Novel technology for 3D nonwovens

Nonwovens are widely used in technical applications and for composite preforms. The current technology of forming 3D shapes from flat webs is inefficient and results in uneven final products due to joints. The technology presented in this paper enables the production of 3D preforms directly from fibers, thus eliminating the conversion processes required for many applications. The 3D fibrous web is formed by air-laying and is then consolidated by hot through-air bonding. This paper describes the novel process and examines the properties of the 3D product and the effects of bonding temperature and dwell time.