Non-Woven Auxiliaries for Textiles

In agriculture, auxiliaries for non-wovens can extend the life of crop covers, root mats, and mulch fabrics by protecting them from sun degradation, excessive moisture, and microbial attack. Hydrophobics control water behavior on the surface, while wetting agents can also be used to ensure controlled irrigation or absorption, depending on the application.

Non-woven auxiliaries like anti-static agents, hydrophilics, and binders play a major role in controlling media performance. Hydrophilic finishes promote better liquid penetration in filters, while durable binders provide mechanical strength and integrity under stress. Specialty auxiliaries may also include oleophobic or fluorine-free repellents to resist oil, chemicals, or fine particles, improving safety and reliability in critical industrial settings.

In medical non-wovens, auxiliaries such as anti-microbial, anti-viral, hydrophilic, and skin-friendly softeners are essential. These treatments enhance hygiene, reduce the risk of infection, and improve comfort for patients and healthcare workers. Hydrophilic finishes on wipes and surgical fabrics improve liquid absorption, while softeners and pH-balanced agents ensure compatibility with sensitive skin. Fluorine-free repellents may also be used to maintain protective barriers without environmental compromise.

Auxiliaries used in construction-grade non-wovens include flame retardants, water repellents, binders, and UV protectants. These treatments add critical resistance to moisture, fire, and environmental degradation for applications like roofing underlays, insulation layers, and geotextiles. Crosslinkers and durable binders enhance the mechanical properties of non-wovens, enabling better load-bearing capacity and dimensional stability over long-term use.

In apparel and hygiene applications, non-woven auxiliaries such as softeners, anti-microbials, anti-static agents, and fragrance carriers are used to improve wearer comfort and product appeal. Softening agents provide a pleasant hand feel, while anti-microbials prevent odor and bacterial growth. For premium hygiene products, pH-neutral or dermatologically tested auxiliaries ensure skin compatibility, especially for baby care and feminine hygiene segments.

Non-woven fabrics are made without weaving or knitting, which makes them quick and cheap to produce. They can be designed to do special jobs, like staying dry, letting air through, or killing germs. This makes them useful in many areas, like hospitals, baby products, and building materials. They are light but strong enough for short-term use, like masks or wipes. Some are also made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, which helps the environment. Overall, they are flexible, useful, and affordable.

The three main types of non-woven fabrics are:

1. Spunbond Non-woven: This type is made by melting plastic (usually polypropylene) and spinning it into fine threads. These threads are laid into a web and bonded with heat. Spunbond fabrics are strong, lightweight, and commonly used in items like shopping bags, medical gowns, and face masks.
2. Meltblown Non-woven: Similar to spunbond, meltblown fabric is also made from melted plastic, but the fibers are much finer and softer. It’s great for filtration, so it's often used in the middle layer of surgical masks, air filters, and absorbent materials.
3. Needle-punched (or mechanically bonded) Non-woven: This type is made by physically punching fibers together using barbed needles. It creates a thicker, more durable fabric, often used in carpets, insulation, and geotextiles (like those used under roads or in landscaping).

Each type is made differently and serves different uses depending on its strength, softness, and function.

Does non-woven fabric absorb moisture?

Yes, non-woven fabric can absorb moisture, but it depends on the type of fibers used and how the fabric is made. Some non-woven fabrics are designed to be absorbent, especially those made with natural fibers like cotton, viscose, or rayon. These are often used in products like wipes, diapers, sanitary pads, and medical dressings where moisture absorption is needed. Other non-wovens, especially those made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, are usually water-repellent or hydrophobic, meaning they resist moisture. These are used in surgical masks, protective clothing, and packaging, where keeping moisture out is important. So, while non-woven fabrics can absorb moisture, it depends on the material and purpose they are designed for.

Non-woven fabrics can be biodegradable, but this depends on the raw materials used. Natural fibre-based non-wovens such as those made from viscose, cotton, or polylactic acid (PLA) are generally biodegradable. However, synthetic variants, such as those made from polypropylene or polyester, are not inherently biodegradable. At TANATEX, we are actively developing sustainable nonwoven solutions, including biodegradable options tailored to specific application needs.

Yes, non-woven fabrics can be engineered to be water resistant. Their resistance to water depends on the fibre type, bonding process, and any added finishes or treatments. TANATEX offers a wide range of performance-enhancing chemical solutions that can improve the water resistance of nonwoven fabrics while maintaining softness, breathability, and durability which are key aspects essential in hygiene, medical, and industrial applications.

Is non-woven fabric safe?

Non-woven fabric is generally considered safe, especially when it is made for medical, hygiene, or personal use. It is commonly used in products like surgical masks, gowns, diapers, and sanitary pads, which are designed to be clean, skin-friendly, and non-toxic. Many non-woven fabrics are breathable, lightweight, and even hypoallergenic, making them suitable for use on the skin without causing irritation. Some non-woven fabrics are also made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or biodegradable plastics, which are safer for the environment.