Buying questions
Why does my nonwoven shed lint?
Lint is loose fibre that was never fully entangled or bonded. Fibre length, bonding energy and cutting method decide it, and weight alone does not fix it.
At a glance
Specification at a glance
| Factor | Effect on shedding | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre length | Short fibre sheds more | Specify minimum staple length |
| Bonding energy | Low bonding leaves loose ends | Higher entanglement or calender |
| Cutting method | Blade leaves edge fibre | Ultrasonic or sealed edge |
| Finishing | Singeing or washing reduces lint | Specify the process |
| Test method | Gravimetric or particle count | State method and limit |
Where lint becomes a defect
In printing it becomes a press stop. In coating it becomes a pinhole. In medical and cleanroom use it becomes a particle count failure. Each has a different test, and a fabric that passes one may fail another.
What to write down
The test method, the specimen size, the conditioning and the limit. 'Low lint' is not a specification, and it is unenforceable the first time a batch is borderline.
Check the claim before it goes on the pack
Send the claim you want to make and the market it sells in. We reply with what the material can support and what it cannot.
Questions
Common questions
Does heavier fabric shed less?
Often, but not reliably. Bonding quality matters more than weight.
Which nonwoven sheds least?
Spunbond, because it is continuous filament with no staple ends. Spunlace with long fibre is next.
Can edges be sealed?
Yes, ultrasonic cutting seals the edge and removes most edge fibre.