HEADLINER FABRIC AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME

摘要

A moldable and durable fabric and a process for producing the fabric are disclosed. The fabric is particularly well suited for being laminated to a contoured surface, such as, for instance, being used as a headliner fabric in an automobile or other vehicle. The fabric is made from a nonwoven base web (22) containing bulkable fibers. The nonwoven base web is subjected to a stitchbonding process. Once stitchbonded, the web is then heat treated, causing the web to densify and shrink. Bulking up the fibers after formation of the fabric improves the appearance of the fabric, improves the tear resistant properties of the fabric, and allows the fabric to be molded to a contoured surface.