Introduction
Nonwoven fabrics based on thermally bonded continuous bi-component filaments represent an advanced class of engineered textiles. These materials are widely used in diverse industries including filtration, carpet, automotive, construction, and geotextiles due to their superior strength, uniformity, and bonding efficiency.
What Are Bi-Component Filaments?
Bi-component filaments are fibers made from two different polymers, usually arranged in configurations such as: sheath-core structure (e.g., PET/PP or PET/PA)
The sheath-core structure is most commonly used for thermally bonded nonwovens, where the outer sheath has a lower melting point than the core. This allows the fibers to be thermally bonded without compromising the mechanical strength of the core.
Thermal Bonding Process
In thermally bonded nonwoven production, continuous bi-component filaments are:
Extruded and laid down to form a web.
Calendered or passed through a hot-air oven, where the low-melting sheath melts and bonds at filament cross-points.
Cooled and solidified, resulting in a stable, strong nonwoven fabric.
Key Features and Benefits
Excellent dimensional stability due to continuous filament structure
High tensile strength and tear resistance
Low linting and high cleanliness
Uniform pore size—ideal for filtration and carpet backing
Customizable performance by selecting suitable polymer pairs (e.g., PP/PET, PET/PA)
Applications
Filtration Media: Air and liquid filtration due to consistent pore structure and strength.
Carpet: Carpet backing,Car Carpet Backing,Carpet Tile backing
Geotextiles: Roofing membranes and geotextiles benefit from its durability and resistance.
Conclusion
Nonwoven fabrics made from thermally bonded continuous bi-component filaments combine mechanical performance, aesthetic appeal, and processing efficiency. With growing demand for high-performance and sustainable materials, this technology is increasingly vital in modern nonwoven applications.