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
automotive-seating

Nonwovens technologies used in automotive and transportation

 

More information on nonwovens test methods and nonwovens training courses.