SMS Nonwoven Fabric: High-Performance Composite Material

SMS nonwoven fabric is a high-performance composite nonwoven, named for its unique layered structure: Spunbond + Meltblown + Spunbond. It's composed of three or more layers of materials bonded together through thermal pressing or lamination, combining the advantages of both spunbond and meltblown layers, thus possessing excellent functional properties.

Structure and Characteristics of SMS Nonwoven Fabric

• Spunbond Layer (S-layer): The spunbond layer is typically made from polypropylene (PP) continuous filaments. It provides good strength, abrasion resistance, and tensile properties. It gives the SMS nonwoven fabric structural integrity and mechanical strength, making it resistant to tearing or damage.
• Meltblown Layer (M-layer): The meltblown layer is the core functional component of SMS nonwoven fabric. It consists of extremely fine fibers (typically micron-sized or even nano-sized) arranged randomly, forming a dense fiber web. This gives the meltblown layer excellent filtration, barrier, and adsorption properties.
• Composite Structure: By sandwiching one or more meltblown layers between two spunbond layers, SMS nonwoven fabric achieves a balance of strength and functionality. For example, the S/M/S structure is the most common, but multi-layered structures like S/MM/S or S/MMS/S can also be produced to enhance specific properties.

Key characteristics of SMS nonwoven fabric include:

• High Strength and Durability: The presence of spunbond layers ensures good mechanical performance of the fabric.
• Excellent Barrier Properties: The meltblown layer provides an effective barrier against liquids, particulates (like bacteria and dust), and microorganisms.
• Good Breathability: Despite its barrier properties, SMS nonwoven fabric maintains a certain level of breathability, enhancing wearing comfort.
• Soft and Skin-Friendly: Despite its strength, the surface is typically soft, making it suitable for contact with skin.
• Hydrophobicity: It usually exhibits good water repellency, effectively preventing liquid penetration.
• Lightweight: Compared to traditional woven fabrics, SMS nonwoven fabric is lightweight.
• Non-toxic and Non-irritating: Produced with medical-grade materials, it's typically non-toxic and non-irritating to the human body.
• Customizability: The thickness and density of different layers can be adjusted as needed to meet specific functional requirements, such as anti-static, alcohol resistance, plasma resistance, etc.

Functions and Applications

Due to its versatility, SMS nonwoven fabric is widely used in many fields, particularly in medical and hygiene applications.

Main Functions:

• Barrier and Protection: Acts as a barrier to effectively block the penetration of liquids, particulate matter, bacteria, and viruses, providing safe protection.
• Filtration: The microfine fiber structure of the meltblown layer makes it an efficient filtration material, capable of filtering tiny particles from air and liquids.
• Adsorption: Some SMS products have good adsorption properties, useful for absorbing liquids or oils.
• Breathable Comfort: While providing protection, it maintains a degree of breathability, reducing stuffiness.

Typical Uses:

• Medical and Healthcare Field:
  • Medical Protective Gowns and Isolation Gowns: Provide a barrier against blood, bodily fluids, and microorganisms, protecting healthcare workers.
  • Surgical Gowns, Surgical Drapes: Provide a sterile barrier during surgical procedures.
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  • Face Masks: The meltblown layer is crucial for mask filtration efficiency, and the SMS composite structure gives it both strength and filtration capabilities.
  • Disposable Bed Sheets, Pillowcases: Used in hospitals and clinics for convenience and hygiene.
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  • Wound Dressings, Bandages: Offer protection and moisture absorption.
• Personal Care Products:
  • Baby Diapers and Adult Incontinence Products: Used as leak guards, top sheets, or backsheets, providing softness, breathability, and leak protection.
  • Feminine Hygiene Products: Used in sanitary napkins, panty liners, etc.
• Industrial Applications:
  • Protective Clothing and Workwear: Used in laboratories, cleanrooms, industrial production, and other environments.
  • Filtration Materials: For air filters, liquid filters.
  • Wiping Cloths: Highly effective for absorbing oil and water.
• Other Fields:
  • Agricultural Fabrics: Such as crop covers.
  • Packaging Materials: For certain specialized products.

The advent of SMS nonwoven fabric has significantly enhanced the performance and comfort of protective materials and hygiene products, making it an indispensable material in modern life and healthcare.