Laminated nonwovens for medical use

Composite nonwovens cover surgical gowns, clinical wearable products, wipes, wound dressings, pads, swabs, tissue engineering scaffolds, hernia meshes, filter materials, and incontinence products. Commercialized, innovatively designed composite nonwovens for a variety of medical applications are improving the quality of life for many people. Specific research needs have been highlighted to further improve the effectiveness of these products.

Composite nonwovens are fibrous materials in which several layers of different fibers are either bonded together or combined with other textile components, while their felt properties still predominate. Composite nonwovens are typically prepared by combining multiple fibrous layers of different types of polymers, fibers, or textile components. Integration of the multiple fiber layers can be achieved by a set of heated rolls, needle punching, stitch bonding, ultrasonic treatment, or high-frequency welding.

The development of composite nonwovens for various medical applications is significantly changing the lives of many. However, the emergence of drug-resistant microbial strains requires more effective detection mechanisms for surgical drapes and masks as well as better antiviral and antimicrobial strategies. The detection, prevention, and killing of viruses and bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis, SARS, or H1N1, remain a long-standing challenge to the protection of healthcare workers.