Influence of the Web Formation of a Basic Layer of Medical Textiles on Their Functionality

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the spunbond process and the meltblown process, as well as various combinations of the two processes, on the functional performance of layered nonwovens for medical purposes. In the present study, eight samples used in the medical field, mainly for medical masks, were analysed. The samples studied were laminated nonwovens produced by the spunbond and meltblown processes, and combinations of spunbond and meltblown processes. In order to determine the influence of the technological process used to produce a base layer of nonwoven fabrics on their functionality, measurements of tensile strength and extension, water vapour permeability, air permeability, porosity, and thermal conductivity were performed. In addition, the structural characteristics of selected samples were analysed, such as fibre diameter, thickness, mass, raw material composition, and surface openness. The aim of the present study was to find the optimal combination of spunbond and meltblown processes for medical textiles. Based on the research results, we can conclude that the five-layer composite in which three layers are made by spunbond (S) and two layers are made by meltblown (M) in combination as SSMMS from PP fibres has optimal air permeability, filtration of pollutants passing through a protective mask, water vapour permeability and thermal conductivity, and is optimal for use as a multilayer nonwoven fabric for medical masks. Multilayer SSMMS composites also have a lower weight, resulting in less energy and time required for recycling such textiles.