Bonding may be carried out as a separate operation, but is generally done at the same time as the web formation. Finishing of nonwoven bonded fabrics can be classified in different ways. Some people believe that nonwoven finishing processes can be categorized as chemical, mechanical, or thermal-mechanical.
Nonwoven bonding processes:
Mechanical finishing involves altering the texture of fabric surfaces by physically reorienting or shaping fibers on or near the fabric surface. Thermal-mechanical finishing involves altering fabric dimensions or physical properties using of heat and pressure. Chemical finishing involves the application of chemical agents as coatings to fabric surfaces or the impregnation of fabrics with chemical additives or fillers. Generally, finishing of nonwoven bonded fabrics is classified as Dry finishing or Wet finishing.
The degree of bonding is also a factor in determining fabric mechanical properties including strength, porosity, flexibility, softness and density. More than one type of bonding process can be used for some fabric constructions.