Conference Speakers

Md Nur Uddin

The Nonwovens Institute at NC State

Effect of Critical Process Parameters on Particle Deposition in Coform Meltblown Process

This study investigates how process parameters affect particle incorporation in coform meltblown nonwovens. Using aluminum oxide particles (300-600 μm) with Pebax 2533 polymer, we evaluated the effects of particle size, particle insertion distance, and air pressure on loading efficiency and shedding. Results demonstrate that insertion points significantly impact particle loading (p<0.0001), with efficiency increasing at greater distances from the die. While smaller particles achieved higher initial loading, they exhibited increased shedding, revealing a fundamental trade-off between capture and retention. Particles introduced farther to the die showed superior entrapment. Air pressure had minimal impact within the tested range. Microscopic analysis revealed that particles are entrapped in fiber web- inside and the top of the fiber surface and molten fibers create stronger mechanical bonds by flowing and solidifying around particles. Surface treatments yielded only modest improvements in fiber-particle interactions. Our findings address a significant knowledge gap, as information on particle-loaded nonwovens has primarily existed in patent literature rather than academic publications that contributes valuable scientific understanding to this industrially important field.