Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Synthetic/Synthetic Fibers in Hybrid Non-woven Fabric Thermoplastic Composites

This chapter focuses on the mechanical and thermal properties of synthetic fibers in hybrid non-woven fabric polymeric composites. In the nonwoven industry, synthetic fibers are extensively utilized, with natural fibers playing a lesser role due to impurities and higher costs. The production of nonwovens involves arranging small fibers in sheets or webs, which are then bound together using mechanical or thermal techniques. The most commonly used synthetic fibers in this industry are polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), as well as specialty fibers such as glass and carbon. PET nonwoven fabric exhibits exceptional mechanical strength and can withstand high temperatures without degradation. Non-woven polypropylene fabric is held together through the mechanical, thermal, and chemical entanglement of fibers, resulting in a resilient and long-lasting material. The current invention focuses on polyethylene nonwoven fabric made of fine fibers with a small diameter, which exhibits excellent formation properties and finds applications in sanitary and household items. Fiberglass nonwoven fabric is a soft and resilient material composed of fine glass fibers. Carbon fibers offer advantageous qualities including good thermal and electrical conductivities, excellent creep resistance, low density, high thermal stability in the absence of oxidizing agents, and exceptional tensile strength. To conclude, this chapter provides insights into the mechanical and thermal properties of synthetic fibers used in hybrid non-woven fabric polymeric composites. Additionally, it presents an overview of the diverse applications of these fibers in the nonwoven industry, further highlighting their significance and utility.