Advantages and Applications of PE/PET Spunbond Nonwoven Fabric with Core-Sheath Structure
I. Definition and Principle of Core-Sheath Structure
The core-sheath structure refers to a fiber cross-section composed of two different materials (sheath layer PE and core layer PET, or vice versa), formed through spinning technology to create a "sheath-core" cladding structure. PE (polyethylene) has a lower melting point (approximately 110-130°C), while PET (polyethylene terephthalate) has a higher melting point (approximately 250-260°C). The combination of the two leverages the melting point difference to achieve functional complementarity.
II. Analysis of Core Advantages
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Synergistic Enhancement of Mechanical Properties
- Core Layer PET: Provides high strength, rigidity, and heat resistance (temperature resistance up to 150°C+), improving the tear and tensile resistance of nonwoven fabrics, suitable for scenarios requiring structural support.
- Sheath Layer PE: Imparts flexibility, elasticity, and weather resistance, making the nonwoven fabric soft to the touch while enhancing fatigue resistance against bending and preventing rigid fracture.
- Typical Data: Compared with pure PET nonwovens, the core-sheath structure can increase the elongation at break by 30%-50% while maintaining tensile strength.
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Optimized Thermal Bonding Performance
- The low melting point of the PE sheath layer allows easy melting during hot-press bonding, enabling firm lamination with other materials (such as films or fabrics) without additional adhesives, simplifying the production process and reducing costs.
- Case: In hygiene products, core-sheath nonwovens can be directly hot-pressed with PE films to form a waterproof and breathable layer.
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Flexible Functional Design
- Sheath Modification: Antistatic agents, antibacterial agents, flame retardants, etc., can be added to the PE sheath layer to achieve functionality (e.g., antibacterial protection in medical fields), while the core layer PET maintains structural stability.
- Pore Structure Regulation: Controlling the porosity between fibers and optimizing breathability or filtration efficiency by adjusting the core-sheath ratio (e.g., PE/PET=3:7).
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Balance of Cost and Environmental Protection
- The cost of PE raw materials is lower than that of PET. The core-sheath structure can reduce costs by decreasing PET usage while maintaining performance. Using recycled PE/PET raw materials can enhance material sustainability (e.g., PET core layers made from recycled plastic bottles).
III. Main Application Fields
| Application Scenarios |
Advantage Embodiment |
Specific Product Examples |
| Medical and Health Field |
Soft and skin-friendly, resistant to disinfection (moist heat or ethylene oxide sterilization), and blood penetration; antibacterial agents can be added to the sheath layer. |
Surgical drapes, wound dressings, disposable isolation gowns |
| Packaging Materials |
High strength and puncture resistance, low-temperature resistance (PE freeze resistance), good heat-sealing performance, suitable for heavy-duty packaging or frozen food packaging. |
Express bags, food composite packaging bags, industrial raw material bags |
| Filtration and Separation |
Uniform and controllable pores, high-temperature resistance (PET core layer), suitable for liquid or air filtration in medium-high temperature environments. |
Oil filters, air purifier filters, water treatment membranes |
| Geotechnical and Agricultural |
Strong weather resistance (UV aging resistance), high tensile strength, adaptable to soil environments or crop coverage needs. |
Geotextiles, weed control fabrics, agricultural seedling substrates |
| Automotive Interiors |
Heat resistance (PET core layer withstands high temperatures in vehicles), wear resistance, and soft sheath layer improving touch, meeting interior environmental protection standards. |
Roof linings, carpet base fabrics, sound and heat insulation materials |
| Composite Material Substrates |
As an intermediate layer in multi-layer composite structures, connecting different materials (e.g., laminating with PU films to make waterproof and moisture-permeable fabrics). |
Sports clothing fabrics, outdoor equipment coating substrates |
IV. Comparison with Other Nonwoven Structures
- Pure PE Nonwovens: Soft but low in strength, poor in high-temperature resistance, suitable for low-end scenarios like garbage bags;
- Pure PET Nonwovens: High strength but rigid, insufficient flexibility, mostly used for industrial filtration;
- Core-Sheath Structure: Balances strength, flexibility, and thermal properties, especially suitable for functional scenarios requiring "rigidity and flexibility integration".
V. Industry Development Trends
With the increasing requirements for material performance in medical, environmental packaging, and other fields, PE/PET core-sheath spunbond nonwovens are developing towards "high performance + functionality", such as:
- Developing degradable PE/PET blend core-sheath fibers to solve environmental problems of disposable products;
- Preparing highly elastic nonwovens for sports protective gear or smart wearable devices by adjusting the core-sheath ratio.
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