Properties and Comfort Evaluation of Elastic Nonwoven Fabrics: Effects of the Blending Ratios and Number of Layers

Abstract

Imitation latex fibers and degreasing cotton fibers are blended with ratios of 70:30, 80:20, and 90:10 wt%, followed by being processed with a needle-punched nonwoven process and then a thermal treatment, in order to form elastic nonwoven fabrics. These fabrics are then laminated in 1, 2, and 3 layers via a machine sewing method. Afterwards, the elastic nonwoven fabrics are tested for air permeability, water absorption, and compression strength, and are then eventually tested with a compression strength fatigue test. The test results indicate that a combination of a blending ratio of 80:20 wt% and a number *of layers of 2 result in a satisfactory ruggedness, and are thus proved to have the optimal parameters. The elastic nonwoven fabrics are suitable to make knee caps.