Relationship between fiber orientation distribution function and mechanical anisotropy of thermally point-bonded nonwovens

Current efforts to establish links between geometrical features and mechanical performance of nonwoven fabrics in general, and of point-bonded (spot-bonded) nonwovens in particular has been made using the measurements of Fiber Orientation Distribution Function (ODF) and tensile modulus which occurs during controlled-deformation experiments. Image analysis technique (using the Fast Fourier Transform) was used to quantify the fiber orientation distribution. The results suggest that, within a typical window of processing conditions, the fiber orientation has a significant influence on the anisotropical behavior of nonwoven. The data also suggest that mechanical anisotropy of thermally point-bonded nonwovens is likely to be governed by different load transfer mechanism according to the applied macroscopic tensile direction.