Hot Air Through Nonwoven And Spunbond Nonwoven: A Comprehensive Comparison

In today's hygiene product market, diapers and sanitary napkins are essential items in people's daily lives, and their quality and comfort have always been a matter of great concern. The topsheet material, as an important component of these products, directly affects the user's experience. Hot air through nonwoven and spunbond nonwoven, as the commonly used topsheet materials for diapers and sanitary napkins, are widely used in daily life. However, many people may not be clear about the differences between these two materials. Today, let's uncover the mysteries between them and delve into the differences between hot air through nonwoven and spunbond nonwoven to better choose the right hygiene products for ourselves.

What is hot air through nonwoven?

Hot air through nonwoven, also known as through-air bonded nonwoven, is a type of nonwoven fabric produced by a thermal bonding process where heated air is passed through a fiber web to bond the fibers together. The process typically uses bicomponent fibers or thermoplastic fibers with a low melting point (such as polyethylene or polypropylene). During production, the fiber web is formed by carding and web laying, then hot air is blown or pulled perpendicularly through the web, causing the low melting point fiber portions to melt and bond at fiber crossovers as the web cools, resulting in a stable, porous fabric structure without the use of chemical binders.

Key characteristics of hot air through bonded nonwovens include:

• Bulky, open, and porous structure

• Softness and fluffiness

• High strength and extensibility

• Breathability and absorbency

• Lightweight and environmentally friendly production (no chemical adhesives)

• Uniform bonding throughout the fabric thickness, leading to durability and dimensional stability

What is spunbond nonwoven?

Spunbond nonwoven is a type of nonwoven fabric made by directly spinning thermoplastic polymer filaments, laying them into a web, and bonding them to form a strong, durable fabric. The process involves melting polymer granules (commonly polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene), extruding the molten polymer through spinnerets to form continuous filaments, cooling and stretching these filaments, and then randomly depositing them onto a conveyor belt to form a web. This web is then bonded-usually by thermal calendering, where heated rollers press the fibers together-to create a coherent fabric.

Key features of spunbond nonwoven fabrics include:

• High tensile, tear, and burst strength due to continuous filament fibers

• Lightweight and breathable structure

• Good dimensional stability and resistance to heat and chemicals

• Versatility for various applications such as hygiene products, geotextiles, medical disposables, carpet backing, and filtration materials

• Cost-effective production since fiber spinning and web formation occur in one integrated process

Difference between hot air through nonwoven and spunbond nonwoven

I. Tactile Differences

--Hot air through nonwoven--: It feels soft and delicate, similar to the touch of cotton, giving a comfortable and skin-friendly feeling. This is because, in the production process of hot air through nonwoven, the fibers are combed and reinforced by hot air. The fibers intertwine with each other, forming a relatively fluffy and soft structure.

--Spunbond nonwoven--: It feels relatively hard and stiff. Spunbond nonwoven is made by extruding molten polymers to form fibers, which are then directly formed into a web and reinforced. Its fibers are arranged relatively neatly, and the structure is more compact, so it feels harder to the touch.

II. Tensile Behavior

--Hot air through nonwoven--: When gently pulled, the fibers can be easily pulled out, and the pulled-out threads are relatively fragmented. This is because the fibers in hot air through nonwoven are mainly reinforced by hot air combing and entanglement, and the bonding force between the fibers is relatively weak.

--Spunbond nonwoven--: It is difficult to pull out whole threads when pulled. Even if pulled, it will only break. This is because the fibers in spunbond nonwoven are directly formed into a web after extrusion and shaping. The bonding force between the fibers is stronger, and the structure is more stable.

III. Absorbency

--Hot air through nonwoven--: It has good absorbency and can quickly absorb moisture. This is because the fiber structure of hot air through nonwoven is relatively fluffy, with many tiny pores inside. These pores can quickly absorb and store water.

--Spunbond nonwoven--: It has relatively poor absorbency, and water stays on the surface for a longer time. The fibers in spunbond nonwoven are closely arranged, and the pores are small, making it difficult for water to penetrate.

IV. Breathability

--Hot air through nonwoven--: It has good breathability, and air can pass through the pores between the fibers relatively smoothly. This allows hot air through nonwoven to maintain a certain level of breathability during use, reducing the feeling of stuffiness.

--Spunbond nonwoven--: It has relatively poor breathability, and it is difficult for air to pass through the pores between the fibers. This is because the fibers in spunbond nonwoven are closely arranged, and the pores are small, making it difficult for air to circulate.

V. Appearance Differences

--Hot air through nonwoven--: It has a delicate appearance, with a relatively uniform surface. The gaps between the fibers are small, giving an overall impression of refinement.

--Spunbond nonwoven--: The fibers are relatively clearly arranged, and the gaps between the fibers can be seen. It gives an overall impression of being relatively rough.

VI. Application Scenarios

--Hot air through nonwoven--: Due to its softness, good absorbency, and good breathability, it is commonly used to make products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and face masks that have high requirements for comfort and absorbency.

--Spunbond nonwoven--: In addition to being used for diapers and sanitary napkins, it is also commonly used to make shopping bags, protective clothing, agricultural cover materials, and other products that have high requirements for stiffness and strength, thanks to its stiffness, high strength, and relatively low price.

In conclusion, the choice between hot air through nonwoven and spunbond nonwoven depends on the specific requirements of the hygiene product. Hot air through nonwoven is preferred for its softness, absorbency, and breathability, while spunbond nonwoven is chosen for its durability, strength, and versatility. Understanding these differences helps consumers and manufacturers make informed decisions to better meet their needs. If you are looking for nonwoven for baby diaper and sanitary napkin, Lonsun is your best choice.