Miraflex Fiber - A New Level of Nonwovens Processability, 1996 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

Maryann C. Kenney and Sandra K. Barlow

Albany International Research Co.

Sheri L. Eiklebeny

Owens-Corning

Miraflex TM fiber is a new type of inorganic fiber with unique, 3- dimensional geometry developed by Owens-Corning, the world’s largest producer of glass fibers. This fiber provides a new level of processability for inorganic fibers in nonwovens. This paper discusses studies of three major textile processes (carding, needling and air laying) that Albany International Research Co. has conducted with this fiber. This work demonstrates that 100% Miraflex TM fiber (with no polymeric fiber) is truly “cardable”, and can be processed on conventional textile equipment. This paper includes recommendations for specific equipment features and process parameters that we have found suitable for processing this fiber. Miraflex TM fiber is certain to open new doors to technologies currently dominated by synthetics, and could offer a cost effective fiber alternative in high performance applications.