Wet-laid nonwovens are produced by dispersing short fibers, typically about 30 mm in length, in water. This mixture is then laid onto a wire mesh, allowing the water to drain off and form a web. The fibers in the web become entangled due to either the use of a binding agent or fiber-to-fiber friction.
Published in Chapter:
An In-Depth Exploration of Nonwoven Materials in the Healthcare and Medical Sector
Dharmesh Dhabliya (Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, India), Vivek Veeraiah (Sri Siddharth Institute of Technology, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, India),
Sukhvinder Singh Dari (Symbiosis Law School Nagpur, Symbiosis International University, India), Jambi Ratna Raja Kumar (Genba Sopanrao Moze College of Engineering, India), Ritika Dhabliya (ResearcherConnect, India),
Ankur Gupta (Vaish College of Engineering, India), and
Sabyasachi Pramanik (Haldia Institute of Technology, India)
Copyright: © 2024
|Pages: 26
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-1214-8.ch015
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of nonwoven materials in the healthcare industry, discussing their various uses, characteristics, advantages, challenges, recent developments, and potential future prospects. The essential nature of nonwovens lies in their barrier efficiency, breathability, and comfort, making them indispensable for surgical gowns, face masks, sterile packaging, wound dressings, and hygiene products. The chapter emphasizes the cost-effectiveness, disposability, and infection control offered by nonwoven materials, while also discussing their environmental impact and compliance with regulations. The dynamic advancement of these materials is demonstrated through the integration of nanotechnology and the development of smart nonwovens. Looking ahead, the availability of biodegradable alternatives and customized healthcare solutions is expected, driven by sustainability, technology, and emerging trends. The implications for the healthcare sector include enhanced patient safety, improved operational efficiency, and increased sustainability.