A note on jet streaks in hydroentangled nonwovens

Hydroentanglement is the fastest growing bonding method in the nonwoven arena. Its strengths are good fabric aesthetics, and the lack of any complex binder chemistry with its inherent environmental concerns. Hydroentanglement is used for mechanically bonding both staple and filament nonwovens as well as being used for post-treatment of fabrics. As hydroentangling uses tine, closely spaced, high-speed waterjets, they create ridges or streaks that are quite visible to the naked eye. This may be undesirable if it interferes with other textures on the surface or if a smooth flat surface is desired. This study reports on methodology used for the analysis of jet streaks using texture-based methods.