The combined effect of carding and punching parameters on the structural, mechanical and functional properties of needle-punched nonwovens

Fresh and pollution-free air is very much required to breathe normal and healthy life. However, due rise in the usage of automobiles and industrialization, the pollution load is also increasing day by day. Hence efficient filter media is in high demand. In this research, a systematic study was planned and executed for the development of efficient and bio-degradable filter media. A total of five process parameters; carding parameters namely, feeder speed, cylinder speed, and doffer speed, and punching parameters namely punch density and depth of penetration were considered as input parameters were considered and their effect on the physical and functional properties of the final fabric were studied. Forty-six samples were prepared as per 5 factor-3 level Box and Behnken design. The properties such as fabric thickness, tenacity, air permeability, and filtration efficiency were evaluated. Finally, the carding and punching parameters were optimized for achieving the required characteristics of filter media and achieving the best performance.