WHAT ARE MELTBLOWN NONWOVENS?
Meltblown nonwovens are fibrous webs produced directly from polymers or resins using high-velocity air or another appropriate force to attenuate the filaments to form the microfibers. Meltblown microfibers generally have diameters in the range of 2 to 8 microns. Differences between meltblown nonwovens and other nonwovens, such as degree of softness, cover or opacity, and porosity can generally be traced to differences in fiber size.
HOW MELTBLOWN NONWOVENS ARE MADE?
The most widely used meltblown process is a one-step process in which high-velocity air blows a molten thermoplastic polymer resin from an extruder die tip onto a conveyor to form a fine fibrous and self-bonding web.

Additional bonding, over the fiber adhesion and fiber entanglement that occurs at lay down, can be used to alter web characteristics. Thermal bonding is the most commonly used technique. The bonding can be either overall area bonding or spot pattern bonding. Bonding is usually used to increase web strength and abrasion resistance.

The most widely used polymer in meltblown nonwovens is polypropylene.
CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES?

Meltblowns differ from spunbonds in that the fibers are short (not continuous) and fine (smaller in diameter). These fibers form a structure which are very complex like a thick, dense jungle of trees and vines. This complex structure makes it difficult for water droplets to pass through. The main characteristics/properties of meltblown nonwovens are as follows:
1. Lower to moderate web strength
2. Fiber diameter ranges from 0.5 to 20 microns, but typically from 2-8 microns
3. Basis weight ranges from 8-300 g/m2 , but typically 15-150 g/m2
4. Barrier to fluids and particles
5. Breathable
APPLICATIONS
"Pure" meltblown nonwovens do not have many applications in hygiene industry because of the high cost, lower to moderate mechanical strength. However, the "composite" meltblown with spunbond, the so called SMS nonwoven, Spunbond/Meltblown/Spunbond are widely used in hygiene industry as leg cuff materials. SMS is a laminate, a sandwich with spunbond on the outside and meltblown on the inside, which have the liquid barrier characteristics of meltblown and the strength/softness of spunbond.
INTRODUCTION OF KEY MELTBLOWN NONWOVEN SUPPLIERS
Coming next month