Why use nonwovens in automotive and transportation?
The use of nonwovens has increased substantially in recent years. Today more than 40 automotive parts are made with nonwovens fabrics, from trunk liners and carpets to air and fuel filters.
By building in the essential properties which are necessary for good performance and safety, nonwovens help reduce the weight of the car, enhance the comfort and aesthetics and provide advanced insulation, fire retardancy and resistance to water, fuels, extremes of temperature and abrasion. They contribute to making cars safer, more attractive, longer-lasting, more cost-effective and more sustainable.
The use of natural fibre nonwovens, often as the reinforcing substrate in composite parts- is also increasing significantly. Due to their versatility and numerous benefits they are also widely used in the design and construction of other vehicles and transportation means – aeroplanes, trains, boats, spacecraft and satellites.
The different uses are:
The Interior
Headliner
- Acoustic control
- Face fabric
- Insulation
Dashboard insulation
- Acoustic control
- Insulation
Carpets and flooring
- Primary & secondary carpet backing
- Carpet tufting and under padding
Seats
- Upholstery
- High strength seat reinforcement
- Foam seat backing
- Seat cover slip sheet
- Pull strips
- Spring covers
Interior trim
Cabin air filters
Airbags
The engine
Wheel housing
- Acoustic control
Dashboard insulation
- Acoustic control
- Fire retardancy
Hood insulation
- General insulation
Filtration
- Transmission oil
- Motor oil
Moulded bonnet liners
Heat shields
General
Surface preparation wipes
Bonding agent
The boot
Parcel shelf
- Cover material
- Face fabric
Boot liners
Boot floor covering
Boot carpets
- Secondary backing
The advantages of using nonwovens in automotive and transportation
- Superior strength and weight
- Abrasion resistance
- Thermal protection
- Flame resistance acoustic insulation
- Air filtration
- Easily moulded and retains shape
- Readily sewn, seamed, coated, dyed and laminated
Nonwovens technologies used in automotive and transportation
More information on nonwovens test methods and nonwovens training courses.
Some interesting articles on nonwovens in automotive and transportation
The ICE won’t melt overnight…
Nonwovens have expanded rapidly in the automotive industry over the past two decades, as automakers and their component suppliers have looked to decrease costs by reducing the weight of vehicles.