5. Conclusion

As we have seen, nonwovens are materials that respond to a basic process starting with the material, then transformation and consolidation. The wide variety of web-forming and consolidation processes means that the possibilities for textile structures are almost infinite, with use ultimately being the only criterion. Today, nonwovens can be used for a wide range of applications, as shown in figure 31 .

This is why a technology center, the Centre Européen des Textiles Innovants (CETI), has been set up in northern France. It brings together new melt and dry process machines that combine different consolidation and web-forming techniques. Initiatives such...