Hey there! As a supplier of Viscose Non Woven Fabric, I've had my fair share of customers asking about how to up the wet strength of this awesome material. So, I thought I'd put together this blog to share some tips and tricks that I've learned over the years.
First off, let's talk about why wet strength is so important. Viscose non woven fabric is used in a ton of different applications, from wipes to medical supplies. And in a lot of these cases, the fabric needs to hold up when it gets wet. If it falls apart or loses its shape, it's not going to be very useful, right? So, increasing the wet strength is key to making sure our products perform well in real-world situations.
1. Select the Right Viscose Fibers
The type of viscose fibers you use can have a huge impact on the wet strength of the non woven fabric. There are different grades and qualities of viscose out there, and some are better suited for high wet strength applications than others.
For instance, high-tenacity viscose fibers are a great choice. These fibers are designed to be stronger and more durable, even when they're wet. They have a higher molecular orientation, which gives them better resistance to breakage. When you're sourcing viscose fibers for your non woven fabric, make sure to look for ones with high tenacity ratings.
Another thing to consider is the fineness of the fibers. Finer fibers can create a more dense and uniform fabric structure, which can also contribute to better wet strength. But you need to find the right balance, because if the fibers are too fine, they might not be strong enough on their own.
2. Use Wet Strength Resins
One of the most common ways to increase the wet strength of viscose non woven fabric is by using wet strength resins. These resins work by forming cross-links between the viscose fibers, which helps to hold the fabric together when it gets wet.
There are different types of wet strength resins available, such as polyamide - epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins. PAE resins are widely used in the non woven industry because they're effective and relatively easy to apply. You can add them during the manufacturing process, either by spraying them onto the fabric or by adding them to the fiber slurry before forming the non woven web.
However, it's important to use the right amount of resin. If you use too little, the wet strength improvement might not be significant. On the other hand, if you use too much, it can make the fabric stiff and reduce its softness and absorbency. So, you need to do some testing to find the optimal dosage for your specific application.
3. Optimize the Manufacturing Process
The way you make the viscose non woven fabric also plays a big role in its wet strength. Here are some aspects of the manufacturing process that you can focus on:
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Web Formation: The way the viscose fibers are laid down to form the non woven web can affect its structure and strength. For example, using a more uniform and dense web formation method can lead to better wet strength. Spunlace technology is a popular choice for making viscose non woven fabric, as it can entangle the fibers in a way that creates a strong and stable structure. You can check out our Spunlace Viscose Non Woven Fabric for more info on this.
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Drying and Curing: Proper drying and curing are crucial for activating the wet strength resins and ensuring that the fabric has good wet strength. If the fabric is dried too quickly or at too high a temperature, it can cause the fibers to shrink and the resin to cure unevenly, which can reduce the wet strength. On the other hand, if it's not dried enough, the fabric might not have the right level of stiffness and strength. So, you need to find the right drying and curing conditions for your specific fabric and resin combination.
4. Incorporate Other Fibers
Mixing viscose fibers with other types of fibers can also be a great way to increase the wet strength of the non woven fabric. For example, adding synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene can provide additional strength and durability.
These synthetic fibers have different properties than viscose. They're often more hydrophobic, which means they don't absorb water as easily. When combined with viscose, they can help to reinforce the fabric structure and prevent it from falling apart when wet.
You can create a blend of fibers in different ratios to achieve the desired wet strength and other properties. For example, a blend of 70% viscose and 30% polyester might give you a good balance of softness, absorbency, and wet strength.
5. Surface Treatment
Surface treatment can also enhance the wet strength of viscose non woven fabric. There are various surface treatment methods available, such as coating or laminating.
Coating the fabric with a thin layer of a polymer or other material can provide an additional barrier and protection. This can help to prevent the fibers from separating when wet and improve the overall wet strength. For example, a water - resistant coating can reduce the amount of water that penetrates the fabric, which can in turn reduce the risk of fiber swelling and breakage.
Laminating the viscose non woven fabric with another layer of material, such as a plastic film or another non woven layer, can also add strength. The laminated layer can act as a support structure and help to distribute the stress more evenly across the fabric.
6. Testing and Quality Control
Finally, it's important to have a good testing and quality control system in place. You need to regularly test the wet strength of your viscose non woven fabric to make sure it meets the required standards.
There are different testing methods available, such as the wet burst strength test and the wet tensile strength test. These tests can give you an accurate measure of how well the fabric holds up when wet. By monitoring the wet strength during the manufacturing process, you can make adjustments as needed to ensure consistent quality.
So, there you have it - some of the key ways to increase the wet strength of viscose non woven fabric. If you're in the market for high - quality viscose non woven fabric with excellent wet strength, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you need Absorbent Non Woven Fabric or Perforated Non Woven Fabric, we've got you covered. Reach out to us for a quote or to discuss your specific requirements. We're always happy to help you find the best solution for your needs.
References
- "Nonwoven Fabrics: Principles, Features, and Applications" by Horrocks, A. R., & Anand, S. C.
- Journal articles on viscose non woven fabric technology and wet strength improvement from industry - related journals.