Stiff fabric composite

摘要

A woven or non-woven fibrous material has a substrate formed of first and second thermoplastic fibers. The fabric is passed through an oven at a temperature sufficient to melt the first fibers thereby fusing at least some of the first fibers and second fibers one to the other. The second fibers retain their discrete definition within the composite whereby the composite is provided such that, when cut for use, for example, to form a slat of a vertical blind or a wall panel, the composite retains its shape. A foam backing is provided and cured in the oven simultaneously with the melting of the first fibers.