Compressional Behavior of Perpendicular-Laid Nonwovens Containing Cotton

Abstract

This paper discusses highloft perpendicular-laid nonwovens made with cotton, poly ester, and bicomponent bonding fibers rather than the usual synthetic fibers. Compres sional resistance and subsequent recovery properties (when the deforming forces are removed) of perpendicular-laid highlofts are compared to those made by conventional cross-laid technology. A simple thickness measurement instrument is used as a highloft compressibility gauge. The perpendicular-laid fabrics show higher compressional resis tance and their recovery properties are superior to those of cross-laid fabrics. Low cotton-content highlofts containing up to 20% cotton have a compressional behavior and dimensional stability similar to 100% synthetic fiber fabrics. These low cotton-content highlofts are economical to produce and have improved biodegradability.