Some nonwoven materials have sufficient web strength after forming to be handled even if they are subsequently additionally bonded. Examples of such webs arise when a bonding step is an integral part of the web-forming process, as in spun-bond and melt-blown systems. Most other webs have relatively little strength as formed and may require an additional bonding step in order to make the nonwoven web suitable for its intended end use.
This article will deal with chemical bonding as opposed to the other two broad categories of nonwovens-bonding: mechanical bonding and thermal bonding.
When reference is made to chemical bonding in nonwovens manufacture, it normally refers to the use of latex binders, although there are a few specialized cases of solvent bonding.Latex binders have been in existence at least as long as most modern nonwovens themselves. In some people’s opinion, they represent “old” technology, with little in the way of new applications in the future.
This is undoubtedly an over-simplification. The great benefit of latex binders is their overall versatility and utility.