What is the difference between Spunbonded No-woven Fabric and ordinary non-woven fabric?

Spunbonded No-woven Fabrics are engineered materials made from fibers bonded together without weaving or knitting. While all non-woven fabrics share this basic principle, they differ significantly in manufacturing methods, structure, and performance. Spunbonded non-woven fabric is a specific type of non-woven material, and when compared to "ordinary" non-woven fabric (a general term that may refer to various types like meltblown, needle-punched, or thermally bonded), key differences emerge in production, strength, applications, and durability. Below is a detailed point-by-point comparison:

1. Manufacturing Process

Spunbonded Non-woven Fabric: Produced by extruding molten polymer (usually polypropylene or polyester) through fine spinnerets to form continuous filaments. These filaments are rapidly drawn, cooled, and laid randomly onto a moving belt, then bonded using heat, pressure, or chemicals to create a strong, uniform web.
Ordinary Non-woven Fabric: This term is broad and can include various processes such as meltblown, needle-punched, wet-laid, or thermal-bonded methods. For example, meltblown uses high-velocity air to create ultrafine fibers, while needle-punched relies on mechanical barbed needles to entangle fibers.

2. Fiber Structure and Uniformity

Spunbonded: Uses continuous filaments, resulting in a more uniform, consistent, and stronger fabric with excellent tensile strength in both machine and cross directions.
Ordinary Non-woven (e.g., meltblown): Often uses short or microfibers, leading to a softer, finer texture but lower mechanical strength. Meltblown fabric, for instance, is very thin and delicate, ideal for filtration but not for structural use.

3. Strength and Durability

Spunbonded: High tensile and tear resistance due to continuous fibers and strong bonding. It is durable and suitable for applications requiring repeated use or exposure to stress.
Ordinary Non-woven: Strength varies widely. Meltblown is weak and fragile; needle-punched fabrics may be strong but bulky. Overall, most non-spunbond types are less durable than spunbond.

4. Thickness and Weight Range

Spunbonded: Available in a wide range of weights (typically 15–200 gsm), allowing use in both lightweight and heavy-duty applications.
Ordinary Non-woven: Thickness depends on type—meltblown is usually very light (10–30 gsm), while needle-punched can be thick and heavy, but less consistent in thin profiles.

5. Water Resistance and Breathability

Spunbonded: Naturally hydrophobic (water-repellent) due to polypropylene base, yet breathable. It resists moisture while allowing air passage, making it ideal for protective clothing and packaging.
Ordinary Non-woven: Varies—meltblown is also hydrophobic but less durable; some thermally bonded fabrics may absorb moisture unless treated.

6. Common Applications

Spunbonded: Widely used in geotextiles, medical gowns, surgical drapes, protective apparel, shopping bags, furniture covers, and agricultural mulch mats due to its balance of strength and breathability.
Ordinary Non-woven: Applications depend on type:
Meltblown → used in face mask filters
Needle-punched → carpet backing, insulation, felt
Wet-laid → wipes, battery separators

7. Cost and Production Efficiency

Spunbonded: Highly efficient large-scale production process, resulting in lower cost per square meter for high-strength fabric. Economical for mass applications.
Ordinary Non-woven: Some methods (like meltblown) are more energy-intensive and slower, increasing production costs, especially for fine filtration media.

8. Environmental Impact

Spunbonded: Typically made from polypropylene, which is recyclable but not biodegradable. However, its durability means less frequent replacement.
Ordinary Non-woven: Some types (like cellulose-based wet-laid fabrics) are more biodegradable, but many still rely on synthetic fibers. Meltblown, often used in disposable masks, contributes to higher waste volume.

9. Surface Texture and Printability

Spunbonded: Smooth, consistent surface ideal for printing logos, patterns, or branding—commonly seen on promotional bags or medical packaging.
Ordinary Non-woven: Surface varies—meltblown is too fine, needle-punched is rough. Less suitable for high-quality printing.

10. Hybrid Use (e.g., SMS Fabric)

Spunbonded is often combined with other non-woven types (e.g., Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond or SMS) to create multi-layer fabrics with enhanced properties—strength from spunbond, filtration from meltblown. This highlights its role as a foundational layer in advanced composites.

While all spunbonded fabric is non-woven, not all non-woven fabric is spunbonded. Spunbonded non-woven fabric stands out for its superior strength, uniformity, durability, and versatility, making it one of the most widely used types in industrial, medical, and consumer applications. In contrast, "ordinary" non-woven fabrics encompass a broader category with varying properties, often designed for specific functions like filtration or absorption rather than structural integrity. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right material for the intended purpose.