4–THE CALENDERING OF NEEDLE-PUNCHED FABRICS PART I: SINGLE-PASS CALENDERING TREATMENTS

Abstract

The effects of single-pass calendering on the decrease in fabric thickness of a range of needle-punched fabrics composed of polyester, acrylic, and regenerated-cellulose fibres are reported. The effects of bowl load, bowl speed, and top-bowl temperature were studied in detail. Calendering conditions that promote fibre plasticization lead to high levels of fabric consolidation and to a reduced rate of fabric recovery from deformation. In the calendering of wet fabrics, fibre-swelling can influence the fabric-consolidation process, particularly for regenerated-cellulose-fibre fabrics.