The distinction between textiles and nonwoven textiles can be made from the following aspects:

Definition and Manufacturing Process

Textiles:

Textiles are traditionally made through processes such as spinning and weaving, resulting in a fabric with a woven structure. They are typically composed of fibers (such as cotton, linen, silk, wool, or synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon) that are twisted, combined, and stretched to form yarn, which is then woven into fabric on a loom.

Nonwoven Textiles:

Nonwoven textiles are a type of fiber product that does not require spinning or weaving. They are formed by orienting or randomly arranging textile staple fibers or continuous filaments to create a fibrous web structure, which is then strengthened using mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods.

Appearance and Feel

Textiles:

Textiles usually have woven textures, smooth surfaces, and natural luster. They feel soft and elastic. Different types of fibers can lead to different appearances and textures, such as the moisture absorption of cotton or the warmth retention of wool.

Nonwoven Textiles:

Nonwoven textiles lack a woven structure and may have a fibrous mesh appearance with less light. According to the manufacturing process, they may feel rougher or fluffier. Due to their different production methods, non-woven textiles can exhibit a wider range of appearances and tactile sensations.

Properties and Uses

Textiles:

Textiles generally have good wear resistance, crease resistance, and breathability, making them suitable for clothing, home decor, and other applications. Different textiles vary in properties, such as cotton's absorbency or wool's insulation.

Nonwoven Textiles:

Nonwoven textiles are characterized by fast production speeds, low costs, and versatility. They are used in healthcare, home decor, industrial, and agricultural applications. Examples include surgical gowns, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, agricultural fabrics like harvest cloth, and greenhouse covers.

Identification Methods

Visual Inspection:

By visually inspecting the woven structure of textiles and the fibrous web of nonwoven textiles, one can initially distinguish between them.

Touch and Feel:

Feeling the softness, elasticity, and other tactile properties of textiles and nonwoven textiles can help identify their differences.

Checking Labels:

Formal textiles and nonwoven textiles often have labels indicating their composition or manufacturing information. Checking these labels can provide insights into their materials and production processes.

Burn Tests:

For certain textiles or nonwoven textiles that are difficult to identify, burn tests can be conducted to observe their burning characteristics, thereby judging the fiber type and manufacturing process. However, burn tests should be performed in a safe environment and in accordance with relevant safety regulations.

You can also purchase our company's digital thickness gauge for textiles and non-woven fabrics to accurately measure the thickness of the fabric. If you are interested, you can contact us.