Optimal Processing of Flax and Hemp Fibre Nonwovens

Abstract

Processing was studied for air-laid nonwovens from natural hemp and flax fibres using SPIKE® air-laying technology (Formfiber Denmark ApS Company). The process of web-formation and the properties of the fibrewebs before needle-punching and reinforced fibre-mats were evaluated. The settings of the air-laying machine were found to influence the webformation process and nonwoven properties. In order to monitor webformation processes and evaluate the fibre-web or fibre-mat quality, several machine settings were defined that enhanced the productivity of the machine or favoured fabrication of nonwovens with high density or great tensile properties.