What’s the difference between nylon and non-woven?

Nylon and non-woven materials are fundamentally different in terms of their composition, production processes, and applications.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Definition and Composition

• Nylon:
  • Nylon is a synthetic polymer (specifically a polyamide) that is made from petroleum-based chemicals.
  • It is a type of fiber that can be woven or knitted into fabrics or used in other forms (e.g., filaments, films, or molded parts).
  • Nylon is known for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion.
• Non-woven:
  • Non-woven refers to a fabric-like material made directly from fibers (which can be synthetic, natural, or a blend) without weaving or knitting.
  • The fibers are bonded together using mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes.
  • Non-woven materials can be made from various fibers, including polypropylene, polyester, nylon, or even natural fibers like cotton.

2. Production Process

• Nylon:
  • Nylon is produced through a chemical process called polymerization, where monomers (like adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine) are combined to form long chains of polyamide.
  • These chains are then extruded into fibers, which can be woven or knitted into fabrics.
• Non-woven:
  • Non-woven fabrics are produced by laying fibers in a web-like structure and bonding them together using methods such as:
    • Heat bonding (using heat to melt and fuse fibers)
    • Chemical bonding (using adhesives)
    • Mechanical bonding (using needles or water jets)
  • The process is faster and less labor-intensive than weaving or knitting.

3. Characteristics

• Nylon:
  • Strong and durable
  • Elastic and stretchable
  • Resistant to abrasion and chemicals
  • Smooth and soft texture
  • Can be lightweight or heavy, depending on the application
  • Often used in textiles, apparel, and industrial applications
• Non-woven:
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Not as strong or durable as woven fabrics (in most cases)
  • Can be designed to be water-resistant, absorbent, or flame-retardant
  • Often disposable or single-use (e.g., medical masks, wipes)
  • Cost-effective and versatile

4. Applications

• Nylon:
  • Apparel (e.g., stockings, activewear, swimwear)
  • Industrial uses (e.g., ropes, parachutes, tire cords)
  • Home furnishings (e.g., carpets, upholstery)
  • Automotive parts (e.g., seat belts, airbags)
• Non-woven:
  • Medical and hygiene products (e.g., surgical gowns, masks, diapers)
  • Agriculture (e.g., crop covers, weed control fabrics)
  • Home and lifestyle (e.g., disposable tablecloths, shopping bags)
  • Industrial uses (e.g., filters, insulation, geotextiles)

5. Key Differences

Can Nylon Be Used in Non-woven Fabrics?

Yes, nylon fibers can be used to make non-woven fabrics. For example, nylon-based non-wovens are used in high-performance applications like filtration or insulation, where strength and heat resistance are required. However, most non-woven fabrics are made from polypropylene or polyester due to their lower cost.

In summary, nylon is a specific type of synthetic fiber, while non-woven refers to a category of fabric-like materials made by bonding fibers together. They serve different purposes and are used in different applications based on their properties.

Dongguan Liansheng Non woven Technology Co., Ltd. was established in May 2020. It is a large-scale non-woven fabric production enterprise integrating research and development, production, and sales. It can produce various colors of PP spunbond non-woven fabrics with a width of less than 3.2 meters from 9 grams to 300 grams.