Introduction
Non-Woven Polypropylene often referred to as rooted non woven fabric is a versatile material extensively used in the production of diverse consumer products. A Beginner’s Guide Containing Information about This Remarkably Useful and Versatile Material
NWPP refers to non-woven polypropylene, which is a segment of the thermoplastic family that is inexpensive and can be used in a multiple ways. This guide will give a detailed outlining on NWPP is, how it is processed, what property it possess and some of the numerous products it is utilized in today’s society.
Non-woven polypropylene: What does it actually mean?
polypropylene non-woven fabric is a synthetic material fibrous structure which made from polypropylene, thermoplastic polymer resin. The name suggested non woven because NWPP is manufactured by mechanically, thermally and or chemically linking the poly propylene fibers together without weaving or knitting as it is done to cloth material.
The raw materials for making NWPP are small pellets commonly known as polymeric pellets of poly propylene plastic. These pellets are melted and injected through small orifices in order to form layers of thin polypropylene filaments arranged one above the other. The fibers are then joined to from a fabric through techniques such as needling, aerodynamic bonding or spun bonding. This results in successfully achieving open mesh fabrics with the minimum of weaving.
Manufacturing Process
There are three main phases to manufacturing non-woven polypropylene:
- Extrusion of fibers: Polypropylene pellets are placed into a large scale extruder machine and melted at high temperatures in a liquid form. Through small spinerettes nozzles, the molten plastic is extruded to form continuous, thin fibers or filaments.
- Web formation: These fibers are arranged at random atop a moving conveyor belt so that they form an unbonded web or batt over other materials.
- Web bonding: The fiber web can also be mechanically, thermally or chemically processed to hold the fibers together to make them strong and rigid. The common techniques include needle punching or stitch bonding which contribute to mechanical bonding. Thermal bonding use heat and pressure. A chemical bonding is a method of spraying an adhesive compound.
Properties and Advantages
There are several beneficial properties that make non-woven polypropylene a versatile, cost-effective material:
- Strength and durability: NWPP is rather powerful, given the fact that application is quite small. The fibers are randomly oriented so the composite has strength in any direction perpendicular to the fiber direction.
- Breathability and absorbency: This structure enables NWPP fabrics to be permeable to air and moisture since it consists of a non-woven web formation. This makes it have a very high absorption capacity Its texture and fabric makes it easy to be used around household items.
- Efficiency and affordability: NWPP is also cheaper to make than traditional cloth fabrics as it eliminates the knitting /weaving phase altogether. Production is conduced rapidly ad efficiently.
- Recyclability: NWPP that is not used may be recycled while many end products can also be recycled to avoid forming a pool of waste. The NWPP produced from the material can also be reclaimed back to form further NWPP.
- Customizability: Many varieties of NWPP can be made by changing fiber thickness, production speed and bonding process for a variety of uses.
Uses of Non-Woven Polypropylene
Thanks to its beneficial properties, non-woven polypropylene has a remarkably wide range of applications across many industries:
Packaging
NWPP finds application in a packing material including boxes, cases as well as other packing materials as a stuffing material to protect the items that are packed and placed in store or are in transit. It was found economical to use compared to foam or paper.
Medical Supplies
NWPP which can withstand sterilization is applied in disposable health care products such as operation gowns, operation drapes, garments, hospital linen and hygienic products. Due to its highly absorbent and breathability nature, it is suited to these applications.
Construction Materials
NWPP materials with dense thickness are laminated to resin to offer housewrap membranes around constructions. Polypropylene non woven is also used in construction and specifically roofing underlayments and vapor barriers.
Agriculture
NWPP fabrics are lightweight and are used by farmers, and gardeners for crop covers, plant blankets, weed control barrier, ground covers, sun screens. This particular material is nonchlly lor and it is used as a cover to protect plants during harsh weather conditions and also encourages growth.
Automotive Applications
Polypropylene non-wovens are used in the manufacture of trunk liners, cabin filters, protective boot linings, insulation felts and automobile interior trims. It can stand exposed to grease and oils.
Textiles and Apparel
NWPP is used in clothes as interlinings where one desires to get an extra thickness and rigidity. It is also used for sports team uniform and workout clothes due to its properties that can repel moisture. NWPP layers are used Sanitary napkins, unto infants and elderly, diapers, and other products meant for personal use.
Reusable Bags
The grocery bags and totes, shopping bags and backpacks produced from spunbond NWPP material…is widely preferred since they replace single-use plastic bags. NWPP bags can hold weighty loads and function for many years.
The use of non woven polypropylene fabrics and materials can be diverse and its use in various applications increases because of high technology that increases the possibility for creating fabrics that are needed for special thickness, stiffness strength and permeability for a specific purpose. From use in the medical sector to application in the heavy industries, there is a one clear reason why NWPP is slowly featuring itself as a popular material in today’s world.