20+ Verified Technical Q&As

Nonwoven Technical & Procurement FAQ Hub

Authoritative engineering and sourcing answers compiled for procurement directors, converting engineers, and global importers.

Fiber & Material Selection

What is the difference between viscose and polyester in spunlace nonwoven fabrics?

Viscose (rayon) is a regenerated cellulosic fiber derived from natural wood pulp. It is naturally hydrophilic, highly absorbent, soft, and biodegradable. Polyester (PET) is a synthetic polymer fiber known for exceptional tensile strength, dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and lower raw material cost. In blended spunlace fabrics, viscose provides water intake and hand-feel, while polyester provides dry/wet tear strength and durability.

How does spunlace compare with spunbond nonwoven fabrics?

Spunbond fabrics are produced by extruding molten polypropylene filaments onto a conveyor and bonding them via heated calendar rollers (thermal bonding). They are rigid, paper-like, hydrophobic (unless topically treated), and cost-effective. Spunlace nonwovens are hydroentangled using high-pressure micro-water jets, resulting in a fabric that is significantly softer, more textile-like, highly drapeable, and free from thermal plastic weld points.

Is 100% viscose spunlace completely biodegradable and plastic-free?

Yes. 100% pure viscose is derived entirely from renewable wood cellulose. Under standard industrial and soil composting conditions, it breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter within 90 to 180 days without leaving synthetic microplastic residues, meeting EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) requirements.

What blend ratio is recommended for wet wipe conversion?

For premium baby wipes and cosmetic facial wipes, 70% viscose / 30% polyester is standard because of its superior softness and moisture retention. For standard multi-surface cleaning wipes and sanitizing canisters, a 50% viscose / 50% polyester blend delivers the optimal balance of liquid holding capacity, scrubbing tensile strength, and budget efficiency.

Can woodpulp be combined with spunlace for industrial applications?

Yes. Woodpulp-polyester composite spunlace combines cost-effective natural woodpulp fibers (for rapid grease and water absorption) with high-strength continuous polyester filaments (for tear resistance), making it the gold standard substrate for heavy-duty automotive and aerospace cleaning wipes.

Technical Specs & Parameters

How is the basis weight (GSM) of nonwoven fabric tested and controlled?

Basis weight is measured in grams per square meter (g/m² or GSM) using standardized ISO 9073-1 / ASTM D3776 test methods. Circular die cutters extract precise 100 cm² samples across the machine width, which are weighed on analytical balances. Our high-speed production lines feature inline beta-gauge radioactive scanning sensors that continuously modulate fiber feed to maintain GSM tolerances within ±2.5%.

What is MD and CD tensile strength, and what is the MD:CD ratio?

MD (Machine Direction) is the tensile strength measured along the continuous length of the roll, while CD (Cross Direction) is measured perpendicular across the width. Parallel-laid spunlace has an MD:CD ratio around 3:1 to 4:1 (strong along the roll, weaker across). Cross-lapped spunlace folds the web alternately, achieving a balanced MD:CD ratio between 1:1 and 1.5:1, preventing necking and tearing during converting.

How is the theoretical weight of a nonwoven fabric roll calculated?

The roll weight formula is: Net Weight (kg) = GSM (g/m²) × Width (m) × Length (m) / 1000. For example, a roll of 50 GSM fabric, 1.6 meters wide, and 1,500 meters long weighs: 50 × 1.6 × 1500 / 1000 = 120 kg (excluding paper core tare weight).

What is the difference between Plain, Apertured Mesh, and 3D Pearl surface patterns?

Plain spunlace is tight, uniform, and smooth, offering high barrier protection and minimal linting. Apertured Mesh features engineered micro-holes (8 to 22 mesh) that increase liquid absorption rate, breathability, and food-crumb trapping capability. 3D Pearl (EF Embossed) creates raised rounded pillows on the surface that enhance thickness loft, aesthetic luxury, and gentle exfoliating friction on human skin.

How is nonwoven fabric liquid absorption capacity determined?

Absorption testing conforms to EDANA / INDA NWSP 010.1 standards. A conditioned 5g fabric sample is submerged in distilled water or saline for 60 seconds, drained in a suspended wire basket for 120 seconds, and weighed. The absorption ratio is calculated as: (Wet Mass - Dry Mass) / Dry Mass × 100%. Our premium spunlace typically achieves 750% to 1100% absorption.

Applications & Certifications

Which GSM is suitable for disposable industrial cleanroom and workshop wipes?

For light-duty precision wiping and electronic screen cleaning, 50 to 60 GSM provides good dexterity and low linting. For medium-duty automotive prep and degreasing, 65 to 80 GSM is optimal. For heavy-duty machinery overhaul, metal burr resistance, and heavy oil cleanup, 85 to 120 GSM is recommended.

What sterilization methods are compatible with medical grade spunlace nonwovens?

Our medical grade spunlace is engineered to withstand Ethylene Oxide (EO) gas sterilization, Gamma radiation (up to 50 kGy), Electron-beam (E-beam), and high-pressure steam autoclave without polymer degradation, odor emissions, or significant loss of tensile strength.

Does your nonwoven fabric comply with OEKO-TEX Standard 100?

Yes. Our pure viscose and cosmetic grade spunlace fabrics are certified under OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Product Class I (the strictest tier, certified safe for baby skin contact), testing free from formaldehyde, heavy metals, banned aromatic amines, and pesticide residues.

Is the material safe for food service and HACCP kitchen hygiene systems?

Yes. Our wave pattern and food service fabrics comply with FDA 21 CFR 177 standards for direct food contact surfaces. The printing inks use food-safe binders with migration resistance Grade 5, preventing toxic transfer to cooking utensils or cutting boards.

Can spunlace nonwoven be used in fresh meat and seafood packaging?

Yes. Absorbent nonwoven fabric serves as the primary top and bottom contact layers in meat packaging pads. It rapidly wicks away purge blood and fluids while maintaining surface integrity, preventing cellulose fiber adhesion to raw meats.

Sourcing, Logistics & OEM

What is the typical Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for custom roll goods?

For standard inventory specifications (regular widths and popular blend ratios), our MOQ is 1,000 kg (1 metric ton). For custom spunlace formulations, bespoke color waves, or specialized chemical coatings, the typical MOQ is 3,000 kg to 5,000 kg per trial run.

What information should I provide to receive an accurate B2B quotation?

To provide a prompt and binding quote, please specify: 1) Target application (e.g. wet wipes, industrial, medical), 2) Fiber composition (e.g. 100% Viscose, 50/50 PET/Viscose), 3) Basis weight (GSM), 4) Slit width (mm), 5) Roll length or diameter, 6) Surface pattern (Plain, Mesh, Pearl, Wave), 7) Estimated order volume (metric tons), and 8) Target destination port (for CIF terms).

Can you slit jumbo rolls into narrow ribbons for tape and bandage converters?

Yes. Our secondary converting workshops are equipped with automated shear slitting and razor winders capable of cleanly cutting parent rolls down to widths as narrow as 20 mm up to 3200 mm with precision edge trim control.

How are nonwoven rolls packaged for export shipping in ocean containers?

Each roll is wrapped in heavy-duty polyethylene shrink film with internal core protective plugs. Rolls are palletized on ISPM-15 heat-treated export wooden pallets or loaded horizontally on cradles with corner board protectors and stretch wrap, maximizing container cubing while preventing moisture ingress and transit crushing.

Can you provide free sample rolls for machine converting trials?

Yes. Standard sample swatches (A4 folders and 1-meter cut swatches) are provided free of charge worldwide. For high-speed converter test rolls (100m to 500m sample rolls matching your machine width), samples can be prepared promptly with standard freight collection terms.

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