Production method
Nonwoven fabric rolls are made using a web formation process like spunbonding, meltblowing or carding to form a continuous web which is then rolled. Needle-punched cotton is made by punching barbed needles through layers of cotton woven fabric to create entanglement and bonding.
Material
Nonwoven fabrics can be made from a variety of synthetic fibers like polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester. Needle-punched cotton uses cotton fibers. Synthetic nonwovens tend to be stronger and more durable.
Structure
Nonwoven fabrics have a random oriented fiber structure held together by entangling fibers. Needle-punched cotton has a woven base fabric with fibers interlocking across the layers at punching sites. Nonwovens tend to be more porous and breathable.
Properties
Nonwoven fabrics are strong, durable, abrasion resistant and moisture resistant depending on fiber and bonding. Needle-punched cotton is also strong and durable but less porous and breathable. Nonwovens can be made hydrophobic or hydrophilic depending on the fiber and treatment.
Applications
Nonwoven fabrics are used in products like wipes, filtration media, geotextiles, medical fabrics, etc. Needle-punched cotton has more niche applications like substrates for roof insulation or cable insulation where high tensile strength and durability are required.
Price
Non woven fabrics and rolls tend to cost more than standard cotton needle-punched fabrics due to more advanced manufacturing processes and materials. Prices vary significantly based on fiber type, basis weight, strength and other properties.
In summary, while non woven fabric rolls and needle-punched cotton can both be strong and durable fabrics, they differ significantly in material, production process, structure, properties and typical applications.
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