Composite nonwovens automotive nonwoven composites

Yachmenev, V.G., Parikh, D.V. and Calamari, T.A. Jr, Thermal Insulation Properties of Biodegradable, Cellnlosic-based Nonwoven Composites for Automotive Application , Journal of Industrial Textiles, 31(4), 283-296, 2002. 

As a result of these exciting projects, our expectation is of strong expansion in the use of nonwovens in automotive applications. We anticipate a growth rate of around over 7% CAGR in the next decade. For composite materials, we can see even more dramatic growth of close to 10% pa CAGR over the same period. This shows in our projection of the split of key nonwoven automotive applications in 2010, as seen in Fig. 1.7. 

One of the most successful composite nonwoven applications is the use of needle-punched nonwovens as wheel arch liners. These are the first nonwoven composites to be used as exterior automotive parts. The textile wheel arch liner was developed by Borgers in 1995. 

The RKW Group is a leading international manufacturer of high-quality plastic films and nonwovens. CaPlast are another leading specialist. Their wide web technology allows the creation on nonwoven composites with up to five layers. Applications include construction membranes, pipeliners (CIPP) and automotive. 

PPG Industries - http //corporateportal. ppg.com/ United States, glass fiber for nonwoven and textile applications. Fiberglass fabrics, products, and composite structures for automotive, constmction, and manufacturing industries... 

Keywords use, application, chemical fiber, polypropylene fiber, monofilament, multifilament, staple fiber, tapes, spunbond, melt blown, split film, textile yarn, knitted fabrics, clothing, nonwoven fabric, home textiles, upholstery, geotextiles, agrotextiles, composites, medical textiles, automotive textiles, bulk continuous filaments (BCF), Eco-textiles, integrated fabric. 

The primary class is seen also as the ultra-cleaned material. Cut lengths can be from 13 mm to 152 mm long, and can be suitably converted into nonwovens, woven textiles and composites products for the automotive, furniture, and construction industries. The secondary and very short fibre classes are general purpose grades having 50-70% cleaned fibre. These are used for hydro mulch, as cement fillers, in insulation and for geo-matting. 

An important and closely related application technology is in composite fibre/plas-tics stmcmres, many of which incorporate nonwovens. These composite technologies are fundamentally well-suited to the needs of the important growth areas of lightweight constmction. Component weight reduction is a driver in the automotive, aerospace, boatbuilding, and mechanical engineering industries. 

For example, Johnson Controls, which makes automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics, is incorporating more nonwovens into its automotive components owing to their high-speed production, low cost, easy-to-mould nature, and ability to make composite materials. Examples of where nonwovens can be used in cars can be seen in Fig. 9.3. 

---