As a supplier of PE laminated non woven fabric, I often encounter questions from clients about the properties of our products. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether PE laminated non woven fabric stretches under stress. In this blog post, I will delve into this topic, exploring the factors that influence the stretchability of PE laminated non woven fabric and providing insights based on scientific understanding and practical experience.
Understanding PE Laminated Non Woven Fabric
Before we discuss stretchability, let's briefly understand what PE laminated non woven fabric is. PE laminated non woven fabric is a composite material made by laminating a layer of polyethylene (PE) film onto a non woven fabric substrate. The non woven fabric can be made from various fibers such as polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), or a blend of different fibers. The lamination process enhances the fabric's properties, providing additional strength, moisture resistance, and barrier protection.
Factors Affecting Stretchability
The stretchability of PE laminated non woven fabric is influenced by several factors, including the type of non woven substrate, the thickness of the PE film, the lamination process, and the direction of the applied stress.
Type of Non Woven Substrate
The non woven substrate plays a crucial role in determining the fabric's stretchability. Different types of non woven fabrics have different structures and fiber orientations, which affect their mechanical properties. For example, spunbond non woven fabrics are made by extruding molten polymer through a spinneret to form continuous filaments, which are then laid randomly on a conveyor belt and bonded together. Spunbond non woven fabrics generally have good tensile strength and some degree of stretchability in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). On the other hand, meltblown non woven fabrics are made by extruding molten polymer through a die and then blowing high - velocity air to break the filaments into fine fibers. Meltblown non woven fabrics are more porous and less stretchable compared to spunbond non woven fabrics.
Thickness of the PE Film
The thickness of the PE film also affects the stretchability of the laminated fabric. A thicker PE film can provide more resistance to stretching, as it has more material to withstand the applied stress. However, if the PE film is too thick, it may also make the fabric stiffer and less flexible. Generally, a balance needs to be struck between the thickness of the PE film and the desired stretchability of the final product.
Lamination Process
The lamination process can have a significant impact on the fabric's stretchability. There are different lamination methods, such as thermal lamination, adhesive lamination, and extrusion lamination. Thermal lamination involves heating the PE film and the non woven substrate to a temperature where the PE film melts and bonds to the non woven fabric. This process can cause some shrinkage and may affect the fabric's stretchability. Adhesive lamination uses an adhesive to bond the PE film and the non woven fabric together. The type and amount of adhesive used can also influence the fabric's stretchability. Extrusion lamination involves extruding the PE film directly onto the non woven substrate. This method can provide a more uniform bond and may have a different effect on the fabric's stretchability compared to other lamination methods.
Direction of Applied Stress
The stretchability of PE laminated non woven fabric can vary depending on the direction of the applied stress. In general, non woven fabrics have different mechanical properties in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). The machine direction is the direction in which the fabric is produced on the manufacturing line, and the cross direction is perpendicular to the machine direction. Most non woven fabrics are stronger and less stretchable in the machine direction compared to the cross direction. When the PE film is laminated onto the non woven fabric, this anisotropy in mechanical properties is often retained.
Testing the Stretchability
To determine the stretchability of PE laminated non woven fabric, various testing methods can be used. One common method is the tensile test, which measures the force required to stretch the fabric to a certain point and the amount of elongation at break. In a tensile test, a sample of the fabric is clamped at both ends and pulled at a constant rate until it breaks. The test results can provide information about the fabric's tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of elasticity.
Another test method is the burst strength test, which measures the fabric's resistance to bursting under pressure. In a burst strength test, a circular sample of the fabric is clamped over a circular opening and a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is applied until the fabric bursts. The burst strength test can provide an indication of the fabric's overall strength and durability, which is related to its stretchability.
Applications and Stretchability Requirements
The stretchability of PE laminated non woven fabric is an important consideration in different applications. For example, in the construction industry, Coated Non Woven Fabric For Construction is used as a moisture barrier, vapor barrier, or insulation material. In these applications, the fabric needs to have sufficient strength and stretchability to withstand the stresses during installation and use. It should not stretch excessively under normal conditions but should be able to accommodate some movement without tearing.
In the packaging industry, Pe Film Laminated Nonwoven Fabric is used for various packaging applications, such as bags, pouches, and wrapping materials. The stretchability of the fabric is important for ensuring proper fit and sealing of the package. The fabric should be able to stretch slightly to conform to the shape of the product being packaged without losing its integrity.
In the hygiene products industry, PE film coated pp non woven is used in products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. The stretchability of the fabric is crucial for providing comfort and a good fit to the user. The fabric should be able to stretch with the body movements without causing discomfort or leakage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PE laminated non woven fabric can stretch under stress, but the degree of stretchability depends on several factors, including the type of non woven substrate, the thickness of the PE film, the lamination process, and the direction of the applied stress. Understanding these factors is essential for selecting the right PE laminated non woven fabric for different applications.
As a supplier of PE laminated non woven fabric, we have the expertise and experience to provide high - quality products that meet the specific stretchability requirements of our clients. Whether you need a fabric with high stretchability for a particular application or a fabric with low stretchability for a more rigid use, we can work with you to develop the ideal solution.
If you are interested in learning more about our PE laminated non woven fabric products or would like to discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact us for a procurement discussion. We are committed to providing excellent products and services to our customers and look forward to working with you.
References
- ASTM International. (2019). ASTM D5034 - 19(2019) Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test).
- ASTM International. (2018). ASTM D3786 - 18 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics by the Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester.
- Nonwovens Institute. (2020). Nonwovens Basics: A Guide to the Science and Technology of Nonwoven Fabrics.