles during needle punching to prolong the lifespan of the needles …”

“…Surfactants act as lubricants, surface conditioners, or softeners . Lubrication is very important in needle-punching and weaving operations . Point contact exists between needles and fibers during needle punching when preparing nonwoven geotextiles and between fibers at crossover points during the stretching and bending of woven geotextiles.…”