IMPROVED NEEDLING PROCESS

摘要

A method of strengthening and/or densifying a non-woven batt which comprises at least 5% by weight of melt or bicomponent fibres by a combination of thermal and mechanical bonding is described. Thermal and mechanical bonding are carried out in a single operation, by needling the non-woven batt in a needleloom provided with barbed or forked needles, at an elevated temperature of at least the softening temperature of the melt or bicomponent fibres. The properties of the non-woven batt which has been strengthened and/or densified by the method according to the invention can be adapted as required by varying the processing conditions.