Processes for the Improvement of Textile Drapeability

Calender treatment At a moderate temperature, the nonwoven passes a smoothing or roll calender and becomes smoother as a consequence. This treatment is required to avoid a resulting compression and flattening of the nonwoven. 

Micrex process The dry nonwoven is led between a heated transport drum and guide plates toward a stuffing body that is inclined with a sharp angle toward the drum surface. As a consequence, the nonwoven fabric is very compact so that there is a visible crepe effect and an increase in elongation. 

Slit The nonwoven is provided with many small misaligned longitudinal slits to improve softness. 

Split The nonwoven is conveyed between two transport drums. A rotation hoop knife is situated directly in the split between the drums so that the nonwoven can be split in two or more layers. Their surfaces are smooth and they do not have to be polished. 

Polish The nonwoven is pressed with internal stress or led along by means of a mating roll to a high-speed running abrasive roll that is set with abrasive paper. As a result, one obtains a homogeneous surface with a velour-like character. 

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