Effect of Water Jet Pressure Profile and Initial Web Geometry on the Physical Properties of Composite Hydroentangled Fabrics

Abstract

The effect of a water jet pressure profile (WJPP) and initial web geometry on the properties of hydroentangled fabrics is investigated. Different web structures (obtained by parallel, cross, and air-laid formation) are produced and hydroentangled at the same total pressure but with different water jet profiles. Composite structures are also made by combining different web structures followed by hydroentangling. The fabrics are then characterized in terms of key physical properties. Although the total pressure may be constant, the WJPP influences the tensile properties of fabrics, especially those containing air-laid structures. The results also suggest that to produce high tenacity fabrics, the webs should be hydroentangled on both sides at almost the same total pressure. The MD/CD strength ratios indicate that the most isotropic fabrics are air-laid, composite web struc tures combining cross and parallel-laid webs.