Optimization of Parameters in Hydroentanglement Process

Hydroentanglement is a versatile and relatively little explored method of bonding the fibrous web using high-pressure water jets. These nonwoven structures have an extensive range of applications–for example, wipes, carpet backing, filters, sanitary, medical dressings, and composites. Such applications require certain functional characteristics in hydroentangled structures, besides basic properties, which are required to be engineered by judicious optimization of the hydroentanglement process. In this study, a number of hydroentangled structures have been produced based on Taguchi's experimental design technique by varying the process parameters: namely, feed rate and water jet pressures. The simultaneous effect of more than one parameter has been investigated on the dimensional and mechanical properties of hydroentangled fabrics. These process parameters are then empirically related with the fabric properties using the multiple regression technique. The influence of jet pressure was found to be significant on the fiber orientation characteristics of the hydroentangled fabrics.