Experimental and numerical investigation of the peeling force required for the detachment of fabric from the forming belt in the hydroentanglement process

Abstract

Hydroentanglement is a fast-growing process for manufacturing non-woven fabrics. In this process, multiple fine jets of highly pressurised water are directed towards a fibreweb composed initially of loose fibres, supported by the forming belt. The impact of the jets causes fibre entanglement in the fibreweb and produces an integrated fabric with desired aesthetics. It is important that, at the end of the process, the fibreweb could be easily separated from the forming wires. In this paper, the peeling force required for the separation of the hydroentangled fabric from the forming wires is measured experimentally. Numerical simulations of the hydroentanglement process are also carried out to predict the probability of fibres to be pushed in the knuckles of the forming wires. The fibres that get caught in the knuckles are mainly responsible for the peeling force of the fabric from the forming wires. The fibreweb is modelled as a porous layer, which is supported by forming wires. By correlating experimental results with simulations, a mathematical model, which is based on simulating average vorticity around the forming wires, is developed to predict the peeling force. The effect of the thickness of the fibreweb layer on the peeling force is investigated.

Keywords:

• hydroentanglement
• non-woven
• peeling force
• numerical simulation
• forming surfaces
• fluid vorticity

Acknowledgements

The support provided by the Nonwoven Cooperative Research Center of North Carolina State University is gratefully acknowledged. Helpful discussions with industry advisors to this project: C. Camelio, R. Holmes, F. Noëlle, Dr D. Shiffler and C.B. Widen, are appreciated.